Horizons Bible Study Guide: Use PREFACE and INTRODUCTION
Discuss: Overview of the Book of Joshua
The book of Joshua picks up the story of Israel's history after the death of Moses (after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness). The book tells of the entry of the Israelites into the land of Caanan, the many battles to take possession of the land and the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. The events begin around 1400 BC (some believe as late as 1200 BC) during the Middle (Late) Bronze Age. The book ends with Joshua's farewell address and his death at age 110.
Discuss: Timeline, what else happening in to middle east
Discuss: Our understanding of Scripture as inspired by God.
Evidence of written records
Discussion question - Source Written Records or Oral Tradition?
1. The Bible Study does not describe when written sources might have been available.
2. At the time the Hebrews entered Canaan they would have been familiar with at least five different forms of writing systems. (Archaeology and the Bible by Donald Wiseman and Edwin Yamauchi)
Discussion question - Who wrote the Book of Joshua, when and why?
1. Joshua is part of the Deuteronomistic History which was written during exile in Babylon, written to create a history and identity for the people of ancient Israel while they were in exile, to explain the disaster of the exile. (Mikhael, Joshua Study, p7 to 9)
2. "the editor did not invent his material, but merely worked over material of great antiquity and value.", "written..to illustrate the dealing of God with his people", "in history is God revealed, in history are his gracious acts and judgments made manifest." (John Bright, Intro to Joshua, Interpreter’s Bible)
3. Written by Joshua, some sections added later.
4. _______________________Discuss: Worldviews
Influenced by perspective, beliefs, etc