Genres



The genre of the book of Joshua is narrative history. Using this style of writing the author was able to retell the story from the point of view of someone that was there, in this case mainly from Joshua. Narrative history writing is the practice of writing history in a story based form. This style of writing may have been chosen as it often easier for history to be told through story telling, particularly in the times when literacy skills were uncommon. The story gives a record of the entrance and the conquest of the promise land by Joshua and his people.

Although the main genre of the book of Joshua is narrative, it story can specifically be described as being epic- t he story of a nation engaged in matters of state, including warfare. Epic stories always have a central hero, so we can also view the book of Joshua (whose name means “The Lord saves”) as a hero story. A feature of epics is the inclusion of epic catalogs (lists), and in the book of Joshua they are so extensive which is why the book becomes a historical chronicle in addition to an epic story.

Themes of the book. The Lord's abiding presence as the key to strength and courage (e.g., 1:5-9). The centrality of the Lord's instructions for succeeding in one's mission and acting with insight; land and rest as divine gifts (1:7-8). The ability of the Lord to save the “outsider” (Rahab), and the danger of the “insider” falling away (Achan; see chapters 2 and 7). The Lord as divine Warrior and the reality of judgment when iniquity is full (e.g., 10:42; 11:19-20). The danger of presumption and failure to inquire of the Lord (e.g., 9:14). The Lord as protector of the covenant (e.g., 10:1-15, particuarly vs 11). The unity of the people of God (18:1-10; 22:34). The sovereignty of God in giving his people place and rest (1:13; 11:23; 21:43-45). The faithfulness of God in fulfilling all his good promises (1:2; 21:43-45). The necessity of removing false gods and worshiping God alone (ch: 24).