ToC | Reading the Old Testament. . . Chapter 6. Joshua | ToC

For Further Study

Curtis (1994) for a general orientation to the issues of the study of Joshua, Coote (1990) for the problem of early Israel's historical identity, and Niditch (1992) for the ethical problems of Israel's holy war with the Canaanites.

Chapter 6 Bibliography. See Part 2 Bibliography for general works on the Deuteronomistic History.

Questions for Review

  1. What were the major campaigns of the conquest?
  2. What is holy war and what conquest stories or parts of stories illustrate the principles of holy war?
  3. What are the major scholarly models of the occupation of Canaan by the Israelites?
  4. In what ways was Joshua like his mentor, Moses? In what ways was he different?
  5. Where were monuments set up in Canaan in connection with conquest events? What lesson did each monument intend to teach?

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

  1. What archaeological evidence supports the narrative of the conquest? What archaeological evidence seems to contradict the narrative? Given these difficulties, what do you think the role of archaeology should be in biblical studies?
  2. How is the perspective of the Deuteronomistic Historian expressed in the book of Joshua? What Deuteronomic themes surface in Joshua?
  3. How did the themes of the book of Joshua support the faith of later generations of Israelites?
Chapter 6 Study Guide
  • Chapter summary
  • Key terms linked to the glossary
  • Concept questions with answer links
  • Progress tests: true/false, multiple choice, matching, and identification

ToC | Reading the Old Testament. . . Chapter 6. Joshua | ToC