Page 70 - Advanced OT Survey Revised

Chapters 13-21 focuses on the division of the Land among the Children of Israel. These chapters also
account for the fulfillment of the promise. Though the conquest account is presented as a clean sweep
(11:23), stressing God’s faithfulness to fulfill His covenant promises, these chapters present a problem:
there remains much land to possess (13:1). YHWH has promised to drive out the local inhabitants, and
there are two different responses: (1) Israel’s unfaithfulness, failing to drive out various groups from
their midst (4x, cf. Judges), and (2)
Frame of Faith- Caleb/Joshua, who
wholly followed YHWH (Chapters 14-
19). In the final two chapters, YHWH
gives instruction to establish cities of
refuge- three on each side of Jordan,
to protect a person in case of
accidental death. (Chapter 20). Also,
He appoints forty-eight cities to be
given to the Levites. Though Levi is not
given a tribal inheritance (Deut. 18:2),
they are given cities, with fields to
pasture their flocks. The conclusion of
this section is best understood as
rhetoric to stress God’s faithfulness to
fulfill His covenant (21:43-45). Israel
had effective control, but not total
possession.

Lastly, chapters 22-24 focuses on the final words of Joshua to the nation of Israel. The book concludes
with two events affirming Israel’s commitment to worship YHWH alone. First, after the eastern tribes
are sent home yet erect an altar on the way, having been urged to love YHWH and follow His
commands, the other tribes view this as a breach of faith. When they learn this altar is a witness to their
Israelite solidarity, judgment is averted, and faith is affirmed (Chapter 22). Second, with two final
speeches, Joshua urges the leaders toward covenant fidelity, contrasting the fruit of obedience and the
curses of disobedience. He gathers all Israel to Shechem for a covenant renewal ceremony (8:30-35).
Highlighting God’s repeated rescue in Israel’s history, Joshua calls for exclusive worship put away all the
gods of your fathers, again warning the nation of the consequence for disobedience. When Israel
repeatedly affirms their exclusive devotion to YHWH, Joshua renews their covenant, and they are
faithful to YHWH all the days of Joshua and his generation.

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