Dear Neighbor,
This morning I read Joshua 6-10. How should a Christian interpret this narrative. How shall we view this story about the conquest of the land of Canaan? Should we model what Joshua and Israel did?
Here are a few concepts for reading and interpreting Old Testament Biblical narratives:
- Biblical narratives are theological history.
- The meaning derives primarily from the actions of the characters.
- Not all of the human characters are “good” models for us.
- God is often the central character in the story.
- Narrator is a synonym for author.
- Features of OT narratives:
- Plot
- Setting
- Characters
- Viewpoint of the narrator
- Comparison/Contrast
- Irony
There is a theme that runs throughout the narrative of Joshua. The theme is to not fear your enemies or be dismayed. (Jos. 10:25) Should we attack our enemies with the sword as Joshua and Israel did? Jesus said, “Do not resist and evil person.” (Mt. 5:39) So the answer is no! The Christian is not to take up the sword and fight our enemies, but we can take a theological lesson from the story of Joshua. We should not fear our enemies or be dismayed, whom or whatever that enemy maybe, because the King of glory, the Lord is strong and mighty in battle. (Ps. 24:8) The Lord, He goes before us to defeat all of our enemies. “The last enemy that will be abolished is death.” (1 Cor. 15:26)
Michael Peek
Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake
