Joshua 3:7–17, A Synthetic Exploration

Abstract

Joshua 3:7–17 can be constructed in a way that respects duly the intention of its authors and its position within the Hebrew Bible. The text can be divided into two sections which are investigated according to three conventions: the narrative’s space-time setting, the characterization of God, and the utilization of the ark of the covenant as a literary device. Throughout, special attention is paid to the connection articulated between Moses and Joshua, as well as the relationship between Israel and YHWH. The greater process of textual de- and re-construction yields understanding as to how those circumstances antecedent to Josh 3 catalyse the events of the passage, while furthermore clarifying the necessity of Josh 3 to those events post-Josh 3. The essay concludes that Josh 3 ultimately acts as a preparation point wherein Israel’s disposition in the wake of her wilderness-era is confronted and refined, that she might be theologically equipped for the events unfurled in the book’s latter chapters.