"Then the land has rest from war."

As we know, the first five books of the bible make up the Torah. Subsequent books come from varying other sources. And you can tell. I am noticing some differences in the writing style between the first five and now Joshua. There is now frequent use of variations of this phrase, “which remains to this day,” or “which may still be found there today.” Now, if I were still teaching, this is where I would pause and explain the word verisimilitude. Love that word. It’s those little stylistic details that make something (whether fictional or factual) ring especially real or true. This varied phrase didn’t occur earlier and in Joshua we see it many times. Someone new is writing this. Might not be interesting to others, but I always find fascinating the influence of writer’s role, the story-teller’s role, the translator’s role. It cannot be denied.

But I digress…

After Joshua’s long years of battle and conquer, the remainder of the book is devoted to his extensive assigning of lands to tribes. The exactness in names is impressive here.

Something to note: each tribe’s land allotment includes one city of refuge to where anyone who had murdered unintentionally could flee and find protection until such time as the high priest of the land died, then he could return home. So let’s picture one of these communities. Can you imagine a more unlucky bunch of residents? All there shared the unfortunate lot of having killed another accidentally. Must have made for some interesting “meet-and-greet” gatherings.

The Bible is big on summary, I’ve noticed. And this is undoubtedly helpful for all kinds of readers. So, as Joshua is very, very aged and near death, he takes the opportunity to review ALL that has happened in the last several books. This is done to remind the Israelites of their obligation to God. But is also helps for those “who just joined us” or have trouble keeping track of the darned details (like me). He reiterates in strong language God’s promises and expectations, consequences, punishments, rewards. Finally, Joshua, son of Nunn, dies at age one hundred and ten.

Confession #50: I am fighting procrastination right now. I am weary of names and places foreign to me. I have read of more fighting and killing than I would like.

Confession #51: I will try to post more frequently as I had earlier.

Confession #52: I sneak peeks ahead to the book of Psalms for the poetry.