1. Joshua 1:1–24:33 (ESV)
  2. Scripture context

What Is the Primary Purpose of Joshua as a Prophetic Book?

Joshua 1:1–24:33 (ESV)

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant,

Within the Hebrew Bible, the books of Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings are grouped together and known as the Former Prophets. The fact that these historical books are labelled as prophetic suggests that their purpose is not primarily to recount history; they are primarily theological in nature, with a prophetic view of history where cause and effect are tied to the blessings and curses of the covenant (Deuteronomy 28:1–68)1 As such, it is helpful to consider these books as preaching material written in the form of a historical narrative.2