God as a Warrior(Joshua

Reading the history of the book of Joshua is not like reading a history textbook because its itself a historical document. As such the misunderstanding of its need for empirical data and accuracy leads to people calling the bible fiction. However if we understand the text to be not only a historical account, but a cultural account and theological account. We can see the themes in Joshua that rise to the surface. 

One Joshua clearly dictates absolute obedience. When the text says do not turn to the right or left, it leaves no room for deviation.  The stoning of Achan demonstrates how absolute obedience must be because it costs an entire family their lives. The loss to Ai shows even further how serious God is about absolute obedience by showing God's willingness to let his people die for disobedience.

Two God is not pacifist. While he does love Peace at times he also is clearly unopposed to a just war. Numerous times God commands the annihilation of the Canaanites. One way I see to reconcile Joshua God and New Testament views is  by using the imagery of Christus Victor to substantiate his symbol of power.

Three God pays attention to the details. Even the land is divided up amongst the tribes with precision. Israel is very precise in wiping out Jordan while sparing Rahab. There March is precise. The crossing of the Jordan is precise.

It is clear throughout the text that God is more the Chapter 1 Genesis type than the Chapter 2 Genesis type. God fights too.

Don't Turn to the Right or Left

The repetition of the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy gives added significance to the document because repetition is often used in the text to indicate intensity. It is clear these commandments are the path Hebrew behavior is to follow with no deviation. The key phrase “don't turn to the right or left” leaves these laws without exception. However it is important to remember these commandments are more like the constitution than a religious prescription. This is a national leader giving a political speech not just a preacher preaching a sermon. Because of that it is clear that these commandments were centerpiece to the culture of Israel. A politician must always appeal to the embedded theology of or they won't be in office for long.  

As we draw a close on the Torah it must be stated this is not a primarily religious text, but an ethnic text about the development, history, mythology, customs, and faith practices that define its people. We see in the early texts a history on which the more prescriptive texts are built. To take the Torah and apply it as a prescription on our nation is to misapply it. While the Ten Commandments do have their merit as some are acknowledged by Jesus we must be careful to prescribe all the regulations some of which are national identity markers as musts in the Christian faith. Using passages to forbid tattoos and to force women to wear pants betrays the texts historical context. We must remember the Torah is primarily the story and law of a nation and not the laws of our own.  

God intervenes on behalf of his people

We see in the Balaam story that God intervenes on behalf of Israel. Balak the wicked king plans to strike down Israel and yet again God rescues his people from the grasp of a wicked king. This istheme echoed in Exodus with Pharaoh because it's an assertion of God being greater than other gods. He can defeat the God's of Balak and Egypt. This amazing demonstration ensures us that today as Christians we follow a God bigger than any ruler, nation, or kingdom. Because if God is able to intercede on behalf of Israel and stop Balak’s plan then he is certainly big enough to take care of us.

Another obvious part of the story is God uses a donkey to make some statements. One is that God is sovereign over all creation. Meaning he is the God of the animals and the God of the people. He has the power to grant voice to animals and stop prophets dead in their tracks with them.

Number also illustrates the reality of Israel being a nation. They have laws for all kinds of crazy things. Probably like us many were in response to difficult situations. This nation wrestled with their identity because they were pressed by their neighbors to adopt the practices of those nations, but somehow through it all their faith outlasted all. Even the religions of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia are gone, but the religion of the Israelites lives on. This torah is not just an ancient document it is a document that is still read and used today. This historical fact shows the power of God outlasts the power of man.