Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History
Overview
The book of Joshua brings to life real history during the crucial period of transition for the Israelites as they follow God’s direction and settle in the Promised Land. Israel needed discipline in light of their newfound freedom. They faced the responsibility of living as a covenant people while adapting to change. Joshua describes the historic shift from the revelation of God’s promises to their realization. God’s care of his people becomes obvious, and their struggle with disobedience, selfishness, and fear is very human. Francis Schaeffer’s thoughts on the book of Joshua show readers the historic, spiritual, and intellectual nourishment available for the Christian life through the examples of Joshua and his fellow Israelites. In the book of Joshua, Schaeffer finds that God reveals his sorrow over human sin, as well as his gracious love for his people. This is as true for us as it was for those in Joshua’s time. This study of the settling of Israel will inspire readers to see the hand of God present in all of history, including today.
Top Highlights
“The leaders went partway up the mount, and they ate. Then Joshua apparently went up still farther with Moses. In this event were two strong emphases: the first upon the reality of God and the second on the glory of God. All the leaders would have perceived this as they ate before him.” (Pages 17–18)
“Joshua is in the Old Testament in relation to the Pentateuch what the book of Acts is in the New Testament in relation to the four Gospels.” (Page 9)
“‘I am going to die,’ Moses said, ‘but don’t be afraid. God is going to go over before you.’ Notice the order, which must not get reversed. God goes before; therefore, his people can go without fear. The human leader, Joshua, went before, too, but the reason Joshua could go without fear was not that his natural abilities and his faithfulness were so great (though these were evident by this time), but that God would go before him. This order must always be carefully maintained.” (Page 29)
“God’s unconditional promise stands when men violate the character of God. This is not ordinary sin but stupidity. It is like rubbing your hand over a rough board and getting splinters. For it opposes what we are made to be and what the universe really is. God has revealed his character, and, if God’s people obey his character, the conditional blessings stand. Once we understand this, we really understand the flow of history.’” (Pages 13–14)
“So the young man Joshua learned another lesson. He learned that even when the majority was totally against him, he had to be willing to stand with God. He had to resist his own people when they were wrong, even if it led to physical danger. In this case it did: ‘But all the congregation bade stone them with stones’ (Num. 14:10).” (Page 25)
- Title: Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History
- Author: Francis Schaeffer
- Edition: Second U.S. edition
- Publisher: Crossway
- Print Publication Date: 2004
- Logos Release Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. O.T. Joshua › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Joshua (Biblical figure)
- ISBNs: 1581345208, 9781581345209
- Resource ID: LLS:JSHFLWBBLCLHST
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:57:02Z
Francis Schaeffer (1912–1984) was an evangelical missionary. After studying at Hampden-Sydney College, Westminister Theological Seminary (where he studied under Cornelius Van Til), and Faith Theological Seminary, Schaeffer pastored churches in Pennsylvania and Missouri.
In 1948, Schaeffer moved to Switzerland and founded L’Abri, a community where people discuss philosophy and religion. Thousands of people have passed through L’Abri, and it has expanded into several other countries. Schaeffer held a presuppositional approach to apologetics which many believe heavily influenced the Christian Right movement in the United States.
He was the author of many books, including Escape from Reason and How Should We Then Live?, which have sold millions of copies worldwide.