Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History

By Francis A. Schaeffer

Book 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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1581345208
• ISBN13: 9781581345209
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Crossway
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.7" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

A superb commentary on Joshua

We can use what Joshua learned to also become great leaders. In this commentary, Schaeffer uses a good portion of the book of Joshua along with other pertinent books of the Bible. He is exhaustive and repetitive covering certain passages, nevertheless he drills it home superbly. We discover we are not left to a leap of faith, history in space and time is written for us. The book of Joshua is a crucial link between the Pentateuch (writings of Moses) and scripture. In the book we learn of leadership; the covenant and judgment; acquisition of land; the rise of civil justice; and the importance of the cities of refuge (which is a parallel to Christ). But let us not fall into the trap that because we are saved by grace we think it doesn't matter how we live our lives or, aninomianism. Schaeffer tells us, "a man of God must stand and trust God----even against his own people, even if in the minority, even in the midst of physical danger." And also, "it is just plain stupid for a Christian not to expect spiritual warfare while he lives in enemy territory" Wish you well and blessings Scott

Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History

Francis A. Schaeffer has done a great job of presenting a wonderfully accurate commentary on the book of Joshua...It was one of the best that I have ever read. He follows the text and presents good, sound interpretations. You will find it a good companion to your study of this old and yet so revealing book of Joshua. Enjoy, C. Hopler from North Carolina :)

Made Everything Clear

If you struggle with understanding the God of the Old Testament, I highly recommend this book. Mr. Schaeffer puts the best history teacher to shame as he draws us into 1400 BC, and into the lives of Joshua, Caleb, Rahab the harlot, the lying Gibeonites and other colorful characters that contributed, however unknowingly, to Christianity as we know today. Woven throughout his insights into these amazing stories is the unchanging concept of the God who is There, the I Am that I Am. Although the title of this book leads one to believe it is a character study of the general Joshua, the glory and the reality of God's character take center stage. This book is not hard to read at all, but its conclusions are startling. Be aware before you buy-- your worldview might change.