Joshua is a historical book which continues the history of God's people which began in Genesis. It is not a western chronological history, but a selective theological history. The authors selected certain events to teach theological truths about God, man, sin, salvation, etc. They are similar to the Gospels and Acts of the New Testament. History for the Jews had a goal, a purpose. God was moving toward a predetermined goal, i.e. the redemption of a fallen world (Gen. 3:15). Joshua demonstrates God's ability and faithfulness to His promise to Abraham about the land (Gen. 15:16). It presents the concept of "Holy War" (herem - "under the ban") which seems so cruel to us but God warned the Israelites against the sins of the Canaanites. As God removed them from the land because of their sins, He will also remove the Jews for the same sins (the Exile, by Assyria and Babylon). Part of the "You Can Understand the Bible"^TM series by Dr. Bob Utley, Professor of Hermeneutics (retired). For more of Dr. Utley's Bible study guides, go to www.freebiblecommentary.org.