Martin Noth, a German theologian, came up with the word Deuteronomistic history to explain the similar literary and thematic constructs in Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Jeremiah, and the books of Kings. It is a theoretical concept that traces the prose and structure of these books to the book of Deuteronomy and attempts to argue that the seven books could have shared authorship. The theory’s strongest argument is based on the unified story of Israelites from the wilderness to restoration. This story was further punctuated in all the books with military conquest and God’s favor. Like all theories, Deuteronomistic history has had its critics as well as supporters. This essay will base its argument on the New International Version of the account of the fall of Jericho, which spans from Joshua chapter one to six to prove and disprove the theory.
Joshua is a continuation of Deuteronomy since Moses' death is recorded in chapter thirty-four, the last chapter, and the first chapter of Joshua accounts his ascension to leadership. A literary strategy common in Deuteronomy and Joshua is the narration by key characters. The first thirty chapters of Deuteronomy are narrated by Moses, "These are the words Moses spoke to all Israel in the wilderness east of Jordan" (Deut 1:1). The account of Moses' succession by Joshua is mostly developed by God's instructions to the latter, "After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun" (Joshua 1:1). Although the third person may seem like the primary perspective of narration in the two books, especially Joshua, a significant part of the plot is developed through the first-person technique.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The art of oral tradition was one of the most valued practices in the Israeli culture. Since only a select few were allowed to read the scripture, the only way people could learn about God was through word of mouth. This tradition is also highlighted in the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua. After parting the River Jordan for the Israelites to cross, Joshua, under God's command, instructed twelve men from each tribe to carry a rock from the river's bed. The stones were preserved so that "In the future, when your children ask you "What do these stones mean?"" (Josh 4:6), they would pass on the story of how the river was parted. The same strategy is used in Deuteronomy when Moses reminded the Israelites of all the decrees the Lord had given, including the Ten Commandments. Moses instructed them that "In the future, when your son asks you, "What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees, and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?"" (Deut 6:20) they should answer with the story of slavery in Egypt and how God saved them.
The theme of military conquest spans through most of the Old Testament. Although it was dependent on their obedience, God had promised the Israelites that he would help them conquer all their enemies. This promise went back to his covenant with Abraham when God assured him that he would give the land of Canaan to his descendants. In Deuteronomy, Moses reminds them that "The Lord God has destroyed the nations whose land he is giving to you" (Deut 19:1). God keeps this promise in Joshua when he reassures him that "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands" (Josh 6:2). Word had spread across the nations about the Israelites' military prowess due to the greatness of their God, such that Jericho was already scared of them.
The character Rahab in Joshua 2 to 6 is significant for three reasons; she is a woman, a prostitute, and a foreigner. Up to that point in the Bible, she was the only unmarried woman to get such lengthy coverage. Characters like Eve and Sarah were only discussed on account of their husbands. The fact that she was also a prostitute makes the coverage even more interesting, considering how strict God was about sexual sins. She was also the first female foreigner to get such coverage since Israelites were not allowed to interact with foreigners.
The deal Rahab struck with the two spies to keep her and her family safe supports the Deuteronomistic history concept. Throughout the Bible, it has been emphasized that God keeps his promises. His respect for the covenant Rahab and the spies had made to spare her life, "Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute" (Josh 6:25), is a continuation of the theme of God's faithfulness presented in Deuteronomy "he is the faithful God" (Deut 7:9). However, Rahab and her family's integration into the Israelites community undermines the Deuteronomistic history concept. While instructing Israelites on how to deal with foreign nations, Moses made it very clear that they were not to interact with them, "Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons" (Deut 7:3). Since Rahab became part of the Israelites, she intermarried with them, "Salmon was the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab" (Matt 1:5). The existence of Rahab in the Israeli lineage, particularly the genealogy of Jesus, is a contradiction of the Deuteronomistic history concept.
Depending on what position anyone takes in the Deuteronomistic history concept, the fact remains that the word is inspired by God, regardless of who wrote it. At the end of the day, the important thing is to use it for spiritual growth and to improve one's relationship with God.
Reference
New International Version . (2011). BibleGateway.com www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/#booklist
