Customer Reviews

Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History

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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.

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 :)

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

Written in 1975 and re-released in 2004 Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History is relevant, insightful and applicable. Schaeffer draws out the significance of Joshua's place in biblical history and challenges the reader to apply the text to his own life. He uncovers many theological threads that flow through the entire Bible and opens up the reader's mind to the meaning of the whole.

Not for the novice, Schaeffer offers solid insight and excellent teaching for those wanting to go deeper in their understanding of the Bible. Schaeffer's writing style is slightly dated and all Scriptures are quoted in the King James so you may want to keep your favorite modern Bible translation open as you read Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History.

This book helps you find you way historically and chronologically within the Bible, connecting Moses' out of Egypt experience and the settling on the Promised Land that goes on into Judges. In a very clear and fast paced language, precise exposition; not interested in deciphering possibilities for interpretation, but keeping right on the main track of the story. This is the history that God keeps pointing out to as a lesson, as clear as a Florida interstate highway.

This book helps give some understanding to the issue of why God allows what we perceive as "un-Godlike" action (such as destroying all the people who lived in Canaan.
Dan

Dr. Schaeffer's work is comprehensive and covers the territory..but his style is very dull and lacks the inspiration of some of his other works. Not recommending.