Re-reading Joshua 1 & 2 : a postcolonial perspective

Abstract

The study re-reads Joshua 1 and 2 from a postcolonial point of view and argues that the writers of the book of Joshua were motivated by their life experiences. It seems clear that the writers were influenced by the imperialist and colonising forces' political, social, economic, and religious dimensions at the time. Joshua 1 and 2 reflect views and ideas about Israel’s deity and broader concerns on the people's socio-political, economic, and religious developments. Amongst these ideologies is the idea of exclusivism (us versus them), that is, the other, also the idea of “chosenness” and “election,” and the concept of a universal God and monotheism, which can be said to have developed fully after Israel’s colonial experience in the hands of the Persians. The study engages with the historical context of Joshua’s narrative, focusing on the empires of Egypt, Neo-Assyria, Neo-Babylonia and Persia and the resulting subjugations. Also discussed are the concepts of imperialism and colonialism, decolonialism and postcolonialism, which are critical to understanding how the period(s) under scrutiny functioned. Israel and Judah were part of the broader ANE, and studying their history in isolation leaves a very big. Therefore, a more comprehensive explication of the ANE and Joshua’s significance is important to clarify Israel’s national survival. The Book of Joshua is an attempt to write a national history of Israel. However, it is not history, as the subject has come to be defined in a modern context. It could be simply described as the historicization of myth or the mythologization of history. The narrative was purposely designed for the audience whose worldview and ideology were well suited for the work. Thus, the study presents an exegetical perspective on the worldview and ideology reflected in the narrative of Joshua 1 and 2.