Course Discussions DB Forum 2 Reading OT Narratives Essay

Course Discussions DB Forum 2 Reading OT Narratives - Essay Example Literary approach assist in the correct interpretation of narratives as well as appreciating the rich artistic beauty found in these narrations of the bible. The book of Joshua as a narrative story ought to be viewed as a literature in its study. This paper will go through a literary analysis of Joshua chapter seven and verses one to twenty-six, (Joshua 7:1-26). It is worth noting that the analysis that will be done is not exclusive and is not limited to further examination of the same. When one reads the whole chapter, one get to site a number of literary forms that have been used to spice up the narrative and to attract the attention of the reader. To start with, there is the presence of a catalogue. This is generally a list of enumeration of names, persons or even things and normally arranged alphabetically. In reference to this chapter, the first verse shows this where it shows the names of close relatives of Achan, for instance, Achan son of Carmi son of Zabdi son of Zerah.The names are alphabetically arranged. Secondly, the chapter has a number of dialogues. A dialogue is basically a literal work whereby two or more characters are represented as conversing. This is evident from the chapter where Joshua converses with men he had sent to go and spy over Ai (7:3). Another example is a dialogue between Joshua and God especially when they were defeated by men from Ai. There is also a dialogue between Joshua and the sinful Achan. ... A monologue is still another literary form used in this chapter. This is whereby a sole speaker normally directs his/her remarks to one audience or an individual. This is justifiable in verses 19 -20 between Joshua and Achan. Additionally, oracle is yet another literary form as found in this chapter. In general terms, an oracle is a divine communication which is evident in verses 13-14 of this chapter. Simile has been used whereby it is comparing two entities as performing the same function. For instance, in chapter 7:5, after the Israelites were defeated by men of Ai, they melted like water. The people are compared to how ice melts after receiving the news that they had been defeated in the battle and their men killed. There is also the use of metaphors in this chapter of the bible. A metaphor is basically a language used to add descriptive meaning and the meaning have little connotative similarity with the actual meaning. This can be exemplified from Joshua 7, 8 "Israel has turned their backs to their enemies" and in the following verse (9) ".cut off our name from the earth". These are just but a few of the literary forms found in this chapter. Question two: One interpretive issue or problem from the narrative of Joshua and provide an explanation of the problem and a resolution Joshua complaining to God (Joshua7:7-8) After the Israelites were defeated by men of Ai and thirty-six men killed, Joshua was dismayed. Earlier in the previous verse we see him going to the ark and tearing his clothes, fall face down and putting dust on his head. Later he is seen pausing three questions and two statements to God. The second question looks at these questions and statements as an issue derived from the narrative. Verse seven pauses the first question," Alas, O