Joshua—II Kings: Deuteronomistic? Priestly? Or Prophetic Writing? -- By: C. Van Croningen

Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 12:1 (Winter 1969)
Article: Joshua—II Kings: Deuteronomistic? Priestly? Or Prophetic Writing?
Author: C. Van Croningen


Joshua—II Kings:
Deuteronomistic? Priestly? Or Prophetic Writing?

C. Van Croningen, M.A., M.Th.*

This paper deals with an aspect of the history of “Israel” as it is recorded in the O.T. books-Joshua, Judges, I & II Samuel and I & II Kings. It will not be our intent to review the history or discuss certain specific events as such. Rather, our intent is to deal with some, aspects of theological writing of this history and the importance of this for us today. The subject has many facets. Many problems are encountered. No attempt will be made to be inclusive or dogmatic. However, it is our view that we should come to some definite conclusions on some of the vital matters involved in our subject. One such conclusion that the author of this paper has come to accept as the proper one is that the historical books dealt with here are not deuteronomistic (historical) writings, nor priestly (theological) writings but prophetic revelation.

I.

Before we commence the discussion of some selected aspects of the “greater historiographical problem,” it may be useful to review some reasons why we consider it of importance to deal with the historical books of the Old Testament, i.e., the former prophets.

The material presented in the books: Joshua—II Kings covers a very important period in the life of Israel as a nation.1 In fact, it can be said that these books cover only that period in which Israel was a nation in its own right in its country, independent, developing its national character and heritage. It is well known that Joshua presents Israel’s conquest of Palestine and the subsequent settlement in it. judges recounts the experiences in the period of adjustment and establishment of the Monarchy. I & II Kings deal with Israel as a united nation under Solomon and as divided until their respective downfalls.

This period of Israel’s history is presented as a partial fulfillment of

*Professor of Old Testament, Reformed Theological College, Geelong, Victoria, Australia

God’s promises to the Patriarchs. It provides the setting for prophetic activities and introduces the context from which later events (exile and exilic prophets, post exilic events and prophets) take their cue and from which they receive their rationale. The Psalms and wisdom literature were also, produced within this historical Period or later during the immediately subsequent times.

The question is: do we have a reliable historical account of this important period of national life? Are the various selected events, some of which are presented in detail, truly historical events? Are the ...

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