Joshua

I. First impressions

1.1)What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

The original readers were probably the Israelites who lived in the same time as Joshua. Because we can find that the narrator speaks as if he had participated in the events by using the word 'us'."~For they had disobeyed the LORD, and the LORD vowed he would not let them enter the land he had sworn to give us -- a land flowing with milk and honey.(Ch.5:1)
By the way,it seems that they obeyed Joshua(Ch.1:16~18) and served the Lord well(Ch.24:19~24).

1.2)What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The author of this book is Joshua. The books of [SOURCE VIEW] and [NELSON'S BIBLE MAPS AND CHARTS] say that. Meanwhile, the final section about Jushua's funeral may have been written by some elder who outlived him.
Joshua was God's chosen servant (Ch.24:29), and brought Moses' work to completion and establish Israel in the promised land(Ch.21:43~45).  As the leader of God's army, he led the battles for Canaan into triumph. And as the God's spokesman, he led the Israelites to serve the Lord(Ch.24:20~21) and made a covenant with the people(Ch.24:25)

1.3)Main themes, repeated ideas and main idea:

In the Ch.1:6,10, God Spoke to Josua to "be strong and courageous". Not only in this chapter,but also in other many chapters God told Josua this command before the battles. God told him that He promises him what He promised Moses(Ch.1:3) and He will be with him(Ch.1:5). 
So, I regard the main idea of this book is that God keeps His promise to His people and He is always with us, so we can & have to be strong and courageous in any situations.

1.4)What is the primary reason this book was written?

The Israelites were lived surrounded with many pagans, so they could be affected by them. So, it's regarded that the author intended to prevent the Israelites from affecting the pagans' idols and cultures.(Ch.24:14~16)

II. Theme Tracing

2.1)What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

Joshua told people that the Lord is a holy and jealous God, and because He is Righteous God, he will not forgive their rebellion and sins.(Ch.24:19)

2.2)What does this book show you about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

(Ch.24:13)"I gave you land you had not worked for, and I gave you cities you did not build - the cities in which you are now living. I gave you vineyards and olive groves for food, though you did not plant them." - Through this verse we can know that the God's redemption is like a present which is being given us free of charge. And, nowadays we know Jesus is that present. 

III. Application

3.1)Personal application:

The Israrelites' triumph stories were not touching to me. Instead, two commands which were repeated several times awakened and touched me. The first command is-"So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly"(Ch.24:14). And, the second command is "Be strong and courageous!"(Ch.1:9).
Very simple and easy to hear or understand, but they are very difficult to practice and very easily forgettable. So as to keep in mind it at any time, I will make a memo and read it in my spare time.

3.2)Point of Passion Assignment

I want to be an evidence of living God.  It regarded that when I practice the command of Ch.1:9 "This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.", I could be an evidence of living God.    -end-