Joshua: No Falling Words (Focus on the Bible)

Few authors are uniquely gifted with the ability of explaining Old Testament texts on a level that is accessible to the layman. Dale Ralph Davis is one of those men. He serves as a pastor at Woodlands Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He has written commentaries on several other Old Testament books including Judges, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, and II Kings. His pastoral ministry has impacted the manner in which he presents the materials of his commentaries.This commentary contains exegetical insight and theological examinations of the highest quality while leaving behind the soigné style and scholastic vocabulary that often accompany a work of this caliber. Davis explains in his preface that he desired for this book to achieve the highest level of "instructability." He succeeded. There are two specific qualities of his book that stand out as unique and refreshing. Theologically there is one area of concern that must be addressed.Accessible ApproachThe first of these qualities is Davis' style. His writing is perhaps best described as pastoral exegesis. Each chapter is like a miniature sermon with clear illustrations that illuminate the original intent of the text. The regular use of pneumonic devices such as alliteration and idioms bring a delightfully light feeling to heavy topics. This practice can be observed even in weighty passages such as Joshua chapter two concerning Rahab the harlot and Joshua chapter fifteen concerning the geographical division of the land.Davis' accessible style goes beyond his mastery of illustrations and wordplay. His content is specifically aimed to avoid higher level scholastic debates that do not alter the onus of the text. He would rather determine what Rahab's story tells us about the Sovereignty of God than spend many pages debating whether her lie was sinful. He is more concerned with the Israelites response to Yahweh's gifts than tribal geography. By focusing on the heart of the text Davis has helped to make the book of Joshua accessible to those who are too uninformed, unintelligent, or unmotivated to understand such higher level debates.Pastoral PurposeThis book is undeniably aimed to do more than educate the mind; it seeks to ameliorate the soul. Just like a skilled preacher pleads with the hearts of men, Davis' words elicit a response. His words are both convicting and encouraging. He achieves this through two specific methods.Conversational Introductions. Each chapter commences with a compendious preamble. These opening lines are by no means aimless formalities. Davis utilizes the opening page of each chapter to draw the reader's attention to the value of the text. His down-to-earth style and engaging metaphors suffuse the reader with eager anticipation for the meaning of the passage to be revealed. The average Christian may be intimidated by an Old Testament book like Joshua, but Davis relinquishes the reader's fears by plainly enunciating the treasure that is to be found within. On certain occasions he utilizes the imagery of a Christian cartoon comic, a ramshackle chair , and even airline food to lasso the attention of the reader. On other occasions he simply reminds the reader not to get bogged down in the "tedium" of the details and search for the big picture. These introductions allow the reader to enter into the passage in a fearless manner as they desire to mine the depths of the text.Study Questions. Each chapter concludes with a quintuplet of study questions. These questions have two pronounced purposes. First, they seek to make the reader certain that they have grasped the main point of the chapter. Secondly, and more importantly, these questions solicit the reader to apply the text to their spiritual life. These questions are often devotional in nature. They implore the reader's mind to observe the grace of God that they have experienced in their own life. This can be seen in questions such as, "Are you amazed when God answers your prayers? If so, why?" These study questions also indirectly give the reader practical ways to apply the text. One example can be found at the close of chapter 18, "Does Yahweh's fidelity to you cause you to worship him or do you simply expect fidelity?" Such questions drive the reader to a humble response of obedience and worship.Doctrinal DisputeThe only area of theological concern that arises throughout this book stems from Davis' biblical theology. It is clear that, as a Presbyterian, he holds to a strong continuity between the Old and New Testament. His comparison of the conquest of Canaan to the New Testament sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper was confusing and concerning. Where Davis sees strong continuity, I believe there is cause to observe indomitable discontinuity between the testaments concerning the nation of Israel and the church. This is a minor dispute on the scale of importance, but it is the one aspect of this book that I believe could be improved upon.ConclusionI highly recommend this book, especially to those who would like to spend a season devotionally studying the Old Testament. Davis's superb exegesis and simple format would be a welcome addition to the library of scholars and laymen alike. I have personally been blessed beyond measure by devoting a short season of my life to the study of this short book. This work is God honoring, Christ magnifying, and waiting to be used by the Spirit in the life of the reader.

Whatever book of the Bible I'm studying, I will check to see if Davis has written a commentary on it. If so, I will 100% read it. No Falling Words is a truly pastoral, accessible commentary that was convicting, encouraging, and enlightening. As I trudged through the land allotments to the 12 tribes, Davis helped me to see God's faithfulness in every rock, tree, and boundary. Obedience is a major theme in the book of Joshua, and Davis helped me to see the importance of regular, obedience to God in the small things in a way that was faithful to the text without wild extrapolation.  If you're reading Joshua, be sure to read this book along with it. 10/10 recommend!

I'm one of the young adult discussion leaders for a middle school group at my church. When the leader informed us we would be studying Joshua with the middle schoolers I was thrown. Why Joshua? I didn't really know anything about Joshua, tones about the New Testament but not Joshua, not that book. So I went looking for a book to help me help the kids discuss what the text meant. No Falling words really helped bring context and break down what the text was saying about God and his promises. Now I know Joshua is a pretty important text and really cool to do with Middle school kids. Since I bought the book, my leader asked me to write the discussion questions. I guess I seemed that knowledgeable. But it's all because of this book, which not only lays things out in a simple way breaking it down and discusses the down to earth issues one might have when it came to reading the bible text, but the book inspired me to do furthur study. I'm actually going to recommend some of my students buy and read it. It's that easy to understand.

Overall this commentary was enjoyable to read. It is very practical and devotional. As such, Davis includes numerous applications and insights for Christians today. I, however, tend to prefer my commentaries to be more technical, so by the end of this commentary I was getting anxious to dive deeper into the text.In the introduction Davis writes, "As you read and study Joshua, try to keep asking yourself the question: What is the writer preaching about when he tells me this story? He is not telling you the story only to inform you (although that is part of it); he has a message to proclaim, a God to press upon you." This is certainly the perspective Davis keeps throughout!For instance, when dealing with 5:13 - 6:5 (The Appearance of Yahweh's Help), Davis comments, "Sometimes we need to see that Yahweh is not so much partisan as sovereign, that it is more important to recognize God's position than to know God's plan. We can easily become more interested in special guidance than with a right relationship with the Guide." (p. 53)

This was the perfect companion for me as I studied and led a Bible study on the Book of Joshua. There are plenty of commentaries, I noticed, on library shelves. They looked daunting and dusty. And big. I researched online for "best commentaries on Joshua" and found this one highly recommended. Perfect choice. Dale Ralph Davis gives the basics on the book as well as very thoughtful insights. I found myself quoting him many times because he inspired me to think about my own life as well. I'd read any of his works now.

At the end of this commentary's preface Dale Ralph Davies writes, "It [this commentary] was a 'manse' production, written amidst the delights and distresses of pastoral ministry. I don't think that is any way a deficiency!"I disagree. This commentary has a very distracted feel about it as if the author wasn't giving it his full attention when he wrote it. Take the chapter on the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6): a story very familiar to virtually all Christians and hence ripe for a deeper dig into its context and background. Why was Jericho so important? No attempt at answers, just a nod at the perennial, if highly important, discussion about why God commanded everyone to be wiped out and then a short ramble about God's instructions to Israel, i.e. the shout. All over in five and a half pages. Frustrating for me as a reader seeking to prepare a Bible study.To be fair the chapter on Jericho is a particular low point. But this commentary continues in that vein taking time to talk about locations and geography while not digging into, for example, the significance of Joshua's enemies, to name but one deficiency. I only got half way in a detailed read and then started to pick and choose.I've previously read Davies' commentary on Judges (cover to cover last year, twice, as the men's group at my church were studying it) so I know that he is a highly competent teacher of the Old Testament who can write well. But that is not on display here. Overall a disappointment.

Previously used Dale Ralph Davis commentary on the book of Judges and enjoyed using it as a tool for my weekly church group bible study. So buying this book was a no brainer really. I do need to give myself a bit of time to use this book alongside reading the bible text - as his commentary is quite detailed - which is great for theologians!The questions to help with application after each chapter are particularly useful for bible studies, or even, for self reflection and form a useful focus for our group bible study. Perfect!

This commentary is very accessible, brings the text to life, and very helpful for devotion and talk prep.

Bought this as a present for my dad who has read other commentaries by the same author and he was really pleased with it. He said the author really puts things in a clear, easy to understand way. I will look for other books by the same author for future birthdays etc.

This is an excellent series. Astonishing to think that it was almost orphaned half way through (see preface to 2 Kings) - astonishingly short sited. Buy them all. You'll never regret it!!