Joshua's Spiritual Warfare: Understanding the Chiasms of Joshua

Discovering the Power of Chiasms

A  I will never leave you nor forsake you
  B  Be strong and courageous
    C  Be careful to obey all the law … that you may be successful
      D  Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth
      D' Mediate on it day and night
    C' Be careful to do everything written in it … you may be prosperous and successful
  B' Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged
A' for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:5-9)

THE CHIASMS OF JOSHUA – Discover the power of the chiastic structure
Unlock deeper meanings of the Scriptures that are not readily apparent

Joshua’s Spiritual Warfare: Understanding the Chiasms of Joshua opens the study of chiasms to a Bible-oriented audience, revealing the Book of Joshua in a new way. Theologians have been enthusiastically identifying chiasms in the Bible for over 200 years, noting that the center verses are normally the point of emphasis. Now, you too can see the value of chiasms as they add new meaning to the Scriptures and uncover many Bible discernments.

Never heard of chiasms before? Don't feel alone because the study of the chiastic approach has been largely confined to the halls of Christ-centered institutes of higher learning. Even then, while most professors are familiar with chiasms, many pastors have not heard of it. This book attempts to be a plain, easily understood teaching on chiasms, using the Book of Joshua as a way to understand this literary form. Yet taking the topic out of academia and putting it into the hands of the many does not take away from the profound depth of understanding that the chiastic approach offers. These Scriptures come alive with new meaning.

What is a chiasm?
A chiasm (ky′-az-um) is a writing style that – once understood – clarifies, emphasizes and reveals a deeper meaning in the Scriptures than is understood in just a surface reading of these same verses. You will see 67 chiasms that enlighten your understanding of the Book of Joshua; not an academic approach but a Bible study that is presented so that God's messages are made more real and alive.

Where is the meat?
Just as the meat is normally the center of the sandwich, so the study of chiasms will help you find the emphasis in the middle of the verses. Using this approach and other discernments, events from Joshua's life are revealed in a fresh way. In addition to the analyses of chiasms, there are geography lessons, typological comparisons, and just plain good Bible discernments. As Rev. Barbara Di Gilio stated in her Mayim Hayim book review, "It's only 232 pages, but it's packed full of good stuff, rare meat, just like I like it." In this way, you will gain a whole new and more powerful understanding of Joshua.

Why study chiasms?
As we read the Scriptures, it is normal to hear the voice of the Lord in application of the text for our lives – this process is augmented as we look at chiasms to reveal the underlying principles that may be applied to today's challenges. In the case of Joshua, the chiasms reveal how he overcame the obstacles of the enemy and became successful. Once we understand chiasms and how they work, this book provides spiritual principles that teaches how to discern, "So, why is it there?"

Pastor and author Fred Hofeldt of the Judeo–Christian Israel Alliance, on his website http://www.graftedforlife.com/media.php , wrote that although he and his wife Laurel had been aware of chiasms for some time,

"Tom has taken us to another dimension in understanding chiastic Hebrew poetry. His chiastic presentation of the Book of Joshua demonstrates the intricate design of the Holy Spirit. This book is most intriguing to read, as it unravels a spiritually deeper understanding into God's Word. These complex chiastic verses – many times 4-5 tier chiasms or larger – are outlined as to their occurrences in the text, and their composite structure is presented in a diagram format concluding with its spiritual warfare application.

It is written in a style that keeps you intrigued and interested. If you desire a greater in–depth understanding in God's Word, become skilled in using this chiastic tool. It is the methodology of the Hebrew writers. Those that strive to understand and love Hebrew poetry will find this book very beneficial."

Joshua's Spiritual Warfare is printed in the USA, United Kingdom, France, and Australia. It is available from most on-line book retailers: search by ISBN 978-0981621302. In the USA, one source is Amazon:
Amazon: Joshua's Spiritual Warfare (paperback)

Want an eBook version? Available at many eBook stores by searching ISBN 978-5551823834. A good international site is Book Depository: Joshua's Spiritual Warfare (eBook). This eBook requires free and easily installed software from Adobe Digital Editions.

Sorry, Joshua's Spiritual Warfare is not available on the Kindle or the Nook. Devices such as that re-flow the page layout, causing the presentation of chiasms to appear improperly.