Joshua

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Bible Book: Joshua
Publisher: Zondervan
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 5, 2026
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.0/10

A steady Joshua guide that supports faithful exposition and wise, text led application.

Publication Date(s): 2009
Pages: 656
ISBN: 9780310209348
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.2/10
We find careful, text governed exposition that keeps Joshua’s covenant aims in view.
Christ Centredness: 7.5/10
Not consistently framed in explicit Christ centred categories, but it often supports Christward preaching by keeping covenant fulfilment and the call to faithfulness clear.
Depth of Insight: 7.9/10
We are helped by steady explanation and by clear attention to theological themes that unify the book.
Clarity of Writing: 8.1/10
Clear and pastor friendly in style and structure.
Pastoral Usefulness: 8.2/10
Especially helpful for preaching difficult sections with care and restraint.
Readability: 7.8/10
A substantial volume, but it reads well and consults easily.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
656 pages
Type
Application
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
8 / 10
Strength
Clear covenant focus that keeps Joshua preachably coherent.
Limitation
Best paired with a more explicitly redemptive historical voice for fuller synthesis.

We find Robert L. Hubbard Jr.’s Joshua in the NIV Application Commentary series a steady guide through conquest, covenant renewal, and the Lord’s faithfulness to His promises. The series method serves us well here, keeping us rooted in the text’s world before we attempt contemporary significance.

Hubbard helps us read Joshua as more than battlefield narrative. He keeps covenant, holiness, and the call to wholehearted allegiance in view, and he often provides sensible, pastorally aware application that avoids both triumphalism and embarrassment.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume if we want help preaching Joshua with theological seriousness and pastoral care. It is especially useful when we must explain hard texts without softening them, while still honouring the book’s aim, to display the Lord’s faithfulness and to warn against compromise.

We also benefit from the way the commentary encourages disciplined application. It prompts us to ask what obedience looks like for the church under Christ, without turning Joshua into a simple set of moral examples.

For Reformed preaching, we will still want a clearer redemptive historical lens, but this volume often strengthens the groundwork for that work.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a useful, pastor facing Joshua commentary that supports faithful exposition and thoughtful application.

As pastoral next steps, we can go to the Bible Book Overview for Joshua, browse Top Recommendations, and consult the Reformed Commentary Index to build a balanced shelf for preaching.


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Classification

  • Level: Mid-level
  • Best For: Busy pastors, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

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Commentary

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Reviewed by

An Expositor

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