Recent attention to the context of biblical texts and to their literary dimension has been fruitful for preachers. But on the eve of a new millennium, biblical studies and homiletics must reclaim their identities as theological disciplines. As sacred scripture, the Bible's chief role is to serve as resource for the church's teaching, doctrine, and preaching.

Preaching from the Book of Joshua can often be “trouble” because of the book’s content. To avoid trouble in a sermon is to rob the text of its potential healing power. In our contemporary world, preaching from this difficult book may prove necessary. This essay explores several homiletical approaches.