Who were the audience for the Book of Joshua?

Answer 1

The Book of Joshua is part of the Deuteronomic History (Joshua, Judges, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 2 Kings), which forms a well integrated series written during the seventh-century-BCE reign of King Josiah, by an anonymous author now known as the 'Deuteronomist'. Josiah was undertaking a number of far-reaching religious reforms, the most notable of which seems to have been the introduction of monotheistic Judaism as the official religion of Judah.

The Book of Joshua was no doubt based on earlier oral and perhaps written traditions, but its intended audience was the Jews of the seventh century BCE.

Answer 2

The Book of Joshua was likely written for the ancient Israelites who were entering the Promised Land. It aimed to instruct and inspire them with stories of conquest and the importance of faith in God's promises.