The Structuring Role of Wayhi in the Book of Joshua

This study investigates the discourse function of Wayhi clauses as a structuring principle in the book of Joshua, with particular attention to their role at the macro-structural level. While previous scholars have recognized Wayhi as a marker of narrative progression, its contribution to the hierarchical organization of the book as a whole has not been adequately explained. Employing E. Talstra’s text-linguistic framework, this paper analyzes interclausal relationships in Joshua in order to identify its syntactic hierarchy and to reassess major textual divisions proposed in earlier studies. The analysis demonstrates that Wayhi clauses frequently initiate protasis– apodosis combinations that function not merely as narrative connectors but as key structuring devices governing macro-textual units. These combinations provide antecedent information under which subsequent clauses and sections are embedded, thereby guiding the development of the narrative line. On this basis, the study identifies three major divisions in Joshua: (1) 1:1–22:34, which narrates YHWH’s command and Israel’s divinely enabled success in crossing the Jordan, conquering the land, and assigning it to the tribes, (2) 23:1–24:28, which consists of Joshua’s final sermon and covenant renewal exhorting Israel to exclusive loyalty to YHWH, and (3) 24:29–33, which recounts the deaths and burials of Joshua and Eleazar, functioning as the formal conclusion of the book. Each division is introduced by a Wayhi clause combined with a temporal phrase, signaling significant discourse transitions. At lower textual levels, Wayhi clauses followed by extended sequences of subordinate clauses demarcate sub-bodies within the conquest narrative, particularly in Joshua 3-11, where successive coalitions of kings are introduced and defeated under YHWH’s initiative. In addition, nominal clauses followed by xQtX clauses in Joshua 12:1 and 12:7 function as summary headings that mark the transition from the conquest narrative to the land-allocation narrative. The resulting text hierarchy reveals a consistent theological pattern. YHWH commands, Israel obeys, and YHWH grants success. By foregrounding the structuring role of Wayhi-led protasis–apodosis combinations, this study offers a coherent account of both the literary organization and the theological coherence of the book of Joshua, while providing a critical reassessment of existing macro-structural proposals.