Louis IX, crusade and the promise of Joshua in the Holy Land
M. Cecilia Gaposchkin
Joshua, the Old Testament patriarch who led Israelite army into Holy Land, was seen as a type for crusader in ways that informed Louis IX's crusading ideology and his kingship. The parallel between Joshua's divinely sanctioned wars Louis' own ambitions structured teleology incorporated salvation history. story of Joshua lent exalted expectations first crusade. After failure crusade, provided scriptural lens through which could interpret those events moulded reaction king military leader. An episode from Josh. 7 — sins Achan spoke to concern with personal sin purity political community, gave way understand failure, suggested guidance how, king, redress himself before God preparation crusade 1270.
Journal of Medieval History