Joshua (Handel)

The work also includes a love story elaborated from a few hints in the Biblical narrative between Caleb's daughter Achsah and Othniel, a young soldier.

The military conquests the Israelites achieve in the oratorio were seen as parallels to the victory of the Hanoverian regime in crushing the Jacobite rebellion.

[2] Joshua was one of his shortest oratorios and contained no genuine overture, instead having only a brief orchestral movement simply titled "Introduction."

[6] The Children of Israel celebrate the end of their journey over the Jordan River and into the land of Canaan, praising God for his blessings and Joshua for his leadership.

The army gets word of the defeat of Israel at Ai and Joshua gathers his men to renew their attacks.

Othniel calls upon Achsah, but Caleb, her father, dismisses him, telling him to go join the war in the defense of Israel's allies.

Miraculously, the sun and moon stay their courses, allowing the Israelites to continue fighting until they arise victorious.

contains naturalistic tone painting effects for the birdsong referred to in the text, with a solo violin depicting the linnet and a flute the thrush.

The air in the last act for Achsah "Oh, had I Jubal's lyre", a short expression of joy with virtuoso writing for the soprano, is often heard and recorded outside the context of the full work.