The Anchor Yale Bible: Joshua 1-12

This scholarly commentary provides a critical examination of the first twelve chapters of the Book of Joshua, offering a fresh translation from the Hebrew and Greek texts. It challenges traditional views by proposing that the Book of Joshua originated as an independent composition, distinct from the Deuteronomistic History, and was later integrated into the biblical canon. The work delves into the themes of religious violence, the concept of holy war, and the theological implications of the conquest narratives. Through comparative analysis of the Masoretic Text, Septuagint, and Dead Sea Scrolls, the commentary explores the textual variations and their significance. It also examines the ideological underpinnings of the text, including anti-monarchic and anti-urban sentiments, and considers the reception history of Joshua in various cultural and historical contexts.