MIQRA Institute of Biblical Stud

Introduction to Joshua - Journey Through The One-Year Bible (My Bridge Radio)

Sepharim 'al ha-miqra’: Books about the Scriptures (Joshua)

Brown, C. A. Joshua, Judges, Ruth. NIBC. Hendrickson, 2000 (398 pp.; 121-289). From the foreword: “The purpose of this commentary series is to help readers navigate this strange and sometimes forbidding literary and spiritual terrain . . . so that the power and meaning of these biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers” (ix). Based on the NIV, the treatment is readable and uncluttered though Brown’s endnotes exhibit a well-rounded engagement and are worth the page-flipping. The bold text in her section by section treatment refers to more specific comments and explanations at the end of each section—a particularly helpful feature for those interested in more details about certain passages.

Butler, T. Joshua. WBC. Word, 1983 (304 pp.). A standard, critical treatment of Joshua. Historical and archaeological concerns rank high. Follows the standard format of the WBC (section by section with Bibliography, Translation, Notes, Form/Structure/Setting, Comment, and Explanation). Somewhat technical but well-written; the reader will benefit from the breadth of research consistent throughout the commentary. A good exposure to a scholar well-familiar with current discussion on the traditions lying behind the received text.

Hess, R. S. Joshua: An Introduction & Commentary. TOTC. InterVarsity, 1996 (320 pp.). Based on the NIV. A thoughtful commentary by a well-known professor at Denver Seminary. Detailed, verse-by-verse treatment with ample footnoting. Somewhat technical discussion at points but informative and readable. Like Butler, the influence from historical and archaeological concerns makes itself known but narrative structure and other literary phenomena are also considered. An important reference in the study of Joshua.

Howard, D. Joshua. NAC. Broadman & Holman, 1998 (464 pp.). A solid commentary by a well-known evangelical scholar. Clearly written. Well-rounded bibliography. Less concerned than Butler and Hess about archaeological and historical matters. Grants the requisite attention to questions of date and historical influences on the book, then proceeds along a strongly textual trajectory directing attention to what the narratives mean rather than simply to what they refer. Going the extra mile in this respect renders this commentary especially useful for preaching and teaching.

Woudstra, M. H. The Book of Joshua. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1981 (396 pp.). Not as technical as Butler, but impressive nonetheless in its breadth of research. Inroads absent from more historical treatments are made here. Opts for a theocentric perspective which attends to the cohesiveness of history under a sovereign God as presented in and by biblical narrative. On this note, Woudstra invites his readers to consider the dynamic aspects of Hebrew narrative when it comes to the interruptions, repetitions, and tangents which litter the book of Joshua—what historicists often attribute to variety among earlier source-texts. Readable, informative, and at times, inspiring.