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The book of Joshua presents a number of interpretative problems.
On the basis of literary studies and archaeology, some have claimed that the book is a product of a much later age than the one it portrays and does not reflect actual events. Another important issue is how it should be read as Christian Scripture, given that it describes at least a partial annihilation of indigenous people groups. Related to this today is the ongoing struggle over essentially the same piece of land that is described in Joshua.
To address these and other issues, Pekka Pitkanen reads Joshua in its Ancient Near Eastern context. He makes extensive comparisons with relevant contemporary literature and includes an archaeological survey of all places mentioned in the Masoretic text. He argues that Joshua helps conclude the pentateuchal tradition and is best understood as a conquest document originating from the Late Bronze-Early Iron Age that helps define Israelite identity in Yahwistic terms and promulgates Yahwism in Israel as the exclusive religious ideology. In application, he engages with genocide studies and reflects on theodicy and the use and abuse of power.
Author's preface 9 11
Abbreviations 13
List of archaeological periods 19
Introduction
1. General
1.1. The story and place of Joshua in the canon, and its
overall relationship with the Pentateuch and Judges-Kings
1.2. Structure and plotline of the book and chronology of events
1.3. Textual issues
1.4. Sources and composition of Joshua
1.5. An overview of the history of interpretation of Joshua and the Israelite conquest and settlement Understanding Joshua today in its ancient context
2.1. The role of history and theology in the interpretation of the book Understanding history in Joshua
3.1. Approaching history
3.2. The historical background of Joshua Understanding theology in Joshua
4.1. Main outlines of the theology of Joshua in its ancient context
4.2. The role of historical references in Joshua and the purpose of the book
4.3. Joshua and the New Testament Modern appropriation of the book of Joshua
5.1. The problem of war, conquest and genocide in Joshua
5.2. Joshua and the justifi cation for conquest and genocide
5.3. Joshua, Israel and the Palestinians
Note on text and translations, and on geographical references
Text and commentary 101
Excursus 1: General observations on the literary form and setting of the book 101
Excursus 2: Form and structure of Joshua 1 - 12 107
Excursus 3: The Ark and Yahweh's presence 144
Excursus 4: Herem 161
Excursus 5: The archaeology of Jericho 162
Excursus 6: The archaeology of Ai 182
Excursus 7: The archaeology of Mount Ebal 192
Excursus 8: The archaeology of Gibeon 214
Excursus 9: The archaeology of Arad 245
Excursus 10: Form and structure of Joshua 13 - 21 247
Excursus 11: Form and structure of Joshua 22 - 24 and the end of Genesis-Joshua 352
Excursus 12: Joshua 22:9-34 and the Deuteronomistic History
hypothesis, with implications for the date of Joshua 363
Bibliography 403
Index of references to Scripture and related literature 425
Index of authors 439
Index of subjects 443
Index of archaeological sites and related places 451