The Book of Joshua (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament | NICOT)

by Marten H. Woudstra

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1981

Overview

Recognizing that Old Testament studies today are in a state of flux as never before and that the book of Joshua seems to be at the crossroads of this animated discussion, Marten Woudstra here takes into careful account the various views represented by recent scholarship as well as Hebrew usage and text-critical concerns.

Woudstra demonstrates that the central theme in Joshua, to which everything in the book has been made subordinate, is the fulfillment of God’s promise to the patriarchs regarding the promised land. To support his understanding of this central theme, Woudstra emphasizes the nature of the Hebrew narrative as both proleptic, offering provisional summaries of events to be taken up later in considerable detail, and programmatic, indicating that the book was written close to actual events. The excellent introduction and section-by-section commentary are supplemented by an extensive bibliography and seven instructive maps.

With Logos, the NICOT will integrate into the Passage Guide. Whenever you enter your passage and click go, results from the NICOT will appear on the text you’re studying. This gives you instant access to exactly what you’re looking for—in far less time than it would take you to walk over to the bookshelf and begin flipping through a print volume, let alone find the information you need.

Key Features

• Verse-by-verse commentary
• In-depth discussion of textual and critical matters
• Introduction to the authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology of Joshua

Contents

Top Highlights

“This book is not to be out of Joshua’s mouth,⁴⁶ a characteristically emphatic way of speaking. Joshua is to speak of this book and meditate⁴⁷ on it, as later the blessed man of Ps. 1 will do.⁴⁸ Daily meditation on the Book, and a strict observance of its gracious provisions for a life in covenant fellowship with the Lord, will mean a happy achievement of life’s goal⁴⁹ and prosperity. Thus the assurance of success already given in v. 7 is here confirmed and enlarged upon. Later readers of the book of Joshua are hereby also assured that in keeping God’s law there is great reward.” (Pages 63–64)

“I will be with you: primarily a word of assistance and help in the coming battles, this word is capable of being deepened in the sense in which the Psalms use it. I will not leave³⁴ you nor forsake you: the guarantee of success will be the Lord’s unfailing presence and aid.” (Page 61)

“Israel’s earlier rebellion which had caused the previous generation to die in the desert. However, though these did not enter into the ‘rest’ (Deut. 12:10), the Lord’s promise to his people had not come to naught (cf. also Josh. 21:43–45). The present ‘remnant’ is truly and fully Israel.” (Page 59)

“I am about to give.²¹ This is the ‘theme’ of the giving of the land of promise.” (Pages 58–59)

“A major component of the book, and one with rich theological implications, is the focus on the land.” (Page 34)

Praise for the Print Edition

This volume must surely be regarded as the finest commentary on the Book of Joshua. . . . Should be a part of the library of any serious student of the Scriptures who anticipates teaching or preaching from this important and colorful Old Testament [book].

—Bibliotheca Sacra

This commentary marks a significant advance in Joshua studies and outstrips its competitors by a wide margin.

—Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

Woudstra time and again demonstrates his sound exegetical judgment and theological insight in this book. In doing so, he has advanced our overall understanding of the book of Joshua in several positive directions.

—Westminster Theological Journal

Well conceived, ably prepared. The translation, comments, and textual apparatus are excellent.

—Journal of Biblical Literature

Product Details

• Title: The New International Commentary on the Old Testament: The Book of Joshua
• Author: Marten H. Woudstra
• Series: New International Commentary on the Old Testament (NICOT)
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 1981
• Pages: 410

About Marten H. Woudstra

Marten H. Woudstra was a professor of Old Testament studies at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A member of the Bible translation committees for The Berkeley Version in Modern English and the New International Version and a past president of the Evangelical Theological Society, he wrote several scholarly books and numerous articles on the Old Testament.