Inheriting the Land: A Commentary on the Book of Joshua
Overview
In keeping with the international character of the series, E. John Hamlin’s commentary on Joshua pays more than usual attention to the fulfillment of the third part of God’s promise to Abraham, “By you all the nations of the earth shall bless themselves,” as well as to the roles played by non-Israelites such as Rahab and the Gibeonites. Hamlin also takes full account of issues such as war and liberation, land distribution and management, and personal fulfillment.
Among the important theological insights revealed in this commentary are God’s faithfulness to his oppressed people, the importance of land to the covenantal idea, the establishment of a new society based on justice, freedom, and loyalty and secured through covenant teaching and covenant bonding, and kingdom struggles leading to kingdom victory and pointing to God’s final victory.
Top Highlights
“Yahweh speaks directly to Joshua in particular situations for which the Mosaic teaching was not sufficient” (Page 13)
“The Joshua story is remembered, condensed, and structured history.” (Page xiv)
“According to Jewish legend, she married Joshua and was the mother of priests and prophets in Israel.” (Page 16)
“The Hebrew word torah (RSV ‘law’) has the basic meaning of guidance, instruction, teaching. In” (Page 6)
“The mouth is for eating. God’s Teaching is to be ‘chewed,’ ‘swallowed,’ and ‘digested’ so that it becomes part of the person’s very self in thought and action. (2) The mouth is also for speaking. The one who has received God’s Teaching in his mouth must also teach, warn, and encourage others (Josh. 8:34–35; cf. Jer. 1:9; 15:6; Ezek. 2:8–3:3).” (Page 6)