Joshua. A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture

Joshua. A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture. By Adolph L. Harstad. Concordia Commentary Series. St. Louis: Concordia, 2004, xxxii + 906 pp., $42.99.

Adolph Harstad has written a massive commentary on the book of Joshua in the Concordia Commentary series. The goal of the series is to provide an aid to those who are engaged in communicating God's word, especially from a Lutheran perspective, with an emphasis upon fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Several pictures (icons) appear in margins to identify repeated areas of discussion (e.g. baptism, eschatology).

Harstad's discussion of Joshua follows the book's emphasis on conquest, occupation, and final challenges with a four-point outline that divides the initial chapters into preparation (Josh 1:1-5:12) and conquest (Josh 5:13-12:24). After a brief introduction each section provides a translation, notes on the text, and commentary. Interspersed are several excursuses on key topics. While most of these are expected (e.g. warfare, covenant), some are unusual (e.g. Hebrew verbs in the border descriptions).

The author emphasizes the importance of biblical inspiration and the study of the text. He shows a keen awareness of text-critical matters, but there is little interest in historical-critical issues, since for him they detract from the content. Brief mentions of "negative" criticism (mostly redaction criticism) are made, but there is no discussion of related issues. There is also an obvious silence on current trends (e.g. feminism, ethnic theology, etc.).

In addition, there is no real discussion of history, historiography, or the exegesis of historical narrative. And while some rhetorical features are noted, this is not a key feature of the commentary. So, for example, the discussion of Rahab (pp. 112-20) concentrates on Joshua's wisdom in sending out spies, Rahab's occupation and lies (lesser deceptions and marks of faith since they were against her fellow Canaanites), and her faith in light of the NT. Granted, her faith in the Lord is central, but greater sensitivity to literary development would enhance one's understanding of the theological message. Joshua and the spies open and close the narrative, but it centers on Rahab. She rescues the spies, makes them swear the oath, and directs the king's men. Indeed, such narrative clues enhance the theological message.

A great strength of this work is the copious notes on each verse. Lexical references abound, and the constant link with reference grammars (Waltke and O'Connor, Joüon, Williams) is very helpful. In light of the increasing availability of electronic resources, the parsing of each verb (especially at the beginning) and the statistical enumeration of word occurrences (OT and Joshua) seem extravagant. Quite helpful are the frequent references to Qumran and the lxx.

Another strength of the work is the author's sensitivity to geography. Harstad notes the significance, name, and location (where known) of places in Joshua, acknowledging his dependence upon Aharoni and others. With more significant places the summary of geography quickly moves toward its metaphorical use in Scripture. Harstad, for example, appears to endorse the allegorical concept of Israel's crossing Jordan as picturing entrance into heaven (pp. 161-63), while rolling away the reproach at Gilgal "anticipates" forgiveness (rolling away of sin) at Golgotha (p. 237).

Less emphasis is placed on the ANE environment or customs. More obvious links are noted (Amarna letters, Egyptian campaigns), but few are expanded. Reference to Egyptian or Assyrian art is given for the custom of placing the foot on the neck (Josh 10:24), but there is little amplification of the custom, and no references are provided.

Harstad, who is conversant with archaeology, provides brief notes about key places such as Ai, Hazor, and Jericho (pp. 301-2, 121-22, 451). The long controversy over Jericho's occupation is summarized with reference to Bryant Wood's assessment of Kenyon's work (p. 122). With Ai, the possibility of site misidentification is raised in light of the suggestions of other scholars (Hoerth, Livingston, and Wood, p. 302), while Israel's destruction of Hazor is linked with Late Bronze destruction levels (p. 451).

Perhaps the greatest problem with the book is its movement between the OT and the NT. Harstad decries spiritualizing the text and an allegorical method, but does not clearly explain his own method. So he sees a "typological" correspondence between Joshua and Jesus (the new Joshua), while city burning "prefigures" coming eternal fire (p. 28). Stepping on the necks of enemies "points to" Christ's crushing Satan's head (p. 30) and excommunication in the NT "corresponds to" the OT death penalty (p. 104). The ark "portends" the incarnation (p. 155), and legislation about the cities of refuge "anticipates" the atonement of Christ, while the Christian church "compares" to a city of refuge (p. 635). Such comments do support the Christological emphasis of the series, but ultimately confuse believers who are seeking a clear hermeneutic for applying the text.