Abstract
The interpretive difficulties of Joshua 2 lead some scholars to conclude that ch. 2 is a textual interpolation. Additionally, close literary readings of Joshua 2 often fail to explore adequately how Joshua 2 fits within the larger narrative. Close attention to the poetics of Joshua 2 and its place in the structure of chs. 1-12 reveals three levels of theological critique within the text: Joshua 2 represents a false start in Joshua’s overall successful career; it presents Rahab positively, since she seeks covenantal inclusion into Israel; and the primary focus is an extremely positive evaluation of God as a sovereign and gracious divine warrior. Thus, ch. 2 fits into the larger context in that it affirms God’s commitments from ch. 1, which are the foundation for the conquest described in the subsequent narrative.
Keywords
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.