Joshua (The New American Commentary | NAC)

by David M. Howard Jr.

Publisher:

B&H

, 1998

Overview

Since a commentary is a fundamental tool for the expositor or teacher who seeks to interpret and apply Scripture in the church or classroom, the NAC focuses on communicating the theological structure and content of each biblical book. The writers seek to illuminate both the historical meaning and contemporary significance of Holy Scripture.

In its attempt to make a unique contribution to the Christian community, the NAC focuses on two concerns. First, the commentary emphasizes how each section of a book fits together so that the reader becomes aware of the theological unity of each book and of Scripture as a whole. The writers, however, remain aware of the Bible’s inherently rich variety. Second, the NAC is produced with the conviction that the Bible primarily belongs to the church. We believe that scholarship and the academy provide an indispensable foundation for biblical understanding and the service of Christ, but the editors and authors of this series have attempted to communicate the findings of their research in a manner that will build up the whole body of Christ. Thus, the commentary concentrates on theological exegesis, while providing practical, applicable exposition.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The land of Shinar is mentioned in Gen 11:2 as the place where men built the Tower of Babel (i.e., the ‘Tower of Babylon’).” (Page 197)

“Thus, in the Old Testament ‘prosperity’ is not financial in its primary orientation, if at all. Rather, it refers to succeeding in proper endeavors. Also, it comes only when it is not the focus of one’s efforts in any case. It comes when one’s focus is on God and one’s relationship with him. The success is granted by God, not attained by human achievement.” (Page 90)

“The word tāmîm connotes the idea of wholeness, blamelessness, integrity, even ‘perfection,’ and thus Joshua’s exhortation is a passionate one that the people should be totally devoted—blameless—in their worship of their God.” (Page 435)

“Thus, when we read these words coming from Rahab’s mouth, we cannot escape the implications: she was doing far more than merely trying to save her skin or that of her family. She was acknowledging that this God she had heard about was the one and only true God, the only one—out of dozens that she as a good Canaanite knew about—who was worthy of worship and allegiance.” (Page 104)

“the key to success for Joshua was that he was to be immersed in God’s word (vv. 7–8).” (Page 70)

Product Details

• Title: Joshua
• Author: David M. Howard Jr.
• Series: New American Commentary
• Volume: 5
• Publisher: B&H
• Print Publication Date: 1998
• Logos Release Date: 2000
• Pages: 449
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. Joshua › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9781430086185, 9781433672613, 1433672618, 1430086181
• Resource ID: LLS:29.11.3
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-10-09T17:42:56Z

About David M. Howard Jr.

DAVID M. HOWARD Jr. (B.S., Geneva College; M.A., Wheaton College; A.M., Ph.D., The University of Michigan), is professor of Old Testament at Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is the author of four books, including An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books, What Makes a Missionary, and The Structure of Psalms 93-100, as well as several dozen articles in scholarly journals and Bible encyclopedias. He resides in Shoreview, Minnesota.