315 THE CENTURY OF JOSHUA Moses’ mission had ended on Mt. Nebo. As we saw in the Book of Deuter- onomy, Moses had been called by God to guide the people and to make them “go up” from slavery in Egypt to the doors of the Promised Land. The people had arrived there, at the very edge of that land that God had given them as their heritage and at that moment, it was Josh- ua, the fi rst Jesus (since in Hebrew Josh- ua and Jesus spelling) who was going to take the people into the Promised Land.

A People of Immigrants To speak of a people may be going

too far. In fact, they were no more than JOS a few clans who had been led by Moses through the desert and who had no doubt grown by incorporating the new ele- ments that they had encountered in the sacred place of Kadesh-barnea. How- ever few these nomads now entrusted to Joshua, may have been, they were bring- ing with them such a rich experience, that after joining the other tribes that had not abandoned Palestine, they were to transform that experience into the spiritual heritage of everyone. In the presence of the Canaanites who were living in cities and cultivating the lands surrounding them, these nomads became gradually aware of their original- ity and their identity. The One who had revealed himself to Moses at Sinai and who had multiplied his marvels for the fugitives from Egypt. Yahweh–God made a Covenant with these nomadic people, with these tribes of Bedouins. Yahweh God gave them his law and his promise at the same time. From that moment on, they would be the people that God chose for himself and he would be their God. It was during that period of Joshua and the Judges that the people of Israel would really be established. However, even though they must have felt blessed by Yahweh, these nomads must have felt admiration for the Canaanites among whom they were living. His- torians tell us that this period of the second millennium before Christ was the most prestigious period of the history of Palestine at the cultural level. Compared to the Canaanite cities with their fortifi cations, their temples and their palaces with cof- fered cedar ceilings decorated with marble inlays, these nomads seemed to have a very poor standard of living. The same contrast was found at the religious level: the Canaanites of the cities had countless celebrations, feasts and rituals in full view of the Bedouins who did not even have a temple. JOSHUA 316 The temptation was great and the Books of Joshua and Judges as well as the Books of Samuel and Kings would constantly show us how easily the Israelites let themselves be carried away. Attracted by that brilliant civilization, they abandoned their own customs and their faith at the same time, to adopt the rites of the inhab- itants of the country. During this entire period of the kings, the prophets would never stop reminding the people of the demands of the Covenant and of fi delity in Yahweh.

The Truth about the Conquest A people seduced by Canaanite culture, men of God who resisted and proclaimed the call to fi delity, such was the permanent confl ict that the texts of the Scripture present to us with regard to this period. The Book of Joshua seems to present a sys- tematic conquest of the country carried out by Joshua as the head of the tribes but in reality, things must have happened in a very different way. City people and nomads were very different and the fact that they were forced to live together on the same territory did not prevent confl icts. At times, the Canaan- ites won and at times, the nomads did. However, little by little, the tribes began to impose their own law on the early inhabitants of the country and in Saul’s days, the nomads of former times who had become city people as the years went by, had seized power in the country. First, David and then, Solomon were to confi rm this situation. Active minorities are the ones who make up history. When we speak of the Church and of its impact in the world, oftentimes we are only dealing with a minority of believers. The groups of prophets, who several centuries after Joshua, compiled the traditions and the documents on the conquest, did not claim to give us an exact and complete history of that conquest. We should not allow ourselves to be deceived by the triumphant aspect of these accounts in which all of Israel obtains victories with Joshua: the Book of Joshua relates small things that made up a great history.

THE BOOK OF JOSHUA AND ITS AUTHORS When the book was written, the history of Joshua was lost in a past whose many details had already been forgotten. However, a few images and memories were suffi cient to illustrate the vocation of the people of God and the meaning of their adventures. Joshua inaugurates the series of books that the Hebrew Bible calls the Early Prophets, meaning by this tile that these historical books tell us about a history that started long before the prophets. However, these books were conceived and written in the prophets’ groups. The entire series that takes us from Joshua to the Books of the Kings actually forms a unit with a refl ection on Deuteronomy. Today, we usu- ally speak of Deuteronomic history to refer to this series. For the most part, the Book of Joshua was written in the last days of the king- dom of Judah. Thus, the idea that the land of Palestine was God’s great gift to this people and the sign of his Covenant, was an invitation to fi nd in the past a corre- spondence between the conquests and fi delity to the Covenant, between infi delity and failure. 317 JOSHUA The author was familiar with the days of Joshua, by way of many sources: oral traditions (no doubt very distorted due to the 500 years that had elapsed) (and docu- ments that may have been kept in Israel’s ancient Sanctuaries (like the one in Gilgal and documents) going back to the days of the monarchy, concerning the offi cial land registry of the tribes. The book must have been modifi ed at the time of the Babylonian Exile. This was the time when priests intervened and imposed another interpretation in many passages. At the same time, they emphasized the liturgical aspect of important events. JOS JOSHUA 1 318 First Part (1:1—12:24): THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN

I will be with you law and meditate on it day and night • 1 After the death of Moses, Yah- that you may truly do what it says. So 1 weh spoke to Joshua, the son of shall your plans be fulfi lled and you Nun and the minister of Moses, and shall succeed in everything. 9 It is I 2 Dt 34 said to him: “My servant Moses is who command you; be strong, then, dead; therefore, the hour has come and be valiant. Do not tremble or be for you to cross the Jordan River, and afraid, because Yahweh, your God, is all the people shall go with you to the with you wherever you go.” land which I give to the sons of Israel. 10 Joshua ordered the secretaries of the 3 Dt I give you all the places where you people: 11 “Pass through the camp and give 11:24 set your feet, as I promised Moses. this command: ‘Store up enough food for, 4 Your frontiers will extend from the in three days’ time, you shall cross the mountain of Lebanon in the north, to Jordan and enter the land which Yahweh, the desert in the south, as far as the your God, will give you.’” 12 great Euphrates in the east and the To the people of the tribes of Reu- ben and Gad and to half of the tribe of 13 Great Sea in the west. Ma nasseh, Joshua said, “Remember the Num 32 5 3:12 As long as you live, no one will command of Moses, the servant of Yah- be able to stand against you. I will be weh; Yahweh has provided you with a with you as I was with Moses. I will not place of rest and has given you all this leave you or abandon you. 6 Be val- region. 14 The women and children, as well as the livestock, shall remain on this side iant and have courage for I will give of the Jordan, in the region which Moses this people the land I swore to their gave you; but you who are valiant shall fathers I would give them. 7 Therefore, cross over, armed, ahead of your brothers be brave and faithfully fulfi ll the whole and shall help them 15 until Yahweh gives law which Moses, my servant, gave them rest, as he has given you, that they you. Do not turn aside from it either may also conquer the land which Yahweh, our God, gives them. So you shall return to to the right or to the left, and you shall the region which Moses gave us and take succeed wherever you go. possession of that land at the east of the 8 Dt Constantly read the book of this Jordan.” 17:19

• 1.1 The hero of the Book is Joshua, son I give you all the places where you set your of Nun, who succeeded Moses (Dt 34:9). The feet (v. 3). In this way we ought to expect God’s conquest of the Promised Land is narrated here benefi ts. He does not do the work for us; instead, as if Joshua had directed everything. In this way he sees to it that we make the necessary effort. the image of a savior is enhanced (“Joshua,” The land which Yahweh gives to the Israelites like “Jesus,” means Yahweh-saves) who leads will belong to them once they conquer it. the people of God into their land and to their Sometimes religious people have the reputa- rest. Joshua prefi gures Jesus, as we are told in tion of being unconcerned about social prob- the Letter to the Hebrews (4:8). The phrase lems, and of not committing themselves to tasks Yahweh spoke to Joshua should not be taken involving the common good. It is true that the literally. This merely means that, in taking such Gospel does not speak of earthly conquests, but an initiative, Joshua fulfi lled Yahweh’s plan. biblical history shows that the Gospel could not Like all the prophets seen later in Israel, Joshua have been understood deeply except by people appears here as the “servant of Yahweh” who who had fought to conquer their land and to day and night ponders his word (Ps 1:2). The forge their own identity, so as later to create fi rst biblical image that will come to the mind of their own culture. The Church knows by expe- the primitive Christian community when speak- rience that evangelization cannot be divorced ing of Jesus will be that of the “holy servant of from human development. God” (Acts 3:13; 3:26; 4:27; 4:30). 319 JOSHUA 2 16 They answered Joshua: “We will do ryone has lost courage because of you, for all you have commanded us and go wher- Yahweh, your God, is God in heaven above ever you send us. Just as we have obeyed as he is on earth below. Moses, so shall we obey you in the same 12 Now then, swear to me by Yahweh that way. 17 May Yahweh, your God, be with you just as I have been faithful to you, so shall as he was with Moses. 18 He who contra- you be towards my family, 13 and respect dicts your words and disobeys your orders the life of my father, mother, brothers and shall die. But be valiant and courageous.” sisters, and all that belong to them.” 14 The men answered: “Provided that The history of Rahab you do not reveal our talk, then we will pay 1 Heb • Joshua sent two spies secretly from back life for life when Yahweh hands over 11:31; Jas 2:25; 2 Shittim with the following order “Go to us this land, and we will deal generously Mt 1:5 and look over the land well, especially the and faithfully with you.” 15 city of Jericho.” Then she let them down by a rope Acts The spies went and as soon as they through the window, since her house was 9:25 came to Jericho, they went to the house of built into the city wall. 16 But she said to the prostitute named Rahab. 2 But some- them: “Go through the mountains so that one told the king of Jericho: “Some Isra- you do not meet those who pursue you. elites have entered here tonight to spy on Remain in hiding for three days, until they us.” 3 So the king of Jericho sent word to return, and then you may go your way.” Rahab: “Send those men out of your house 17 They answered: “See how we shall ful- 18 because they came to spy on the land.” fi ll our oath. When we enter this land, tie JOS 4 But the woman had hidden them, so she this scarlet cord as a sign on the window said: “It is true; they came to my house but through which we have escaped. Bring I did not know where they came from. 5 And into your house your father, mother, broth- at nightfall, shortly before the city gates ers and sisters, and all your relatives. 19 If were to be closed, they went out. I do not any of them leaves the house, he shall be know where they went, but hurry and you the one responsible for his death, and the will surely overtake them.” 6 The woman guilt will not be ours. But if anyone who had hidden them on the roof of the house, is with you is killed, then may the punish- under the stalks of fl ax which she kept there. ment for his death come upon us. 20 How- 7 The pursuers went to search for them ever, be careful not to reveal our plan. If by the road leading to the valley of the Jor- you do, then we are freed from the oath we dan, and as they went out, the city gates have sworn.” 21 Rahab said to them: “So be were closed. it.” And after she had sent them off, she 8 Then the woman went up to where she tied the scarlet cord to the window. had hidden the spies of Joshua, 9 and she 22 The men went into the mountains and said to them: “I know that Yahweh, your hid there for three days, until their pursuers God, has given this land to you; we are had returned. These men had searched in frightened and the inhabitants of the land vain for them everywhere. 23 Then the two tremble before you. 10 We know how Yah- spies came down again from the moun- weh dried up the waters of the Red Sea to tains and, crossing the Jordan River, came let you cross when you came out of Egypt. to Joshua, son of Nun, and gave him an We know what you did to the two kings of account of their mission and everything the Amorites who lived at the other side of that had happened. 24 They said to Joshua: the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you “Yahweh has given all this land into our destroyed by anathema. hands; their inhabitants already tremble 11 The news has frightened us, and eve- before us.”

• 2.1 A prostitute receives Joshua’s spies. This minor incident has symbolic value. The They, in turn, promise to spare her life and that author of the book places on the lips of Rahab of her entire household. The huge walls of Jer- a profession of faith in Yahweh, the living God, icho had been destroyed a century earlier but who will entrust the country to the Hebrew peo- new inhabitants had settled inside without both- ple. Because of this faith, Rahab will be saved. ering to repair them. We may imagine all these Jewish tradition recognizes her as an ances- people assembled together in a house which tress of king David, and the Gospel mentions was built from the debris of the same walls. her name in the genealogy of Jesus (Mt 1:5). JOSHUA 3 320 Crossing the Jordan to the priests who carry the Ark of the Cov- • 1 Early in the morning, Joshua enant: As soon as you come to the banks 3 of the Jordan, stand still in the river.” rose and set out from Shittim with 9 And Joshua said to the Israelites: “Come all the people of Israel and came to the nearer and listen to the words of Yahweh, Jordan River. There they encamped our God. 10 Do you want a sign that Yah- while waiting to cross the river. weh, the living God, is in your midst, he 2 After three days, the offi cers went who drives away before you the Canaan- 3 ites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, as well as around the camp and ordered the the Girgashites, Jebusites and Amorites? Israelites: “When you see the Ark 11 See, the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord of the Covenant of Yahweh go by, of all the earth is going to cross the Jordan carried by the priests from the tribe before you. 12 Now, choose twelve men from the twelve tribes of Israel, one from of Levi, then you shall set out from 13 4 each tribe. When the priests who carry your camp and follow it, that you the Ark of the Lord of all the earth put their may know the way you shall go. feet into the water of the Jordan, the water Because you have never been that coming from upstream shall stop fl owing way before. But you shall follow it at and stand in one single mass.” a distance of a thousand meters. Do not go near it.” 14 When the people set out from their 5 19:10 Joshua said to the Israelites: “Puri- camp to cross the Jordan, the priests fy yourselves, for tomorrow Yahweh who carried the Ark of the Covenant will be in your midst doing wonders.” went before them. 15 There was much 6 And Joshua ordered the priests: “Take water in the Jordan, for it was over- the Ark of the Covenant and cross the fl owing its banks at this time of the river at the head of the people.” barley harvest. Nevertheless, when those who carried the Ark went down 7 Then Yahweh said to Joshua: “Today I will begin to make you great in the eyes to the river and their feet touched of Israel and they shall know that I am with the edge of the water, the water from you as I was with Moses. 8 Give this order upstream stopped fl owing.

• 3.1 The Jordan has not always been the go down into the water of the Jordan to open boundary of Israel: according to its victories or the gates of the Promised Land. This crossing defeats Israel possessed the land to the east of is, together with that of the Reed Sea, the bap- the Jordan or lost that in the west. Neverthe- tism of the people of God. Reading this narra- less the Jordan has always been recognized as tive, we understand that this book is not a mili- the border of the Promised Land of the people tary record of Joshua’s conquest; it is a liturgical of God. Consequently we see how the tribes of book in which we see God at work: he grants or Reuben and Gad, already settled to the east of withdraws his blessings according to the fi del- the river, are constrained by Moses, and later ity or infi delity of his people. At the end of the by Joshua to cross the river with their families: book, we see his people invited to make a sol- only on this condition will they be recognized emn profession of faith (Jos 24). Each time that as true heirs of the Promised Land. That is why the Church invites us, like Joshua, to renew our the passage of the Jordan led by Joshua has had profession of faith, whether at baptism or the such importance in both Jewish and Christian paschal vigil, we are taking part in a long estab- traditions. lished Christian tradition. In this crossing as in that of the Red Sea, God The water stood still, forming something like alone has the major role. It is at the moment a dam (v. 16). In 1267 a landslide took place that the bearers of the Ark, on which rests the in the Jordan valley much higher than Jericho, glory of Yahweh, touches the river, that it ceas- leaving the riverbed dry until a current washed es to fl ow. When the bearers go up from the out the obstacle a few hours later. A similar river, the water begins to fl ow again. phenomenon could have allowed Joshua and God, resting on his Ark, opens and closes the his people to enter the Promised Land dry foot gate of the Promised Land (Rev 3:7). Likewise after crossing the riverbed. The miracle lies in Jesus, the new Ark of the Covenant, in whom the fact that the event happens at the moment resides the fullness of the divinity (Col 2:9), will when Joshua and his followers are waiting for 321 JOSHUA 4 16 The water stood still, forming the priests who carried the Ark of the Cov- something like a dam very far from enant stood. They are still there to this day. 10 The priests who carried the Ark stood in that place, near Adam, the neighbor- the middle of the Jordan until Joshua fi n- ing city of Zarethan. The water fl owing ished saying everything that Yahweh had down to the Dead Sea was complete- ordered him. 11 Then when all the people ly cut off, and so the people could had fi nished crossing the river, the Ark cross opposite Jericho. 17 The priests also crossed, and the priests walked at the who carried the Ark of the Covenant head of the people again. 12 The men from the tribes of Reuben, remained in the middle of the river Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh went which dried up, until all the Israelites ahead armed, as Moses had ordered them to had crossed the Jordan. do. 13 They were about forty thousand, well- armed, and they marched before Yahweh, 1 Once the whole nation had crossed, ready for battle, to the plains of Jericho. 4 2 Yahweh said to Joshua: “Choose twelve 14 On that day, Yahweh exalted Josh- men, one from each tribe, 3 and give them ua before all Israel, and henceforth they the following order: Take twelve stones respected him all the days of his life as from the riverbed of the Jordan, from the they had done with Moses. very place where the priests stood still. 15 Yahweh said to Joshua: 16 “Com- Bring them with you and put them where mand the priests who carry the Ark of the

you will encamp tonight.” Covenant to come up from the Jordan.” JOS 4 Joshua then called the twelve men he 17 Joshua, therefore, ordered them to come had chosen from the twelve tribes of Israel up from the river. 18 And when these priests 5 and ordered them: “Walk to the Ark, up who carried the Ark of the Covenant of to the middle of the Jordan and take from Yahweh came up from the middle of the there a stone for each tribe and carry it upon Jordan, when their feet touched the banks, 6 4:21-24; your shoulder. They will remain with you the waters of the Jordan returned as abun- 12:26; Dt 6:20 as a sign of what happened, so that when dantly as on previous days and overfl owed your children ask you in the future: What its banks. do these stones mean for you? 7 you may 19 It was on the tenth day of the fi rst answer: When the Ark of Yahweh crossed month when the people came up out of the Jordan, the water parted before it. So the Jordan and encamped in Gilgal, on the these stones shall serve as a memorial to eastern border of Jericho. 20 There in Gil- the Israelites forever.” gal, Joshua set up the twelve stones taken 8 The Israelites carried out Joshua’s or - from the riverbed of the Jordan. 21 der and picked up twelve stones from the Then Joshua said to the Israelites: 4:6-7 riverbed of the Jordan, one for each tribe, “When your children ask you in the future just as Yahweh had ordered Joshua. They what these stones mean, 22 then you shall brought these to the place where they tell them that the people of Israel crossed encamped and placed them there. the Jordan without getting their feet wet, 9 Joshua piled up twelve stones on the 23 for Yahweh, our God, dried up the waters 14:21 riverbed of the Jordan, at the spot where of the Jordan before us just as he did to

Yahweh to open a passage for them. God often to Gilgal after each victory before the Canaanite uses natural causes to keep a seemingly impos- forces can regroup. sible promise. It is evident that several accounts which are What do these stones mean for you? (4:6) not entirely in accord with one another are What is the meaning of such a monument, of combined here. Did they put twelve stones in such a feast? Each time, this was answered by the camp (cf. 4:3), or did they put them on the narrating some event in which Yahweh had riverbed of the Jordan (4:9)? It really does not helped his people. In Israel the faith was taught matter. At best, these stones were already near through similar questions. The Israelites did not Gilgal even before Joshua and the Israelites have much knowledge of religion; yet every arrived; this was a sanctuary devoted to pagan place in their land reminded them that God was cult. But after the conquest, the priests wanted the savior of his people. to give them a religious meaning in consonance Joshua pitches his camp in Gilgal from where with their faith, as we saw in Exodus 12:15. he organizes his assaults, and he returns wisely JOSHUA 4 322 the Red Sea which he also dried up before 10 The Israelites encamped in Gilgal us to let us cross. 24 He did this so that the where they celebrated the Passover on the people of this land may know the power of evening of the fourteenth day of the month Yahweh, our God, and that you yourselves in the plains of Jericho. 11 On the follow- may fear him forever.” ing day, they ate of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain The Israelites are circumcised at Gilgal on that very day. 12 And from that day on • 1 The kings of the Amorites on the when they ate of the produce of the land, 5 west of the Jordan and all the kings of the manna ceased. the Canaanites who lived in the neighbor- There was no more manna for the Isra- ing lands of the Mediterranean Sea came elites, and that year they ate of the fruit of to know how Yahweh dried up the bed of the land of Canaan. 13 the Jordan for the Israelites to cross. So When Joshua was near Jericho, he lift- Num they lost their courage and spirit to face ed up his eyes and saw before him a man 22:22 the Israelites. with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua 2 Gen At that time, Yahweh said to Joshua: approached him and said: “Are you for us 17:10 14 “Make fl int knives and celebrate a new cir- or for our enemies?” And he answered: 23:20; 3 Dn 12:1; cumcision for the sons of Israel.” Joshua “No, I have come as the commander of Rev obeyed the order of Yahweh and circum- the army of Yahweh.” Joshua lay prostrate 19:11 cised the Israelites at a place called the Hill on the ground, worshiped him and said: of the Foreskins. “What does my Lord ask of his servant?” 15 4 This is the reason why Joshua did this The commander of the army of Yahweh 3:5 second circumcision: all the men of Israel said to him: “Take off your sandals from who left Egypt were circumcised, but they your feet; the place where you stand is died during their journey in the desert. holy.” And Joshua did so. 5 But all those born in the desert were not 6 Num circumcised. For the Israelites walked in The conquest of Jericho 32:13 the desert for forty years until the whole • 1 The inhabitants of Jericho had nation died—the whole generation who did 6 not obey Yahweh. For Yahweh had sworn closed the city and had fastened that they would not enter the land fl owing their bolts so that the Israelites could with milk and honey which he promised to not enter. No one came in and no their ancestors. 7 But it was their children, one went out. 2 But Yahweh said to whom Joshua circumcised. Joshua: “I will give you the city, its 8 After circumcising all, they rested in king and all its men of war. 3 For this, the camp until they were healed. 9 Then Yahweh said to Joshua: “Today I have re - you shall have to go around the city moved from you the shame of Egypt.” So once every day for six days. 4 Seven the place is called Gilgal up to this day. priests shall go before the Ark bear-

• 5.1 At their fi rst encampment, Joshua’s situation. This text goes even further: the time men celebrated their fi rst religious cult perform- of the journey, the time of the march towards ing circumcision (see Gen 17:10). In Israel, this the Promised Land is over; the people have was the sign of one’s entrance into the religious entered this land. The manna, nourishment for community. In order to insist on this obligation, the journey, no longer falls and the people sat- the book notes that, upon entering the Holy isfy their hunger with the fruit of the country. So Land, all the men were circumcised. it will be at the end of time when all humanity On the following day, they ate of the pro- will have reached the Father and his kingdom, duce of the land (v. 11). See commentary on no longer will the Church give people bread for Exodus 16 for the explanations concerning the the journey—what they will have is the eternal manna and legends about it. presence of God. Then begins a new era. Up to this time, the religion of the Israelites had been that of a • 6.1 With the capture of Jericho, the con- nomadic people. Now begins a deep crisis which quest begins. Jericho is made “anathema,” i.e., will last until king David’s time, with the Israel- set apart for God. The people renounce all ites trying to adapt themselves to their new situ- booty, entrust the spoils to Yahweh’s treasury ation as farmers and city-dwellers and gradually and kill all living beings instead of taking pos- evolving a kind of religion suitable for this new session of the animals and reducing the inhab- 323 JOSHUA 6 ing the seven trumpets used in the nor let even a single word be heard, until time of the Jubilee. On the seventh the day comes when I say: Shout and cry out!” day, they shall march around the city 11 5 That day he had the Ark of Yahweh seven times, and when they blow the carried around the city once, then all re- horn, all the people shall come up to turned to the camp where they spent attack, shouting their battle cry. At the night. 12 On the following day, Josh- that moment, the walls of the city will ua rose early in the morning 13 and the fall and everyone shall enter straight priests took the Ark and those who blew ahead of him.” the seven trumpets again went before the Ark. The vanguard went before them and 6 Joshua, son of Nun, called the priests the rest followed the Ark while the trum- and said to them: “You shall carry the Ark pets blew. of the Covenant; seven priests shall go ahead with the trumpets they use for the 14 So they did the next day, and for Jubilee.” 7 Then Joshua said to the people: six days they marched once a day “You shall march around the city and the around the city and then returned vanguard of the army shall go before the 15 Ark of Yahweh.” to the camp. On the seventh day, 8 When Joshua fi nished speaking, the the Israelites rose early at dawn and priests began to blow the seven trum- marched around Jericho in the same pets they used to blow on the Feast of way as on the previous days. But JOS the Jubilee, and they went before the Ark on that day, they did it seven times. 9 of Yahweh. The vanguard of the people 16 At the seventh time, as the priests went before the priests, and the rest of the people came after the Ark. 10 The trum- blew the trumpets, Joshua ordered pets blew continually. Joshua had given the people: “Shout your battle cry for this order: “Do not shout or utter anything, Yahweh has given you the city! itants to slavery. This same word “anathema” neighbors with whom they tried to be at peace. will eventually be used to refer to someone who Hence, the accounts of past victories and mas- bears the curse of God (see Rom 9:3). This was sacres were amplifi ed (compare 2 S 12:31 writ- a practice among a number of peoples. By de - ten by contemporaries of the events, and 1 Chr stroying everything Canaanite, Israel safeguard- 20:2, written four centuries later). The author ed itself from adopting the culture and material- wanted to show his contemporaries that they ism of the Canaanites. had nothing to fear, since God was with them. Sometimes the modern reader is scandalized: By imaginatively amplifying the massacres of how could God order such a war? And how Canaanites in times past, he wanted to say to could Joshua think of pleasing God by order- his compatriots: do not follow any pagan prac- ing the killing of all the inhabitants including tices, but preserve the holy germ of Israel’s faith. babies? Using these bloody examples, the Scripture gives us a lesson: since the people of God had One should bear in mind when this conquest a unique hope for the world, no sacrifi ce would took place and when the book was written. be too big to keep it intact. The Gospel is no The conquest took place in the thirteenth less sharp than the sword of Joshua, it is no less century B.C. It is diffi cult for us to understand indulgent against our idols and our fears, even the mentality of such ancient times. In Canaan, when it refuses the violence and, of course, the babies were burned as an offering to the pagan fanaticism of these primitive times. gods. In Assyria, prisoners were skinned alive. In like manner then, when we read: Yah- Israel conquered Palestine by force like any weh ordered Joshua the anathema (v. 21), we nomadic people in the world. God was begin- should not think this was a special intervention ning to instruct his people. To start with, he of God (see commentary on Gen 16). These could not expect that they had already been words only mean that Joshua decided to declare educated. The bloody victories were a step on and implement the anathema, and in so doing the way to the shaping of a national conscience. preserved Israel’s faith from idolatry, a situation In this sense, we cannot, in the name of peace, even more contradictory to God’s plans. But despise heroes of past wars. they did this as a people who did not yet know Moreover, the present book was written in the value of human life. the seventh century B.C., in the small kingdom It is diffi cult to know really what is true in of Judah, which was surrounded by powerful this story: see footnotes on Joshua 2:1. JOSHUA 6 324 17 The city and all that is in it shall be 27 So Yahweh was with Joshua and given in anathema to Yahweh. Only Rahab made him famous in all the land. the prostitute with all who may be with her in her house shall live, since she hid the The sacrilege of Achan is punished 1 spies we sent. 18 But for your part, be care- • The Israelites did not keep the ana - 6:18 ful not to touch anything, big or small since 7 thema. It happened that Achan, son everything shall be consecrated in anath- of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of ema; do not take anything for yourself lest the tribe of Judah, appropriated for himself the curse be upon the camp of Israel and some of the things consecrated by anathe- 19 Num bring trouble upon it. All the gold, silver, ma, and because of this, the anger of Yah- 31:54 copper and iron are to be consecrated to weh burned against Israel. Yahweh and shall go into the treasury of 2 Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, Yahweh.” which was near Bethaven, east of the city

20 of Bethel. And he said to them: “Go up and Heb The people shouted and the trum- 3 11:30 explore the land.” The spies said to Josh- pets blew. At this precise moment, ua on their return: “It would not be nec- the walls of the city fell. Then every- essary to mobilize the whole army: some one went straight into the city to the two or three thousand men will be enough place before him. to conquer the land. It would be useless to 21 tire the people for that nation is but few in They seized Jericho. And with number.” sword in hand, they killed all the men 4 So about three thousand men attacked and women, both young and old, as Ai but were repulsed by the city’s defend- well as the oxen, sheep and asses, ers. 5 The people of Ai killed thirty-six men and they gave these as anathema or, and pursued them outside the gate as far as Shebarim, defeating them on the slopes. rather, sacrifi ced them to God. Upon seeing this, all the people were dis- 22 Two men had been sent to explore heartened. Jericho, (and upon entering the city, were 6 Then Joshua and all the leaders of hidden by a prostitute). Then Joshua said Israel rent their garments, put ashes on to them: “Go into the house of the prosti- their heads and remained prostrate before tute and bring her out with all her family as the Ark of Yahweh until evening. Joshua 7 you had sworn to her.” lamented: “Alas, Yahweh, why have you 32:11; 23 Num These young men then brought out made this people cross the river Jordan 14:13 the woman named Rahab, her father, her just to give us into the hands of the Amor- mother, her brothers and sisters with all ites who will destroy us? her relatives to safety outside the camp It would have been better for us to of Israel. 24 Afterwards, they burned the remain on the other side of the Jordan. city and all that was in it. They saved only 8 Yahweh, my God, what can I say when I the silver, gold and the vessels of bronze see Israel fl eeing from their enemies? 9 The and iron which they put with the precious Canaanites and all the inhabitants of this things in the Sanctuary of Yahweh. 25 Josh- land will know of this. They will unite to ua saved the prostitute and all her family, surround us and drive us out. And you, and she lived in Israel, because she had what are you going to do for the honor of kept the spies sent by Joshua. your Name?” 26 10 1K Joshua asked the people to pro- Yahweh answered: “Stand up! Why 16:34 nounce this curse: “May Yahweh curse the are you prostrate on the ground? 11 Israel man who rebuilds Jericho. May its founda- sinned and has violated my covenant; tion rise on the body of his eldest son, and Israelites have taken from what was set the gates on that of his youngest son.” apart by anathema and have hidden stolen

• 7.1 All the spoils had been made “anath- thing turned into a curse which clung to his per- ema,” i.e., consecrated to God. Whether they son and to his family. Perhaps this event should were burnt or deposited in the treasury of the make us refl ect on the seriousness of our com- Sanctuary, they were offered to Yahweh. Achan mitment once we have decided to consecrate had robbed God and, in the manner of speak- our time and person to God. ing and thinking of ancient people, the stolen 325 JOSHUA 8 objects with their belongings. 12 So Israel asses and sheep, his tent and all that he cannot face its enemies, but shall fl ee from had. All Israel accompanied him and them, since it has come to be an anath- they brought them to the Valley of Achor. ema. I will not be with you anymore unless 25 There Joshua said to him: “Since you Num 16:32; you remove the curse from your midst. brought us misfortune, may Yahweh bring Dt 24:16 13 Go then, and sanctify the people. Say to this misfortune upon you today.” Then all them: ‘Cleanse yourselves for tomorrow. the people stoned him. 26 And of those that Yahweh, the God of Israel, says to you: were his, some were crushed and others Oh, Israel, the anathema is in your midst were burned. They piled on him a great and you shall not face your enemies until heap of stones that remains to this day. you have removed the anathema from Then the Lord turned from his anger. 14 1S 14:41 you. Therefore in the morning you shall Henceforth the place was called the come near, grouped according to tribes. Valley of Achor. The tribe that Yahweh designates by lot shall present itself by families. And the Joshua conquers Ai family that Yahweh designates shall pres- 1 Then Yahweh said to Joshua: “Do not ent itself by households, and the house- 8 fear or be discouraged. March with all hold by individuals. 15 He who turns out your warriors against the city of Ai. I will to be responsible for this offense shall be give into your hands its king and its peo- burned, together with all his household ple, the city and its territory. 2 You shall goods, for having violated the Covenant deal with Ai as you have dealt with Jericho

of Yahweh and having done a detestable and its king. But you may take possession JOS crime in Israel.” of the plunder and all the animals. So now, 16 Joshua rose early in the morning prepare an ambush behind the city.” and ordered the tribes of Israel to present 3 So Joshua left with all his warriors and themselves. 17 The lot fell on the tribe of went up to Ai. Then he chose thirty thou- Judah. Lots were drawn among the fami- sand valiant warriors, and sent them out lies, and the family of Zerah was left. Lots by night. 4 And he commanded them: “Lie were drawn among the households of this in ambush behind the city. Do not go very family and the household of Zabdi was far and be ready. left. 18 And then lots were drawn among the 5 I and all the people who are with me members of this household which revealed shall close in on the city. But when they that the guilty one was Achan, son of come out against us, as they did before, Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zoreh, of the we shall fl ee from them. 6 Then they shall tribe of Judah. pursue us and go out far from the city, 19 Joshua then said to him: “My son, thinking that we are fl eeing from them as confess the truth before Yahweh, the God before. 7 But then you shall rise from where of Israel, and render him praise. Tell me you are hiding and occupy the city. Yah- what you have done without hiding any- weh, our God, will give it to us. 8 After tak- thing.” 20 Achan answered: “It is true that I ing the city, you shall burn it according to have sinned against Yahweh. This is what what Yahweh has commanded. These are I have done: 21 I saw among the plunder a my orders.” beautiful mantle from Shinar, two hundred 9 So Joshua sent them out and they shekels of silver and a bar of gold weigh- went to the place of ambush, between Be - ing fi fty shekels. I was tempted so I took thel and Ai, to the west of the city, while them. Then I hid them in the ground inside Joshua slept that night in the midst of his my tent with the silver underneath.” people. 22 Joshua then sent some messengers 10 Very early in the morning, Joshua rose who ran to the tent of Achan and found the and mustered his army, and then marched booty inside the tent with the silver under- at the head of the people, accompanied neath. 23 They took all these and presented by the leaders. 11 All the warriors who were them to Joshua and to the people; every- with him went up and marched until they thing was put before Yahweh. reached the front of the city. Then they 24 Then Joshua took Achan together encamped opposite the northern side of with the silver, the mantle and the gold, the city. The valley separated them from his sons as well as his daughters, his oxen, the city. JOSHUA 8 326 12 (Then he took fi ve thousand men the wilderness; they killed them all. Then whom he set in ambush between Bethel they returned to the city and killed all by and Ai, to the west of the city.) the sword. 25 The total of those who fell that 13 The people then set up their camp to the day was twelve thousand. 26 Joshua did not north of the city and their rearguard to the give the order to stop the war until all the west. That night Joshua was in the valley. inhabitants of Ai had been killed in accor- dance with anathema. 27 But the Israel- Battle of Ai ites took for themselves the livestock and 14 When the king of Ai saw the situation, plunder as Yahweh had commanded. he made haste with all his people to attack 28 Joshua burned the city and left it in Israel on the slope opposite the valley of ruins. That place has remained as it was Jordan, without knowing that the Israel- to this day. 29 As for the king of Ai, Joshua ites had prepared an ambush behind the had him hanged on a tree until the sun set. city. 15 Joshua and the Israelites pretend- Then he had his body taken down; they ed that they were being defeated, and so cast it at the entrance of the city and raised fl ed to the road leading to the wilderness. over it a great heap of stones which can be 16 Then all the people of the city began to seen to this day. shout and left to pursue them. 17 No one remained to defend the city, and they left Joshua renews the Covenant in Shechem Dt 30 the city open. • Joshua then built an altar to Yah- 11:29 18 31 Then Yahweh said to Joshua: “Stretch weh, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal. He Dt 27: out toward Ai the javelin you have in your fulfi lled what Moses had commanded the 1-13 hand because I have given you this city.” children of Israel. And according to what is 19 So Joshua did this, and at this sign the written in the book of the law of Moses, the warriors rose out of their places in the altar was made of uncut stones and was ambush and ran to the city. They entered built without the use of an iron tool. On and seized the city, and set it on fi re. this altar, he offered burnt offerings and 20 The men of Ai looked back and saw peace offerings to Yahweh. 32 There in the the smoke of the city rising up to heav- presence of the Israelites he wrote upon en, and at the same time, the Israelites the stones a copy of the law which Moses who were fl eeing turned back upon them. had written. 21 They lost their courage as they were 33 All the people stood on both sides of trapped by the Israelites: 22 for on one side the Ark, with their leaders, secretaries and were Joshua and all the people of Israel, judges. Opposite it were the priests and and on the other, those who had just set the Levites who carried the Ark of Yahweh. the city on fi re. Israelites by birth and aliens were together. The Israelites killed them until none Half the people were in front of Mount Ger- were left to survive or to escape. 23 Only izim and the other half were near Mount the king of Ai was taken alive and they Ebal according to Moses’ commandment brought him to Joshua. for the blessing of Israel. 24 The Israelites killed the inhabitants of 34 Joshua proceeded to read the words Ai who went into the fi elds or who fl ed to of blessing and curse, and all that is writ-

• 8.30 What is the meaning of this Cov- Subsequently, when they settled in Palestine, enant celebrated in Shechem? Scripture pres- they allied themselves with other tribes from ents the ancient history of Israel in a hyperbolic their own race who were already living in the form when it writes that the twelve tribes were midst of the Canaanites. It was then that Israel together in Egypt, that they left together with fi rst became a people of twelve tribes. Among Moses, and that all twelve tribes reached the them, Ephraim and Manasseh were the pre- Promised Land with him. At best, the whole dominant tribes. Later, however, in the south, history of the Exodus is that of a much smaller the tribe of Judah developed. It was formed group who freed themselves with Moses’ leader- from diverse groups particularly the Calebites ship and went through the decisive experience (Jdg 1:12; Num 13:30) and the Kenites (Jdg of an encounter with the Saving God. 1:16). Later, in the oasis of Kadesh, they encoun- Finally, the Covenant at Shechem could have tered other Hebrew groups who had also been been the occasion when all of them accepted the in Egypt and who accepted their faith (see com- faith and the commandments given by Moses. mentary on the map of Exodus). 327 JOSHUA 10 ten in the book of the law. 35 He did not we use have worn out because of the very omit any word from all that was written long journey.” 14 The Israelites shared their by Moses. He read it with a loud voice food with them without having asked Yah- before the assembly of all Israel, including weh what must be done. 15 Joshua made women, children and foreigners who lived a Covenant with them without waiting for among them. any answer from Yahweh. So he as well as the leaders of the community promised to The ruse of the Gibeonites let them live. 1 16 Jdg 1:9 The kings who lived west of the Jor- Three days later, the Israelites learned Dt 9 dan, on the mountain, on the plain and that these people lived near their own ter- 20:10 on the seacoast heard of these events. The ritory. 17 On hearing this, the Israelites set Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, out and entered their cities: Gibeon, Che- Hivites and Jebusites 2 made a pact and phirah, Beeroth and Kiriath-jearim. 18 They came to an agreement to fi ght as one spared their lives because of what the lead- against Joshua and Israel. ers of the people had sworn to them by 3 The inhabitants of Gibeon came to the name of Yahweh. 19 But all the people know what Joshua had done to Jericho and criticized their leaders. Then all the leaders Ai, 4 and decided to deceive the Israelites. said to them: “We have sworn by the name They prepared provisions for themselves, of Yahweh, therefore, we cannot kill them. loaded some worn-out, torn and mended 20 But this we can do: we shall let them live sacks and wineskins on their asses, 5 put so that the anger of Yahweh may not be 21 on worn-out and patched sandals and upon us, but they shall serve by cutting JOS clothes. For their journey, they brought fi rewood and fetching water for the com- some dry bread, broken into pieces. 6 Then munity of Israel.” they went to Joshua, to the camp at Gil- 22 Then Joshua summoned the Gibeo- gal, and said to him: “We come from a far nites and told them about the decision of land to make a pact with you.” the leaders: “Why did you deceive us and 7 The Israelites answered: “Do you live say to us that you come from very far near us? If so, then we cannot make a pact when in fact, you live right in our midst? with you.” 8 They answered Joshua: “We 23 Henceforth, you are cursed and shall are your servants.” And Joshua asked always cut wood and fetch water for the them: “Who are you? Where do you come house of my God.” 24 The Gibeonites an - from?” 9 They answered: “Your servants swered: “We came to know that Yahweh come from a very far country and through had commanded Moses to destroy all the the greatness of Yahweh, your God, we inhabitants of the land he gave you. We came to know of his power and all that were afraid so we opted for this measure. he did in Egypt 10 and with the two kings 25 And now, we are in your hands: do with of the Amorites who reigned in the east- us whatever seems good and just to you.” ern part of the Jordan—Sihon, the king of 26 Joshua fulfi lled his promise and did not Heshbon, and Og, the king of Bashan, who let the Israelites kill them. 27 But from that 2S 21 lived in Ashtaroth. 11 The leaders and the day on, they cut fi rewood and fetched water rest of the inhabitants of our country told for the whole community and for the altar us: ‘Take provisions for a long journey, go of Yahweh in the place he would choose. out to meet them and say to them: We are your servants; may you make a Covenant “The sun stood still” with us.’ 12 Look at our bread which was • 1 Adonizedek king of Jerusalem warm when we took it from our houses to 10 came to know how Joshua had come and meet you, but see how dry it has conquered and leveled Ai, doing to it and become and how it has broken into pieces. its king what he had done to Jericho and its 13 These wineskins that we fi lled up with king. He also knew how the Gibeonites had wine were new, now they are ripped and made peace with the Israelites and were worn-out. The clothes and sandals that living in their midst. 2 He feared greatly, for

• 10.1 The sun of Gibeon has caused enough Some thought that at that moment the sun worry to those who take everything they read in stood still in the sky. Later, when people learned the Scriptures literally. that it is the earth that revolves around the JOSHUA 10 328 Gibeon was a very important city, a royal 15 Then Joshua and all Israel returned to city greater than Ai and its men were very the camp at Gilgal. brave. 16 But the fi ve kings fl ed and hid themselves 3 In view of this, Adonizedek sent for Ho- in a cave at Makkedah. 17 And so it was told ham king of Hebron, for Aram king of Jar- to Joshua: “We have found the fi ve kings. muth, for Japhia king of Lachish and for They are hiding in a cave at Makkedah.” Debir king of Eglon saying: 4 “Come and 18 So Joshua ordered: “Roll great stones help me conquer Gibeon for it has made a against the entrance of the cave and set pact with Joshua and the Israelites.” men to guard it. 19 But do not stay there. 5 So the fi ve kings of the Amorites— Pursue your enemies and fall upon their the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, rear. Do not let them return to their cities Lachish and Eglon—joined forces and set for Yahweh, our God, has placed them in out, each one with troops. They encamped our hands.” opposite Gibeon and surrounded it. 20 Joshua and the Israelites destroyed 6 The Gibeonites sent word to Joshua at and fi nished them off. Only a few survivors the camp in Gilgal: “Do not leave us alone, were left who took refuge in the fortifi ed but come and help us, for all the Amor- cities 21 while all Israel returned unscathed ite kings who live on the mountains have to the camp with Joshua. Henceforth, no united against us.” one dared challenge them. 7 So Joshua left Gilgal that day with all 22 Then Joshua ordered: “Open the en- his valiant warriors. 8 Then Yahweh said trance of the cave, take the fi ve kings out to Joshua: “Do not be afraid because I and bring them to me.” 23 They did this have placed them in your hands and no and brought the fi ve kings before Joshua: one among them will be able to stand up the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Lachish, 9 24 against you.” Joshua marched from Gil- Jarmuth and Eglon. Joshua assembled Ps 110:1 gal, journeying throughout the night and all Israel and said to the captains of the came upon the Amorites by surprise. troops: “Come here and step on the necks 10 Sir Yahweh defeated them. The Israelites of these kings.” 46:4-6; Is 28:21 gained a great victory in Gibeon and pur- So they came near and put their feet on sued the Amorites by the slope of Beth- the necks of the kings. horon up to Azekah and Makkedah. 25 Then Joshua said to them: “Do not be 11 Is 28:17 As they were fl eeing, Yahweh rained afraid or lose courage, be valiant and fi rm, huge hailstones on them and pursued them for Yahweh will do so to all your enemies up to Azekah, and they were killed. There against whom you will fi ght.” 26 were more who died because of the hail- Joshua immediately put them to Dt stones than by the sword of the Israelites. death by hanging them on fi ve trees until 21:22 12 Hb 3:11 On that day when Yahweh gave the evening. 27 At nightfall, they took down the Amorites over to them, Joshua addressed bodies of the kings and threw them into Yahweh and said in the sight of all Israel: the same cave where they had hidden and “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and you, closed it with great stones which remain moon, in the valley of Aijalon.” there to this day. 2S 1:18 13 And the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the people had taken re - Joshua conquers the venge on their enemies: so it is written in southern part of Canaan the Book of the Just, “The sun stood still 28 On that same day Joshua seized Mak- in mid-heaven and did not hasten to set kedah. He slew its king and its inhabitants. 14 2K 20:10 for almost a whole day. There has not And he consecrated it and all that was in been a day like this before or after in which it in anathema to Yahweh, without sparing Yahweh obeyed the order of a man. It was anyone. The king suffered the same fate Yahweh who fought for Israel.” as did the king of Jericho.

sun, they thought the earth must have stopped ture, the “Book of the Just,” and that the poets turning. But this explanation is not acceptable are led by their imagination and do not write in either; for, had the earth suddenly stood still, the manner of historians or scientists. Hence, the resulting momentum would have caused they may have wanted to say that simply it was total destruction. Therefore, we have to remark a great day. that Scripture is citing in this case poetic litera- 329 JOSHUA 11 29 Then Joshua and all Israel went to of Shimron, to the king of Achshaph, 2 to attack Libnah. 30 Yahweh gave the city and the kings in the northern mountains, on its king to the Israelites, and they put to the lowland to the south of Chineroth in the sword all its inhabitants without spar- the plains, and in the heights of Dor on the 3 ing anyone. The king met the same fate as west, to the Canaanites in the east and Dt 7:1 the king of Jericho. 31 From Libnah Josh- the west, to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizz- ua went to Lachish, laid siege to it and ites and Jebusites in the mountains, and attacked it. 32 Yahweh also gave them this the Hivites at the foot of Mount Hermon city; and its king and inhabitants suffered in the region of Mizpah. 4 And they set out 33 1K 9:16 the same fate as Libnah. Then Horam with their troops, a multitude as numerous king of Gezer came to help Lachish. But as the sand of the sea, accompanied by a Joshua destroyed him together with all his great number of horses and chariots ready people without leaving anyone alive. for combat. 5 All these kings joined forces 34 From Lachish he then went to Eglon; and encamped together at the spring of he besieged it and conquered it on the Merom to attack Israel. same day. 35 The king and the inhabitants 6 Then Yahweh said to Joshua: “Do not of Eglon were also put to death by the be afraid, for tomorrow at this hour I will sword. They consecrated the city in anath- give them to you that you may sacrifi ce ema as they had done to Lachish. them to me. Cut the hocks of their horses 36 From Eglon they went to Hebron. Jo - and burn their chariots of war.” shua conquered it together with 37 all the 7 So Joshua and all the armed men with

towns which were subject to it, put to the him went to Merom and attacked them JOS sword its king and all its inhabitants, with- by surprise. 8 Yahweh gave them into the out letting anyone survive. He consecrated hand of Israel; the Israelites destroyed and it in anathema as he had dealt with Eglon. pursued them as far as Great Sidon and 38 Joshua and all Israel with him turned Misrephoth-maim and as far as Mizpah back to Debir and attacked it. He took it to the east, without leaving anyone alive. as well as the towns subject to it. 39 He put 9 Joshua also carried out what Yahweh had to the sword its king and inhabitants, con- commanded—cutting the hocks of the secrating them in anathema, without spar- horses and burning the chariots. ing anyone. Debir and its king received the 10 At once Joshua turned back and con- same punishment as Hebron and Libnah. quered Hazor, and killed its king. At that 40 Jdg 1:9 In this way, Joshua struck the whole time, Hazor was the capital of all those region of the Mountains, the Negeb Desert, kingdoms. 11 He put to the sword all the the plains and the mountain slopes with inhabitants of that city, consecrating it in their kings. anathema. No one was left alive, and they He did not let anyone survive but con- immediately set the city on fi re. 12 secrated all living beings in anathema ac - Joshua took all the cities of these kings Dt cording to what Yahweh had commanded. and all their kings, and consecrated them 20:16 41 Jo shua destroyed them all from Ka desh- in anathema according to what Moses, the barnea to Gaza and from Goshen to Gi beon. servant of Yahweh, had commanded. 42 Joshua defeated all these kings and 13 Israel set on fi re all the cities except seized all these lands in one single cam- those lying on the slopes and on the paign because Yahweh fought for Israel. heights; of these only Hazor was burned by 43 Then he and all Israel returned to their Joshua. camp at Gilgal. 14 The Israelites divided among them- selves the plunder and the livestock of Conquest of the North these cities, but they put to the sword the • 1 When Jabin king of Hazor came whole population without sparing any- 11 to know all this, he sent ambassa- one. 15 So what Yahweh had commanded dors to Jobab king of Madon, to the king Moses, and what Moses had entrusted to

• 11.1 In Chapter 11, Joshua’s campaign impression that he conquered the entire coun- in the north of Palestine is described. There he try. Yet, Chapters 13–19 show that each tribe captured Hasor which, with its 40,000 inhabit- had to conquer a section of land in a series of ants, could be called a big city. We are given the individual operations. JOSHUA 11 330 Joshua was completely fulfi lled. Joshua Beth-jeshimot road, on the east side of the did not neglect anything that Yahweh had sea of the lowland, that is the Salt Sea, at commanded Moses. the foot of the slopes of Pisgah. 16 So Joshua conquered all this land: the 4 Secondly, the border of Og, king of mountains, the Negeb, Goshen, the plains, Bashan, one of the survivors of the Re - the lowland, and the mountains of Israel phaim, who lived at Ashtaroth and Edrei, with its plains. 17 From the region of the 5 ruled over Mount Hermon, Salecah and all mountain range that rises up to Seir, as Bashan to the boundary of the Geshurites far as Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon, to and Macathites, and over half of Gilead the foot of Mount Hermon, he destroyed all beyond the land of Sihon, king of Hesh- their kings—vanquishing and killing them. bon. 6 Moses, the servant of Yahweh, with 18 The war Joshua waged against these the Israelites, defeated them and Moses 19 9:3 kings lasted a long time. There was no city gave their land to the Reubenites, the Gad- that made peace with the Israelites except ites and half the tribe of Mannaseh as their the Hivites of Gibeon; all were conquered. inheritance. 20 Yahweh gave all of them courage 7 Now these are the kings of the country to fi ght against Israel, so that at the end, whom Joshua and the Israelites defeated they could be consecrated in anathema on the west side of the Jordan, from Baal- and destroyed without pity as Yahweh had gad, in the valley of Lebanon, to Mount commanded Moses. Halak rising toward Seir. This is the land 21 Jdg At that time, Joshua came back and that Joshua divided among the tribes of 1:10-15 wiped out the Anakim from the mountains, Israel: 8 the hill country and the lowlands, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab and the Arabah, the hillsides, the wilderness from all the mountains of Judah and Israel. and the Negeb. This land had belonged to They and their cities were given in anathema. the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizz- 22 No Anakim was left in the land of ites, Hivites and Jebusites. And these were Israel except in Gaza, Gath and Ashdod. the defeated kings: 23 Joshua seized the whole land as Yah- 9 king of Jericho, king of Ai near Bethel. weh had directed Moses and gave it as an 10 king of Jerusalem, king of Hebron. inheritance to the Israelites to be distrib- 11 king of Jarmuth, king of Lachish. uted among their tribes. With this, the land 12 king of Eglon, king of Gezer. rested from war. 13 king of Debir, king of Geder. 14 king of Hormah, king of Arad. 1 These are the kings of the country 15 king of Libnah, king of Adullam. 12 whom the Israelites defeated, taking 16 king of Makkedah, king of Bethel. their land beyond the Jordan eastward, 17 king of Tappuah, king of Hepher. from the valley of Arnon to Mount Hermon, 18 king of Aphek, king of Sharon. including all the lowland: 19 king of Madon, king of Hazor. 2 First, Sihon, king of the Amorites, who 20 king of Symoon, king of Achshaph. lived at Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, 21 king of Taanach, king of Megiddo. which is on the edge of the Arnon (the bor- 22 king of Kadesh, king of Jokneam in der was at the middle of the valley), as far Carmel. as the Jabbok River, that was the bound- 23 king of Dor on the hillsides of Dor. ary with the Ammonites. 3 To him belonged king of Goiim in Galilee, 24 and king of half of Gilead and the lowland from the Tirzah. east side of the Lake of Chinneroth to the Total number of all these kings: thirty-one. 331 JOSHUA 13 Second Part (13:1—22:34): JOSHUA DISTRIBUTES THE TERRITORY OF CANAAN

Joshua divides the country of Canaan 1 Gen 49; • Now Joshua had grown old and Dt 33 13 advanced in years. Yahweh said to him, “You are old now, yet much of the land is still unconquered, including: 2 All the territory of the Philistines and the Geshurites. 3 All the land from the river east of Egypt, to the boundary of Ekron in the north that is considered Canaanite ter- ritory. (The fi ve chief towns of the Philis- tines: Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath and Ekron; the Avvites also in the south.) 4 The whole country of the Canaanites from Arah, which the Sidonians hold, to Aphekah at the Amorite border, 5 and then the country of the Gebalites with all Leba- non eastward from Baagad at the foot of 6 Mount Hermon to the Pass of Hamath. All JOS the land of the Sidonians who live in the highlands from Lebanon to Misrephoth- maim westward. I myself will drive them all out before the Israelites. In the meantime, share out the land among the Israelites by draw- ing lots as I have commanded you. 7 The time has come to divide this land among the nine tribes and half the tribe of Man- naseh: from the Jordan River to the Medi- terranean Sea westward you shall give it to them; the Mediterranean will mark their boundary.”

• 13.1 Joshua divides the Promised Land twelve tribes listed in the present book. The among the twelve tribes. list shows agreement in the following names: Different people left together, as we read in Reuben, Simeon, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Exodus 12:38. In Palestine, others joined them Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher and Benjamin. The (see Jos 8:33). They did not belong to one race “house of Joseph” formed two tribes, Ephraim nor were they a closely-knit group; and they and Manasseh (Jos 16:4). Including the tribe of were certainly not yet an organized nation. Nev- Levi, there were thirteen. But this last tribe was ertheless, they were already a group of tribes of formed by families traditionally dedicated to reli- unequal strength. Two of these tribes assumed gious cult who did not have their own territory a predominant role: Ephraim in the north, and (Jos 21:10). In this way, the number twelve will Judah down south. be restored when Joshua divides the land. Among nomads such as these, the members They apportioned the land by casting lots. of each tribe all claimed to be descendants of In this manner, the lesson is imparted that the the founder of their tribe, a prestigious man Promised Land is a gift from God (Ps 16 uses of the past whose name they bore. Inasmuch the same imagery). Each tribe receives a por- as the Israelites considered themselves descen- tion which they did not choose and which they dants of Jacob-Israel, each of the twelve tribes must now conquer in order to own. Each of us considered itself as descending from one of the has received from God his or her own share in sons of their ancestor, Jacob, from whom they life. We have to accept our share in the same had received their name. way the tribes accepted their “share of their In reality, there were thirteen tribes in all inheritance.” Then we must achieve our destiny and not twelve. Let us compare the list of Ja - with courage and confi dence in God just as they cob’s sons in Genesis 35:23 with that of the did. JOSHUA 13 332 8 As for the other half tribe of Mannaseh, 25 Jazer, all the towns of Gilead, half the they and the tribes of Reuben and Gad had country of the Ammonites as far as Aroer already received the land given them by facing Rabbah, 26 and from Heshbon to Moses on the east side of the Jordan River. Ra mathmizpeh and Betonim, and from Moses the servant of Yahweh had given Mahanaim as far as the territory of Lode- them 9 the land as far as Aroer, which lies bar, 27 and lastly, in the Jordan valley: on the edge of the Arnon valley, with the Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah, Succoth, and city in the middle of that valley and all the Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon high, fl at land from Medeba to Dibon. 10 All the king of Heshbon. The Jordan River was the towns of Sihon the king of the Amor- their western border as far north as the Sea ites, who had reigned in Heshbon, were of Galilee, on the eastern side of the Jor- included, as far as the boundary of the dan. 28 This was the inheritance of the tribe Ammonites. 11 Gilead and the territory of of Gad according to their clans, with the the Geshurites and Maacathites with all the towns and their outlying villages. highlands of Hermon and with the whole 29 Moses had given half the tribe of Ma- of Bashan as far as Salecah. 12 In Bashan nasseh a part of the land according to the whole kingdom of Og, who reigned their clans: 30 from Mahanaim right through in Ashtaroth and Edrei and was the last Bashan, including the whole kingdom of survivor of the Rephaim. Moses had con- Og the king of Bashan and all sixty vil- quered these people and driven them out. lages of Jair in Bashan. 31 Half of Gilead as 13 But the Israelites did not drive out the well as Ashtaroth and Edrei, the royal cit- Geshurites or the Maacathites, and there- ies of Og in Bashan, were given to half the fore Geshur and Maacah still live in the families from Machir, son of Manasseh. midst of Israel to this day. 32 This was how Moses divided the land 14 To the tribe of Levi alone no land was when he was in the plains of Moab, beyond 33 given; Yahweh the God of Israel was their the Jordan east of Jericho. But to the Num inheritance, as he had told them. tribe of Levi, Moses had given no land; 35:1 Yahweh the God of Israel is their inheri- Land given to Reuben, Gad and Manasseh tance, as he told them. 15 Moses had given the tribe of Reuben a part of the land according to their clans. 1 The land of Canaan was divided 16 The land they received stretched from 14 among the Israelites by Eleazar the Aroer, on the edge of the Arnon Valley, priest and by Joshua son of Nun and by including the town within the valley itself, the heads of the families of the tribes of and all the high, fl at land up to Medeba, Israel. 2 They divided the land by drawing 17 and Heshbon and all the towns on the lots as Yahweh had commanded through high, fl at land: Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth- Moses for the nine. 3 (Remember that Mo - baal-meon, 18 Jahaz, Kedemoth Mephaath, ses had given the two and a half tribes 19 Kiriathaim, Sibmah and Zereth-shahar beyond the Jordan their own property; to in the highlands of Gor; 20 Beth-peor, the the Levites, he had given no land, 4 but the slopes of Pisgah, Beth-jeshimoth, 21 all these sons of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh towns and the whole kingdom of Sihon the and Ephraim.) The Levites were given no king of the Amorites, who reigned in Hesh- share of the land except certain towns to bon; he had been defeated by Moses, and live in, with pasture lands nearby for their with him the princes of Midian, Evi, Rekem, cattle and property. 5 In dividing the land, Zur, Hur, and Reba, who had ruled the the Israelites did as Yahweh had com- land for king Sihon who used to live in this manded Moses to do. country. 22 As for Balaam son of Beor, the seer, the Israelites had put him to the sword Land given to Caleb with others they had killed. 23 Thus the land 6 When the sons of Judah came to Jo- of the Reubenites stretched to the Jordan shua at Gilgal, Caleb son of Jephunneh River. This was the inheritance of the tribe the Kenizzite, said to him, “You know what of Reuben according to their clans, with the Yahweh said to Moses, the man of God, at towns and their outlying villages. Kadesh-barnea concerning you and me. 24 Dt 33:20 Moses had given the tribe of Gad, a 7 I was forty years old when Moses, the part of the land according to their clans: serv ant of Yahweh, sent me from Kadesh- 333 JOSHUA 15 barnea to spy on this land, and I made an from Acor Valley and turned toward the honest report about it to him. 8 But the men circle of stones opposite the Ascent of who had gone with me discouraged the Adummim, south of the valley; the bor- people, whereas I myself faithfully obeyed der went on to the waters of En-shemesh Yahweh my God. 9 That day Moses made and ended at Enrogel. 8 Then it went on up this promise to me, ‘Because you have the Benhinnom Valley on the south side of obeyed Yahweh my God, the land your foot the hill where the Jebusite city, that is to may walk upon shall be the land which you say, Jerusalem, was located. The border and your children will own forever.’ 10 From then climbed to the top of the mountain then till now, Yahweh has kept me alive in on the west side of Hinnom Valley and at accordance with his promise. It is forty-fi ve the northern end of the plain of Rephaim. years since Yahweh made this promise to 9 From the mountain the border bent toward Moses (Israel was then journeying through the source of the waters of Nephtoah, the wilderness), and now I am eighty-fi ve passed from there toward Mount Ephron years old. 11 Today I am still as strong as and then turned toward Baalah, that is the day when Moses sent me out on the to say, Kiriath-jearim. 10 From Baalah the raid; for fi ghting, for going and coming, I border bent westward to the mountain am as strong now as then. 12 Give me then country of Seir, went on the northern slope the highlands that Yahweh promised me. of Mount Jearim, that is to say, Chesalon, You know that they are a race of giants went down to Beth-shemesh and through called the Anakim and their towns are Timnah, 11 reached the north side of Ekron,

great and strong. But if Yahweh is with me, turned toward Shikkeron, passed by the JOS I shall drive them out as Yahweh said.” Hill of Baalah, then on to Jabneel, and ended 13 Joshua blessed Caleb, son of Jephun- at the Big Sea, that is, the Mediterranean. neh, and gave him the city of Hebron as 12 The western border was the Big Sea an inheritance. 14 And hence Hebron down itself. This was the border that enclosed to the present day belongs to the descen- the lands given to the clans of the tribe of dants of Caleb son of Jephunneh, the Ken- Judah. 13 izzite, because he obeyed Yahweh the God Caleb son of Jephunneh was given Jdg 15 of Israel. The name of Hebron in earlier part of the territory of Judah, as Yahweh 1:10-15 times was Kiriath-arba. Arba had been the had commanded Joshua to do. Joshua greatest man of the Anakim. gave him Kiriath-arba, the chief city of And the country had rest from war. the Anakim, which is now Hebron. 14 Caleb drove the descendants of Anak out of it: Boundaries of the tribe of Judah the clans of Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai. 1 The land given to the tribe of Ju - 15 From there he marched up to attack the 15 dah according to their clans was near people living in Debir, the name of which the border of Edom from the wilderness of was once Kiriath-sepher. 16 Then Ca leb said, Zin to Kadesh southwestward. 2 Their south- “To the man who conquers and captures ern border began at the end of the Dead Kiriath-sepher, I will give my daughter Sea; 3 went south from the Ascent of Akrab- Achsah as wife.” 17 Othniel, son of Kenaz, bim and crossed through Zin. It went south Caleb’s brother conquered the city; Caleb of Kadesh-barnea, passed Hezron, went gave him his daughter Achsah in mar- up to Addar and from there turned toward riage. 18 When she came to her husband, Karka, 4 skirted Azmon, came out at the he urged her to ask her father for a fi eld. stream on the border of Egypt and ended When she jumped down from her donkey, at the Mediterranean. Caleb asked her, “What do you want?” 5 On the east, the border was formed by 19 She answered, “Grant me a favor; since the Dead sea as far as the mouth of the you have sent me away to the wilderness of Jordan. the Negeb, at least grant me some springs 6 On the north the border began at of water.” So he gave her the upper springs the Sea Tongue at the mouth of the Jor- and the lower springs. dan. This border went up to Beth-hoglah, passed through the north of Beth-arabah List of the cities of Judah and reached the Stone of Bohan of Reu- 20 This was the land given to the tribe of ben. 7 The border then went up to Debir Judah according to their clans. JOSHUA 15 334 21 These are the furthermost towns of din, Secacah, 62 Nibshan, the City of Salt the tribe of Judah, toward the boundary of and Engedi—six towns with their villages. Edom in the Negeb: Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur, 63 But the people of Judah could not 22 Kinah, Dimon, Adadah, 23 Kedesh, Hazor, drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jeru- Ithnan, 24 Ziph, Telem, Bealoth, 25 Hazor- salem; the Jebusites lived there side by ha dattah, Kerioth-hezron (that is to say, side with the sons of Judah, as they still Hazor), 26 Amam, Shema, Moladah, 27 Haz- do today. ar-gaddah, Heshmon, Beth-pelet, 28 Hazar- shual, Beer-sheba, Biziothiah, 29 Baalah, The tribe of Ephraim Lim, Ezem, 30 Eltolad, Chesil, Hormah, 1 The land given by lot to the descen- 31 Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah, 32 Leb- 16 dants of Joseph stretched from the aoth, Shilhim, En-rimmon. In all, twenty- Jordan opposite Jericho eastward. From nine towns, with their outlying villages. 33 In Je richo onward the southern border climbed the lowlands there were fourteen towns the highlands into the hill country as far as with their villages: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah, Bethel; 2 it left Bethel and Luz and went on 34 Zanoah, En-gannim, Tappuah, Enam, toward the border of the Archites of Ata- 35 Jar muth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah, roth; 3 then it went westward to the area of 36 Shaa raim, Adithaim, Gederah, Gedero- the Japhletites as far as the area of Lower taim: fourteen towns and their villages. Beth-horon. From there it went to Gezer, 37 Zenan, Hadashah, Migdalgad, 38 Dilean, and reached the Mediterranean Sea. 4 The Mizpah, Joktheel, 39 Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon, tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, descen- 40 Cabbon, Lahmas, Chitlish, 41 Gederoth, dants of Joseph, divided this inheritance Beth-dagon, Naamah, Makkedah, altogeth- among themselves. er sixteen towns with their villages. 5 The border of the tribe of Ephraim ran 42 Libnah, Ether, Ashan, 43 Iphtah, Ash- from Ataroth-addar as far as Upper Beth- nah, Nezib, 44 Keilah, Achzib, Mareshah, horon, 6 and it ended at the Mediterra- al together nine towns with their villages. nean Sea. Michmethath was to the north. 45 Ekron with its towns and villages near From there the border turned east towards Ashdod. Tanaath-shiloh and ran beyond it on the 46 From Ekron to the sea, 47 Ashdod and east to Janoah. 7 Then it went down from Gaza with their towns and villages as far as Janaoah to Ataroth and Naarah, touched the stream on the border of Egypt and the Jericho and ended at the Jordan. 8 From Mediterranean Sea. Tappuah the border went westward to the 48 In the highlands: Shamir, Jattir, So coh, stream Kanah and ended at the Mediter- 49 Dannah, Kiriath-sannah, which is now ranean Sea. This was the land given to Debir, 50 Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim, 51 Goshen, the tribe of Ephraim according to their Holon, Giloh—eleven towns with their vil- clans, 9 as well as the towns set apart for lages. the Ephraimites inside the territory of the 52 Arab, Dumah, Eshan, 53 Janum, Beth- descendants of Manasseh, all those towns tappuah, Aphekah, 54 Humtah, Kiriath-arba, and their villages. 10 The Canaanites living which is now Hebron, Zior—nine towns with in Gezer were not driven out; they have their villages. lived among the Ephraimites to the pres- 55 Maon, Carmel, Ziph, Juttah, 56 Jezreel, ent day, but are submitted to obligatory Jokdeam, Zanoah, 57 Kain, Gibeah, Tim- works. nah—ten towns with their villages. 58 Halhul, Beth-zur, Gedor, 59 Maarath, The tribe of Manasseh Beth-anoth, Eltekon—six towns with their 1 A part of the land awarded to Ma- villages. 17 nasseh, who was Joseph’s fi rst-born Tekoa, Ephrathah, which is now Beth- son, was given to Machir, Manasseh’s el - lehem, Peor, Etam, Kulon, Tatam, Sores, dest son and father of Gilead. To him was Carem, Gallim, Bether, Manach—eleven given, as was fi tting for a military hero, the towns with their villages. country of Gilead and Bashan. 2 Land was 60 Kiriath-baal, which is now Kiriath- also given to other families descended jearim, and Rabbah—two towns with their from Manasseh according to their clans: villages. the families of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, She- 61 In the wilderness: Beth-arabah, Mid- chem, Hepher, Shemida. These were the 335 JOSHUA 18 clans of the male descendants of Ma nasseh a place for yourselves in the land of the son of Joseph. Perizzites and the Rephaim, since the high- 3 Zelophehad son of Hepher, son of Gi - lands of Ephraim are too small for you.” lead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had 16 The descendants of Joseph answered, no sons, only daughters, whose names are: “The highlands are not enough for us, Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. and, in the plain, the Canaanites have iron 4 These daughters went to the priest Eleazar chariots, and so have those in Beth-shean and to Joshua the son of Nun and to the and its surrounding towns, and those in leaders, and said, “Yahweh commanded the plain of Jezreel.” 17 Joshua said to the Moses to give us some of the land among tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, “You are our brothers as our own.” According to a numerous people and very powerful; you Yahweh’s command, therefore, they were will not be left with only this share 18 for you given land along with their male relatives. will go up to the forest and clear it. All the 5 In this way Manasseh received ten land shall be yours, and you will drive out shares besides the country of Gilead and the Canaanites despite their iron chariots Bashan which lies across the Jordan, and great strength.” 6 since Manasseh’s female descendants re- Joshua divides the rest of the land 1 ceived a share in the land as well as his After they had conquered the land, Jdg male descendants. The country of Gilead 21:19; 18 the whole community of Israel gath- 1S 1:3 itself belonged to the rest of the descen- ered at Shiloh, and the tent of meeting was dants of Manasseh. set up there. 7 The border of Manasseh stretched 2 Among the Israelites were seven tribes JOS from Asher to Michmethath, which is op - which had not yet been given their share of posite Shechem. From there the border the land. 3 Then Joshua said to them, “How went south to the spring of Tappuah. 8 The much longer will you wait before going in land surrounding Tappuah belonged to and taking possession of the land which Manasseh, but the town of Tappuah on Yahweh, the God of your fathers has given Manasseh’s border belonged to the descen- you? 4 Choose three men from each tribe. dants of Ephraim. 9 The border passed I will send them out to make a survey of down to the stream, south of the river, the whole territory so that it can be divid- where the towns set apart for Ephraim ed. 5 They must divide the land into seven from among the towns of Manasseh were parts, because those of the tribe of Judah situated. The border of Manasseh passed have already their territory to the south, north of the stream and ended at the sea. and those of the tribe of Joseph have their 10 Ephraim was to the south and Manasseh territory to the north. 6 You are to survey to the north, and both were bounded on the land in seven divisions and bring your the west by the Mediterranean Sea. They fi ndings to me here, so that I can cast lots touched Asher to the north and Issachar for you before Yahweh our God. 7 The Lev- to the east. 11 Within the territories of Issa- ites have no share in the land with the rest char and Asher, Manasseh had Beth-shean of you; their share is to serve as priests of and Ibleam with their surrounding towns, Yahweh, and the tribes of Gad and Reu- as well as Dor and Endor, Taanach and ben and half the tribe of Manasseh have Megiddo and their surrounding towns, and received their land beyond the Jordan a third of the Nepheth. 12 But the people eastward, as Moses, Yahweh’s servant, of Manasseh could not conquer these gave it to them.” towns, and the Canaanites continued to 8 To those who were to survey the coun- live there. 13 However, when the Israelites try, Joshua gave this command before they became stronger, they forced the Canaan- started on their way: “Go, survey and map ites to work for them, but they never drove the whole country, and then come back to them out. me. Here in Shiloh I will consult Yahweh 14 The descendants of Joseph spoke for you by drawing lots.” 9 So the men left to Joshua, “Why have you given us only and went all over the country, making a one share of the land when there are so list of all the towns and how they were to many of us because Yahweh blessed us?” be divided into seven parts. When they 15 Joshua answered, “If your people are so brought it back to Joshua in the camp at many, go up to the forest and clear out Shiloh, 10 he drew lots to consult Yahweh JOSHUA 18 336 for them and divided the land among the The share of the other tribes Israelites according to their clans. 1 The second share of land went to 19 the tribe of Simeon, according to The tribe of Benjamin their clans; their land was encircled by the 11 The fi rst share of land went to the tribe land of the tribe of Judah. 2 For they had of Benjamin according to their clans: their Beer-sheba, Shema, Moladah; 3 Hazarsh- territory lay between that of the tribes of ual, Balah, Ezem; 4 Eltolad, Bethul, Hor- Judah and Joseph. mah; 5 Ziglag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-su- 12 The northern border began at the Jor- sah; 6 Beth-lebaoth and Sha ruhen—thirteen dan, climbed to the northern side of Jer- towns and their surrounding villages: 7 Ain, icho, rose through the hill country westward Rimmon, Ether and Ashan—four towns and ended at the wilderness of Beth-aven. and their surrounding villages. 8 Moreover, 13 From there it continued toward the south they were given all the villages lying out- side of Luz which is now called Bethel; side these towns as far as Baalath-beer, then downward to Ata-roth-addar, on the Ramah of the Negeb. This was the land mountain south of Lower Beth-horon. given to the tribe of Simeon according to 14 The border then curved, and on the west- their clans. ern side of this mountain turned southward 9 This land was taken from the territory and ended at Kiriath-baal, which is now of Judah, because their share of these was called Kiriath-jearim, a city of the tribe of too large for them; this is why the tribe of Judah. This was the western border. Simeon was given land within the territory 15 The southern border ran from the edge of the tribe of Judah. of Kiriath-jearim toward Gasin, and to the 10 The third share of land went to the spring of Nephtoah. 16 It continued to the tribe of Zebulun according to their clans; foot of the mountain facing the Valley of their border reached as far as Sarid. Ben-hinnom, at the north end of Rephaim 11 From there the border climbed westward Valley. It then went south through the Val- to Maraalah, touching Dabbesheth fi rst and ley of Hinnom, south of the mountainside then the stream east of Jokneam. 12 From of the Jebusites and reached En-rogel. Sarid it went eastward toward the sunrise 17 It then curved northward to En-shemesh to the border of Chisloth-tabor, then to coming out at the circles of stones fac- Dobrath and to Japhia. 13 From there it con- ing the Ascent of Adummim, 18 then on to tinued eastward to Gathhepher and Ittah- Cheteph in sight of the Arabah and down kazin; it came out at Rimmon and turned to the Arabah and 19 the stone of Bohan toward Neah. 14 On the north the border (Bohan was a son of Reuben) and from bent toward Hannathon and ended at the there passed north of the mountainside valley of Iphtahel. 15 It included Kattath, overlooking the Jordan Valley. The border Nahalal, Shimron, Iralah and Bethlehem— ended at the bay of the Dead Sea, at the twelve towns with their surrounding vil- mouth of the Jordan. This was the south- lages. 16 This was the land received by the ern border. 20 The Jordan itself was the tribe of Zebulun according to their clans: eastern border. Such was the land given these towns and their surrounding villages. to the tribe of Benjamin, with the borders 17 The fourth share of land went to defi ning it. the tribe of Issachar, according to their 21 The towns of the tribe of Benjamin, clans. 18 Their border reached to Jezreel ac cording to their clans, were Jericho, and included Chesulloth and Shunem; Beth-hoglah, Emek-keziz; 22 Beth-arabah, 19 Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath; 20 Dobrath, Zemaraim, Bethel; 23 Avvim, Parah, Oph- Kishion, Ebez; 21 Remeth and En-gannim, rah, 24 Chephar-ammoni, Ophni, Geba: En-haddah and Beth-pazzez. 22 Their bor- twelve towns and their surrounding villag- der touched Tabor and Shahazimah and es. 25 Gi beon, Ramah, Beeroth; 26 Mizpeh, Beth-shemesh, and ended at the Jordan: Chephirah, Mozah; 27 Rekem, Irpeel, Tar- sixteen towns with their surrounding vil- alah; 28 Ze la, Haeleph, Jerusalem, Gibeah lages. 23 This was the land given to the tribe and Kiriath: fourteen towns with their sur- of Issachar, according to their clans: the rounding villages. This was the land given towns with their surrounding villages. to the tribe of Benjamin, according to their 24 The fi fth share of land went to the tribe clans. of Asher, according to their clans. 25 Within 337 JOSHUA 21 their territory were Helkath, Hali, Beten, gave him the town he had asked for, Tim- Achshaph, 26 Allammelech, Amad and nath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim; Mi shal; on the west their border touched he rebuilt the city and settled there. Carmel and the stream of the Libnath; 27 on 51 These are the shares of land which the other side it went eastward to Beth- Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and dagon, touching Zebulun and the Valley the heads of each family divided among the of Iphtahel on the way north to Beth-emek tribes of Israel by drawing lots at Shiloh, in and Neiel. It continued north to Cabul, Yahweh’s presence, at the door of the tent 28 Abdon, Rehob, Hammon and Kanah as of meeting; and thus they fi nished dividing far as Sidon the Great. 29 The border then the land. turned back toward Ramah reaching the fortress city of Tyre. From there it turned The cities of refuge 21:13; 1 2 to Hosah and ended at the Mediterranean Yahweh said to Joshua, “Speak Num 30 35:9; Sea. It included Mahalab, Achzib, Acco, 20 to the Israelites and say to them: Dt 19:1 Aphek, Rehob: twenty-two towns with Choose the cities of refuge about which I their surrounding villages. 31 This was the told you through Moses, 3 towns where a land given to the tribe of Asher, according person who kills someone accidentally to their clans; these towns with their sur- may fi nd safety; they are to be your refuge rounding villages. from the dead person’s relative who is 32 The sixth share of land went to the looking for revenge. tribe of Naphtali according to their clans. 4 The man who has killed may run away 33 Their border went from Heleph and the to one of these towns; he shall appear at JOS Oak of Zanaannim to Adami-negeb, to the entrance to the town and explain his Jabneel as far as Lakkum, and ended at the case to the elders of the place. They shall Jordan. 34 From there the border ran west welcome him and assign him a place to to Aznoth-tabor and went on to Hukkok, live among them. 5 If the person who wants touching Zebulun on the south, Asher on revenge follows him there, they are not the west and the Jordan on the east. 35 The to hand him over, since he has killed his fortifi ed towns were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, neighbor accidentally and not out of hatred. Rakkath, Chinnereth; 36 Adamah, Ramah, 6 The man who has killed must remain Hazor; 37 Kedesh, Edrei, En-hazor; 38 Yiron, in that town until he has received a public Migdalel, Horem, Beth-anath, Beth-shem- trial and until the death of the high priest esh: nineteen towns with their surrounding then in offi ce. Only then may the man who villages. 39 This was the land given to the has killed go back to his own town and his tribe of Naphtali according to their clans. own house, to the town from which he has 40 The seventh share of the land went to escaped.” the tribe of Dan according to their clans, 7 For this purpose they set aside Kedesh 41 Within their territory were Zorah, Eshtaol, in Galilee, in the hill country of Naphtali, Irshemesh; 42 Sha-alabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah; Shechem in the highlands of Ephraim, and 43 Elon, Timnah, Ekron, 44 Eltekeh, Gibbe- Kiriath-arba, which is now Hebron, in the thon, 45 Baalath; Jehud, Bene-berak, Gath- hill country of Judah. rimmon; 46 Mejarkon and Rakkon with the 8 East of the Jordan, in the desert east land around Joppa. of Jericho, they chose Bezer in the territory 47 But the territory of the tribe of Dan of Reuben, Ramoth-gilead in the territory was too small for them; and therefore they of Gad, and Golan in Bashan in the terri- went up and attacked Leshem and cap- tory of Manasseh. 9 These were the towns tured it and killed its people. Having seized set aside for all the Israelites and for any the town they settled in it, and changed foreigner living among them, where any- the name of Leshem to Dan after Dan their one who had killed a person accidentally ancestor. 48 This was the land of the tribe of could fi nd safety from the dead person’s Dan, according to their clans: these towns relative looking for revenge, until he had with their surrounding villages. been given a public trial. 49 When the Israelites fi nished distrib- uting the land by drawing lots, they gave The Levitical towns Num 1 Joshua son of Nun a part of the land as his The heads of families among the 35:1-8; own; 50 at the command of Yahweh, they 21 Levites came to Eleazar the priest 6:39-66 JOSHUA 21 338 and to Joshua son of Nun and to the heads refuge, Shechem, with its pasture lands, in of families of all the tribes of Israel. 2 At the hill country of Ephraim, together with Shiloh in the land of Canaan, they said to Gezer, 22 Kibzaim and Beth-horon, each them, “Yahweh commanded through Mo - with its pasture lands: four towns. 23 From ses that we should be given towns to live the territory of Dan, Elteke, Gibbethon, in, with the pasture land around them for 24 Aijalon and Gathrimmon with their pas- our cattle.” ture lands: four towns. 25 From the territory 3 In accordance with Yahweh’s com- of half the tribe of Manasseh they were mand, the Israelites gave the Levites cer- given two towns: Taanach and Jibleam tain cities and pasture lands out of their with their pasture lands. 26 In all, ten towns own territories. with their pasture lands were given to the 4 First among the Levite clan of Kohath, families of the clan of Kohath. the families descended from Aaron the 27 To the Levite clan of Gershon were priest, were given thirteen towns from the given the city of refuge Golan in Bashan territories of Judah, Simeon and Benja- and also Ashtaroth, each with its pasture min; 5 the other Kohath families received, lands: two towns, both from the territory clan by clan, ten towns from the territo- of the half tribe of Manasseh. 28 From the ries of Ephraim, Dan and half the tribe territory of Issachar four towns: Kishion, of Manasseh. 6 The clan of Gershon was Dobrath, 29 Jarmuth and En-gannim, each given thirteen towns from the territories of with its pasture lands. 30 From the terri- Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and half the tribe tory of Asher four towns: Mishal, Abdon, of Manasseh in Bashan. 7 The families of 31 Helkath and Rehob, each with its pas- the clan of Merari were given twelve towns ture lands. 32 From the territory of Naphtali from the territories of Reuben, Gad and three towns: Kadesh, the city of refuge in Zebulun. Galilee, Hammoth-dor and Rakkath, each 8 These towns and the pasture lands with its pasture lands. 33 The Gershonites near them the Israelites gave to the Lev- according to their clans were given thir- ites by drawing lots, as Yahweh had com- teen towns in all with their pasture lands. manded through Moses. 34 To the clans of Merari, the rest of the 9 These are the towns of Judah and Sim- Levites, were given four towns with their eon that Joshua gave 10 to the descendants pasture lands from the territory of Zebulun: of Aaron who were of the Kohathite clan 35 Jokneam, Kartah, Rimmon and Nahalal. of the Levites, the fi rst to be given some 36 From the territory of Reuben, beyond the cities. Jordan four towns: the city of refuge Bezer, 11 They gave them Kiriath-arba, the chief Jahaz, 37 Kedemoth and Mephaath, each city of the Anakim, which is now He bron, in with its pasture lands. 38 From the tribe of the hill country of Judah, with the pasture Gad four towns: the city of refuge Ramoth- lands around it. 12 But the fi elds and sur- gilead, Mahanaim, 39 Heshbon and Jazer, rounding villages of this town had already each with pasture lands. 40 A total of twelve been given to Caleb son of Jephunneh towns were given to the clan of Merari. as his property. 13 To the descendants of 41 The towns thus given to the Levites Aaron the priest, they gave Hebron, a city from the Israelite inheritance were 42 forty- of refuge, and the pasture lands near it; eight, with their pasture lands. All these also Libnah with its pasture lands, 14 and towns, as well as the pasture lands around Jattir, Eshtemoa, 15 Holon, Debir, 16 Ashan, them, were given to the Levites. Juttah and Beth-shemesh, each with its 43 So it was that Yahweh gave the Israel- pasture lands: nine towns taken from these ites all the land he had solemnly promised two tribes. 17 From the territory of Benja- to give their ancestors. They took posses- min four towns: Gibeon and Geba with sion of it and began to live there. 44 Yahweh their pasture lands, 18 Anathoth and Almon gave them peace throughout their land with theirs. 19 The towns of the priests, the just as he had promised their ancestors. descendants of Aaron, were thirteen towns Not one of their enemies was able to stand in all, with their pasture lands. against them; Yahweh gave them victory 20 Some towns from the territory of over all their enemies 45 and kept all the Ephraim were given to the other families promises he had made to the people of of the Levite clan of Kohath: 21 the city of Israel. 339 JOSHUA 22 The question of the altar across the Jordan half-tribe of Manasseh have built this altar • 1 Then Joshua summoned the Reu- facing the land of Canaan near the stone 22 benites, the Gadites and the half- circle at the Jordan, beyond the territory of 2 3 Num tribe of Manasseh and said to them, “You the Israelites.” 32:20 have observed all that Moses, the servant 12 When the Israelites heard this, the of Yahweh ordered you, and you have entire Israelite community assembled at obeyed me constantly. You have never Shiloh to launch an attack against them. deserted your brothers over this long peri- 13 The Israelites sent the priest Phinehas od of time; at every point you have obeyed son of Eleazar to the Reubenites, the Gad- the orders of Yahweh your God. 4 Now that ites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, in the Yahweh your God has granted your broth- land of Gilead, 14 and with him ten leading ers the rest he promised them, go back to men, one leader from each tribe in Israel; your tents, to the land given into your pos- every one of them was head of his fam- session by Moses the servant of Yahweh, ily among the clans of Israel. 15 When they beyond the Jordan. came to the Reubenites, the Gadites and 5 But take care above all to keep the the half-tribe of Manasseh in the land of commandments of the law which Moses the Gilead, they said to them: servant of Yahweh gave you: love Yahweh 16 “The whole community of Yahweh asks your God, follow his paths always, keep you: What do you mean by this treach- his commandments, be faithful to him and ery committed against the God of Israel? serve him with all your heart and all your Why turn aside from Yahweh today, build- soul.” 6 So Joshua blessed them and sent ing yourselves an altar? You are sinning JOS them away; they went home to their tents. against Yahweh himself. 17 7 Moses had given territory in Bashan to Was the sin at Peor not enough, the Num one half of the tribe of Manasseh; because sin from which we are not cleansed even 25:3 of this Joshua gave land to the other half now, in spite of the plague that ravaged the of Manasseh among their brothers on the whole community of Yahweh? 18 You have west bank of the Jordan. As Joshua sent stopped following Yahweh today, and you them home to their tents he blessed them have set yourselves in revolt against him 8 3:21; and said to them, “You are going back today. Tomorrow his anger will be roused 12:35 to your tents with great wealth, with cattle against the whole community of Israel. in plenty, with silver and gold, bronze and 19 Do you think your land is unclean? iron and great quantities of clothing; these Then cross over into the territory of Yah- are the spoils of your enemies that you weh, where his Holy Tent is and come to shared with your brothers.” live among us. But do not rebel against 9 The Reubenites, the Gadites and the Yahweh or set yourselves apart by building half-tribe of Manasseh went home again; an altar to vie with the altar of Yahweh our they left the Israelites at Shiloh in the land God. 20 When Achan, son of Zerah betrayed of Canaan, and made their way back to his trust in the matter of the anathema, did the land of Gilead, the territory which be - not Yahweh vent his anger on the whole longed to them and where they had settled community of Israel, although he was only in accordance with the order of Yahweh one man? Did he not have to die for his sin?” 10 Dt 12 given through Moses. When they came 21 The Reubenites, the Gadites and the to the stone circle at the Jordan which is half-tribe of Manasseh answered the heads in Canaanite territory, the Reubenites, the of the clans of Israel: Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh 22 “Yahweh is the God of gods! Yahweh built there beside the Jordan, an impos- well knows, and let Israel know it too: Let ing altar of great size. 11 The Israelites were Yahweh punish us immediately if there told, “The Reubenites, the Gadites and the has been defi ance or treachery on our part

• 22.1 The situation of the tribes settled wants to justify the existence in those times of towards the east of the Jordan was ambiguous: the provincial Sanctuaries. It was only in the they were outside the Promised Land with the time of Josiah, at the end of the seventh century Jordan as its boundary (see note Jos 3). Chapter B.C., that all cult would be centered at the Sanc- 22 affi rms the rightful claim of Transjordanian tuary of Jerusalem. tribes as belonging to the people of Israel and JOSHUA 22 340 against Yahweh. 23 Let Yahweh punish us an altar for holocaust or oblations or sac- if we have built an altar to turn away from rifi ces to compete with the altar of Yahweh Yahweh and offer holocaust and oblation our God that stands before his tabernacle!” and communion sacrifi ce on it. 24 We made 30 When Phinehas the priest, and the it to prevent what might happen one day leaders of the community who were with when your children say to ours: ‘What link him, heard the answer of the sons of Gad have you with Yahweh the God of Israel? and of Reuben and of Manasseh, they ap - 25 Has not Yahweh set the boundary of the proved of them. 31 Then the priest Phinehas Jordan between us and you, you sons son of Eleazar said to the sons of Reuben of Reuben and sons of Gad? You have and sons of Gad and sons of Manasseh, no share in Yahweh.’ Thus your children “Now we clearly see that Yahweh is among might make us turn aside from Yahweh. us, because you have not sinned against 26 So we said to each other, ‘Let us build him; you have saved the children of Israel this altar, not for holocausts or other sacri- from the punishment of Yahweh.” 27 32 Gen fi ces but as a witness between us and you The priest Phinehas son of Eleazar 31:48 and among our descendants after us. It will and the leaders left the Reubenites and prove that we, too, worship Yahweh with our the Gadites and returned from the land holocausts, our victims and our communion of Gilead to the land of Canaan, and they sacrifi ces in his presence. So that your chil- brought back this answer to the Israel- dren will never be able to say to ours: You ites. 33 The Israelites were pleased to hear have no share in Yahweh. 28 For, in this case, this; they gave thanks to God and spoke we should say to them: Look at this struc- no more of making war and ravaging the ture, Yahweh’s altar made by our ancestors country where the sons of Reuben and of not for holocausts or other sacrifi ces but as Gad had settled. 34 The Reubenites and a witness between us and you.’ 29 We have the Gadites named the altar: ‘Witness’, no intention of defying Yah weh or turning “Because,” they said, “it will be a witness away from him today. We are not building between us that Yahweh is God.”

Third Part (23:1—24:33): THE FAREWELL AND DEATH OF JOSHUA

Joshua’s last discourse aside from it either to the right or to the 7 1 left. Do not intermingle with these nations 23:13; A long time after Yahweh gave Jer 5:7 23 peace to Israel in all its borders, that are left among you. Do not call upon 2 Joshua, who was now very old and bur- their gods or swear by their name. Do dened with age, summoned all Israel— not serve them or bow before them, 8 but their elders, leaders, secretaries and judg- remain united to Yahweh, our God, as you es—and he said to them: “I am now very have done to this day. 9 For that reason, old. 3 You have seen all that Yahweh has Yahweh has driven away before you many done to all these nations for your sake and powerful nations. No one was able to 10 how he himself has fought for you. 4 See, I stand before your presence. One of you have distributed to you the territory of all pursued a thousand since Yahweh, our these nations that we destroyed from the God, fought for you as he had promised. Jordan to the Great Sea, as well as those 11 So then, be very careful to love Yahweh, nations that still remain. 5 Yahweh, our your God. God, will continue driving them back be - 12 But if you separate yourselves from fore you and will deprive them of their him and become one with the rest of these lands that you may take them as Yahweh nations that still remain among you, if they has promised you. come to be your relatives and you inter- 6 Therefore be very valiant and have the marry with them, 13 know very well that determination to do all that is written in the Yahweh shall no longer drive out these book of the law of Moses, without turning nations before you, but they shall be a 341 JOSHUA 24 snare and a trap for you, a scourge on your punish Egypt in the way that you sides, and thorns in your eyes, until you know, that you might leave. 6 Then I perish from this beautiful land Yahweh, our God, has given you. brought your ancestors out of Egypt 14 I am now about to go the way of all and you came to the sea. The Egyp- creatures, so I say to you: know in your tians pursued you with chariots and soul and in your conscience that all the horses as far as the Red Sea. 7 Then promises of Yahweh, our God, have been you cried to Yahweh, and he put im - 15 Dt 28:15 fulfi lled; not one of them has failed. But mense darkness between you and the just as all these promises of Yahweh in your favor have been fulfi lled, so shall Yahweh Egyptians. He made the sea go back bring all the evil he has threatened against on them and they were drowned. You you until you have been wiped out from have witnessed all the things he did in 16 Dt 11:16 this magnifi cent land he has given you, if Egypt, and then you lived in the desert you break the Covenant that Yahweh, our for a long time. 8 Then I brought you God, has given us. If you follow and serve other gods and bow before them, the wrath to the land of the Amorites who were of Yahweh shall rise against you, and you on the east of the Jordan. You fought shall suddenly perish from this fertile land them but it was I who gave them into he has given you.” your hand; you destroyed them and The Covenant renewed at Shechem you seized their lands. 9 JOS • 1 Joshua summoned all the tribes Balak, the son of Zippor, king of 24 of Israel in Shechem, and assem- Moab, declared war on Israel and bled the elders, leaders, judges and secre- commanded Balaam son of Beor to taries. And together they presented them- curse you. 10 But I would not listen to selves before God. him, so Balaam blessed you and I 2 Gen Addressing the people, Joshua said saved you from the hands of Balak. 11:27 to them: “Yahweh, the God of Is rael, 11 Then you crossed the Jordan and commands me to say to you: Your came to Jericho. And the landlords of ancestors lived beyond the Eu phrates Jericho fought against you: the Amo- River—Terah the father of Abraham rites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, and Nahor—serving other gods. 3 But Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites de- I brought Abraham your father from clared war on you, but I gave them to beyond the Euphrates and led him you. 12 The two Amorite kings fl ed from through the whole land of Canaan. Then you because of the swarm of hornets I gave him a son Isaac, that he might that attacked them and not be cause have numerous descendants. 4 And to of your sword and bow. 13 I gave you Isaac, I gave two sons: Esau and Ja- lands which you have not tilled, cities cob. Esau received the mountains of which you did not build but in which Seir as his inheritance, while Jacob and you now live. I gave you vineyards his sons went down to Egypt. and olive groves which you did not 5 Then I sent Moses and Aaron to plant but from which you now eat.

• 24.1 By the time Joshua disappears, the enant celebrated by Moses is renewed. See Exo- presence of Israel in the hills and plains of Pal- dus 24 and last chapters of Deuteronomy. estine was well-established. They had asserted After recalling the interventions made by Yah- themselves either by peaceful infi ltration or con- weh to help Israel, Joshua invites the as sembly quest. What is even more important, they were to choose Yahweh and to reject foreign gods. aware of their common destiny. The law of the Covenant is committed to writing. The twelve tribes gather together in Shechem Remembrance of the Covenant of Shechem in central Palestine, where the tribes of Joseph will keep alive the aspiration for unity and fi delity have settled and are stronger and keep the to Yahweh during those dark moments after Josh- memory of Moses alive zealously. Here the Cov- ua’s death, that is, during the period of the Judges. JOSHUA 24 342

14 23 Ezk 20:7 So fear Yahweh, and be sincere Joshua then said, “Remove now and faithful in serving him. Set aside from your midst any other gods and those gods your ancestors worshiped serve Yahweh, the God of Israel, with 24 in Mesopotamia and Egypt. Serve on - all your heart.” The people an - Gen 15 35:2; ly Yahweh. But if you do not want to swered: “We will serve Yahweh, our 1S 7:3 serve Yahweh, make known this very God, and obey his commands.” day whom you shall serve—whether 25 On that day at Shechem, Joshua they be the gods your ancestors served made a Covenant with the people and 26 in Mesopotamia or the gods of the fi xed laws and ordinances. He also Dt 29:11; Amorites who formerly occupied the wrote down everything expressed in 31:26; Ne 8:18; land in which you now live. As for me, I the book of the law of God; he chose 9:3 and my household will serve Yahweh.” a great stone and put it under the oak 16 The people answered: “May God tree in the sacred place of Yahweh. 27 not permit that we ever abandon Yah- Then Joshua said to the people: Gen 17 31:48; weh to serve other gods! For it was “This stone shall be a witness to all Is 59:13 he who brought us and our ancestors that Yahweh said to us, for it heard out of Egypt, the house of slavery. It all these words. It shall be a witness was he who did those great wonders against you, lest you deal falsely with that we have seen; he protected us on Yahweh.” the way and through all the land where 28 we passed, 18 driving away before us Joshua immediately sent the people Jdg 2:6 away and everyone returned to his land. all the nations especially the Amor- 29 After all these deeds, Joshua, son of Jdg ites who lived in this land. So we shall Nun and servant of Yahweh, died at the 2:8-10 also serve Yahweh: he is our God!” age of a hundred and ten. 30 They buried 19 34:14 Joshua asked the people: “Will him in his land at Timnath-serah, in the hill you be able to serve Yahweh? He is country of Ephraim, to the north of Mount 31 a holy God, a jealous God who does Gaash. Israel served Yahweh through- Jdg 2:7 not tolerate wickedness or faults. 20 If out the whole life of Joshua and of the elders who outlived Joshua and who had you abandon Yahweh to serve other witnessed all the wonders Yahweh did for gods, he will turn against you and just Israel. 32 The Israelites brought from Egypt as he has done you so much good, so the bones of Joseph. They buried them shall he punish you and destroy you.” at Shechem in a place in the fi eld which 21 The people replied: “No, may it not Jacob bought from the children of Hamor, be as you say. We will serve Yahweh.” the father of Shechem, for a hundred piec- 22 es of silver. This became the possession of 23:21; Joshua said: “You yourselves are 24:3 the children of Joseph. witnesses that you have chosen Yah- 33 Eleazar the son of Aaron also died and weh to serve him.” They answered: they buried him on the hill given to his son “We are witnesses.” Phinehas on the mountains of Ephraim.