Where (and When) Did the Authors of Joshua 10:1–39, 11:1–15 Live?

Abstract

Abstract This article challenges a common scholarly view regarding Josh 10:1–39, 11:1–15. The first edition of these episodes is commonly attributed to Judean authors. I offer arguments in favor of a northern Israelite provenance of the first edition, assessing the extracts for which there is convincing evidence of such provenance. I also critically examine the arguments in favor of a Judean composition, rejecting some of them, reevaluating others, and determining pieces of text within 10:1–39, 11:1–15 for which there is in fact convincing evidence of Judean authorship. Much of the analysis is focused on the level of familiarity with different regions of Eretz-Israel exhibited in different parts of the text. In addition, any portion within these episodes for which the geographical setting of composition can be determined is placed along the time line of the episodes’ textual development. Whenever possible I suggest the approximate date of composition for a text and assess whether the extract under discussion belongs to a relatively early layer or to a late, redactional one. I conclude that the first edition of 10:1–39, 11:1–15 was composed in the northern kingdom of Israel before 722 BCE, and that this edition was later revised and expanded by Judean authors, probably in the seventh century BCE.