Crossing the Jordan

the long version

This book presents a test case for diachronic and synchronic approaches in Joshua 3-4. Lee introduces the synchronic readings of Polzin, Hawk and Winther-Nielsen, as well as their attempts to uncover the problems in applying their methods to this complicated text. He then investigates the differences between the MT and the LXX of Joshua 3-4 through text critical analysis and reconstructs the Hebrew Vorlage of LXX - Joshua 3-4 considering divergences between major Greek editions; and examines the limitations of Polzin's synchronic study in reading only from the final text of the MT. For the purpose of reading the literary history of Joshua 3-4 in a diachronic way, Lee considers what position this text holds in the setting of the wider context of the ark narratives and water-crossing stories in the Old Testament, e.g. the crossing of the Red Sea in Exodus 13.17-14.31 and with Elijah and Elisha crossing the river in 2 kings 2. He examines the recent trends in literary criticism and attempts to trace the most probable literary history of Joshua 3-4.