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.
