Story · 17 · Moses and Joshua
Joshua, from warlord to king-slayer
In the oldest stories, Joshua seems to be a local warlord who rescues the Gibeonites and takes their territory. In the exodus narrative, he becomes Moses' successor who defeats Canaan's kings.
Old heroes get new roles.
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His name means 'Yhwh saves,' a type of name that became common only in the ninth and eighth centuries. Unlike a king, his office isn't hereditary. The famous battles of Jericho and Ai were composed to connect him to the exodus.
Bible reference: Joshua 10
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 280–281
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