IT IS A PLEASURE to offer this commentary in the service of serious Bible readers in worshiping communities. Were the book not part of this series, I would be tempted to title it Surprised by Joshua since its preparation involved many surprises, most of them pleasant. The book of Joshua itself came wondrously alive for me, and the series’ requirement to combine typical exegesis with application proved to be a stretching experience both intellectually and spiritually. At one point, the process confronted me personally with a question: did I love God or not? (After honest reflection, I concluded that I did). In the end, the book leaves me humbled and ashamed of how far short my life falls from its ideals, but also uplifted at the powerful, loving presence at work in and through me. My hope is that the book will in some small measure facilitate similar spiritual awareness in readers.
As with any project, there are plenty of people to thank for their contributions behind the scenes. I am grateful for the invitation to contribute to this series, and especially to Professor John Walton for kindly and expertly improving the manuscript. The men in my small accountability group (Paul, Steve, Don, and Max) supported and encouraged me as I navigated my way along. Thanks for expert and long-suffering help go to my recent teaching assistants at North Park Theological Seminary: David Mortimer, Dr. Liang her-Wu, Paul Corner, and Andrew Freeman. Andrew completed most of the indexes. I also happily say thanks to friends and colleagues who generously commented on select portions of the book: Dr. Timothy S. Laniak, Dr. William W. Wells, and the Rev. Andy Sebanc. The manuscript was completed during an enjoyable sabbatical in residence at Regent College, Vancouver, B.C. It is pleasure to thank North Park Theological Seminary for granting the sabbatical and Regent College for its warm hospitality and fine library resources.
My wife, Pam, read and commented on the entire manuscript and helped with the bibliography. She gave me what she called “the view from the pews” and helped keep the book grounded in the realities of daily Christian living. It is a joy to dedicate this book to her, not only because she helped in its production, but especially because of her love, encouragement, prayers, and wisdom throughout our long life of love and adventure together.
Permit me two small authorial comments. First, at several key points I have included liturgies through which congregations might respond to given texts of Joshua. Second, parts of the book of Joshua resemble a telephone book or grocery list, and readers may be tempted to skip them. But, in fact, they mark some of the most important parts of the book. To miss them will be to miss one of the richest surprises in the book of Joshua.
Robert L. Hubbard Jr.
North Park Theological Seminary