Caleb and the Redaction History of Joshua 14–19. Some Thoughts

de Vos, J. Cornelis

Zusammenfassung

I assume that the conclusion of the conquest of the land in Josh 11:21–23 was modeled after the conquest by the Calebites/Edomites. If we subtract the pan-Israelite elements from Josh 11:21–23, the areas conquered according to this text seem to be the counterpart of the areas conquered in Josh 15:13–19. This latter text says indirectly: It was not Joshua who had beaten the legendary Anakites from the hill country, Hebron, Debir (and Anab) (Josh 11:21) but Caleb, Othniel, and Achsah, or – in general – Edomite clans. As the God of Israel is “with Caleb” (Josh 14:12) and Caleb “followed Yahweh completely,” this “foreigner” could conquer area within Israel.