possibly due the stanza quoted from the book of Jashar (v. 12 seq.), a
poetical address to the sun and moon, of the nature of a prayer or
spell for their aid (cf. Judges v. 20, and see Ecclus. xlvi. 4). The
literal interpretation of this picturesque quotation has been
influenced by the prosaic comments at the end of v. 13 and beginning
of v. 14. Verse 15, which closes the account, anticipates v. 43; the
Septuagint omits both. The generalizing narrative (x. 28-43), which is
due to D in its present form, is partly based upon old matter (e.g.
the capture of Makkedah), but is inconsistent with what precedes (v.
37, see v. 23 sqq.) and follows (capture of Debir, v. 38 seq., see xv.
15; Judges i. 11). The description of the conquest of the northern
Canaanites is very similar to that of the south. The main part is from
an older source (xi. 1, 4-9; see DEBORAH), the amplifications (v. 2
seq.) are due to D, as also are the summary (vv. 10-23, cf. style of
x. 28-43), and the enumeration of the total results of the invasion
(xii.), which includes names not previously mentioned.
_Division of the Land._--The result of the events narrated in the first
part of the book is to ascribe the entire subjugation of Canaan to
Joshua, whose centre was at Gilgal (x. 15, 43). He is now "old and
advanced in years," and although much outlying land remained to be
possessed, he is instructed to divide the conquered districts among the
western tribes (xiii. 1 sqq.). This is detailed at length in the second
part of the book. With the completion of the division his mission is
accomplished. The main body of this part (xiii. 15-xiv. 5; xv.-xvii.;
xviii. 11-xxi. 42; xxii. 7-34) is in its present form almost entirely
due to P.
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