Joshua, Judges, Ruth (New International Biblical Commentary. Old Testament Series, 5)

The authors of this commentary take a canonical-historical approach to the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, three books that are diverse, yet share the common historical context of the tribal settlement of Canaan. They examine Joshua, Judges, and Ruth as narratives with dynamic theological messages about the dynamic relationship between God's people and the powerful God who gives land and provides deliverers for the people.

Expert help for understanding the Bible

Each volume in the Understanding the Bible Commentary Series breaks down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers. They present a careful section-by-section exposition of the biblical books with key terms and phrases highlighted and all Hebrew transliterated. Notes at the close of each chapter provide additional textual and technical comments for those who want to dig deeper. A bibliography as well as Scripture and subject indexes are also included. Pastors, students, and Bible teachers will find in this series a commitment to accessibility without sacrificing serious scholarship.

These three books tell the history of Israel's early life in Canaan, before the monarchy. Their narratives mix exhilarating stories of God's deliverance and somber examples of the people's disobedience. They also include elements that are strange to modern readers. The commentators explore history and culture of the era to explain the difficult issues raised and relate the lessons to contemporary Christian life.

J. Gordon Harris is professor emeritus of Old Testament at North American Baptist Seminary.

Cheryl A. Brown is director of Biblical Studies and lecturer in Old Testament at the International Baptist Theological Seminary.

Michael S. Moore was assistant professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary in Arizona.