Biblical Commentary

Joshua – The Sun Stood Still

2 Comments / Biblical Commentary /

The book of Joshua records an amazing astronomical sign. The Sun stood still in the middle of the sky about a whole day. This is one of the most controversial and most debated passages in all of scripture. Some insist that God demonstrated his power through this amazing one-time sign. They often go so far as to create pseudoscientific theories to prove their case. Meanwhile, those with scientific backgrounds recoil. Forced literalism causes many to dismiss the Bible altogether. This article attempts to work through this issue.

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Joshua and Morality

2 Comments / Biblical Commentary /

Archaeological digs sprinkle the promised land in the quest for historical clues. Other than at the sites of Hazor and Bethel, no significant Late Bronze Age destruction layers appear. Most scholars agree: a Joshua led genocide never happened. Careful readers of the book of Joshua generally come to the same conclusion. But then, what do we do with some of the language which seems so violent? That’s the subject of this article.

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Joshua – Conquest, Coexistence, or Genocide

1 Comment / Biblical Commentary /

The book of Joshua provokes much criticism . To some, it is full of nonhistorical legends composed centuries after the fact. Others insist on super-literalism. To them, Joshua’s account exposes God’s wrathful, bloodthirsty, jealous nature. Even more mock the book as ridiculously unscientific; no way can the sun physically stand still without disastrous orbital repercussions. This article addresses these charges.

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Egypt in the Bible: Joseph – When?

1 Comment / Biblical Commentary /

There is no direct archaeological evidence that Joseph, the great grandson of Abraham, was ever in Egypt. This is not surprising. We could say the same for almost every person that lived in the ancient world. This does not mean that there is no indirect evidence. This article is the first installment. If the biblical account is reliable, when would Joseph have been in Egypt?

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