Joshua in 3-D: A Commentary on Biblical Conquest and Manifest Destiny

Synopsis: This unique commentary generates a conversation between the biblical narrative of conquest related biblical themes and the American master narrative of Manifest Destiny. Writing in an accessible style and format Hawk offers an exegesis of the biblical text with special emphasis on the ways the narrative of conquest shaped ancient Israels identity as a people. A second level of commentary lifts key themes from the text (e.g. the land as divine gift and promise mass killing Israels distinctive attributes the construction of the Indigenous Other) and sets them within their broader biblical context. A third dimension reflects on corresponding elements in Americas narrative of westward expansion (e.g. the conviction of Americas unique character and destiny total war and ethnic cleansing the dehumanization of Native peoples patriotism and homeland the idea of the American Dream). As a whole this book offers Joshua as a biblical resource for reading the American experience challenging readers to reflect on how conquest shaped Americas identity and how it continues to influence American attitudes and actions. Endorsement: An informative provocative commentary on Joshua by a master interpreter. Hawk brings the ancient book to life as the narrative about Israels identity. But thats not all: Hawk creatively gives us Joshua for today--old Joshuas perspective on Americas national identity narratives. If youre asking What does it mean to be a Christian in twenty-first century America? this is the book for you. I commend it highly. --Robert L. Hubbard Jr. Professor of Biblical Literature North Park Theological Seminary Chicago Author Biography: L. Daniel Hawk is Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland Ohio. He is the author of Every Promise Fulfilled (1991) and Joshua (Berit Olam 2000).