Formation and Reformulation

This volume offers a critical examination of recent theories concerning the growth of biblical literature in the light of the oldest textual witnesses (the Qumran biblical scrolls and the Septuagint). On the basis of a fresh examination of a selection of passages in the book of Joshua, it is shown that these witnesses do not reflect a stage in the literary formation of the book prior to the standardised (Masoretic) text, but a reinterpretation and reformulation of its contents. The study presents a new literary-critical solution to the intricate problems of Joshua 8 and a detailed exegesis of the Greek version of Joshua 1 and 5. Of special interest for Qumran scholars is the new reconstruction of 4QJoshuaª.

Michaël N. van der Meer, Ph.D. (2001) in Theology at Leiden University, currently teaches religion at a secondary school in Amstelveen and publishes articles in the field of textual criticism of the Hebrew Bible

'This is a book that should be read by anyone interested in Deuteronomistic studies and/or text-critical studies. The Deuteronomistic scholar will be challenged by the insights stemming from text-critical studies, while the text critic will enjoy the refreshment course into Deuteronomistic studies. .... In conclusion, this volume is a must for every scholar of Deuteronomistic studies or textcritical studies who wants to take the debate to the next level.'
Kristin De Troyer, Review of Biblical Literature, 2006
'Van der Meer's work provides a reminder to textual critics of the need to be sensitive to the possibility of interpretive and stylistically motivated renderings on the part of the LXX translators.'
Steven Mckenzie, Review of Biblical Literature, 2005.