The Hebrew canon divides scripture into three categories: Law, Prophets and Writings. In this arrangement, Joshua heads “The Prophets,” with Judges following second, while Ruth is placed in “The Writings.” In the Christian canon, however, Joshua, Judges and Ruth follow sequentially, continuing the linear narrative that begins in Genesis and extends through Esther. Although written by different authors at different times, Joshua, Judges and Ruth function together, continuing the on-going story. From this perspective, Joshua and Judges fit seamlessly together, while Ruth is a recapitulation to the “time when the Judges ruled” (Ruth 1:1).
The book of Joshua received its name from its principle character, and the Talmud tells us that “Joshua wrote his own book,” although Talmudic tradition suggests that Eleazar, Aaron’s son, recorded the...
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Introduction, Outline, Bibliography