Lindeque, G.C. (Gert Cornelis)Breytenbach, A.P.B. (Andries Petrus Bernardus), 1944-2010-02-242010-02-242002Lindeque, GC & Breytenbach, APB 2002, 'Die boek Josua gelees teen ’n na-eksiliese agtergrond : Reading the book of Joshua against a post-exilic background', HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies, vol. 58, no. 4, pp. 1761-1794.[http://www.hts.org.za/index.php/HTS/issue/archive]0259-9422 (print)http://hdl.handle.net/2263/13217This article argues that the book of Joshua portrays the idealistic views held by the post-exilic community on the history of Israel. The book displays remarkable similarities with Third Isaiah and with narratives from the post-exilic period. By reading the book of Joshua against a post-exilic background, it obtains theological significance, not as a historical account of the occupation of the land, but as a call for the acceptance of foreigners into the community of the people of YHWH, as well as for the decentralization of religious power. The book owes its final form to a marginalized group, who were in conflict with the religious leaders in Jerusalem. The book of Joshua functioned as a contra-narrative against the exclusive claims made by the returning exiles.AfrikaansFaculty of Theology, University of PretoriaPost-exilic periodJoshuaBible -- O.T. -- Joshua -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.Bible -- HistoriographyIsrael -- HistorySocial conflict in the BibleArticle