This classic textbook, widely used for over two decades, constructs a history of ancient Israel and Judah through a thorough investigation of epigraphical, archaeological, and biblical sources. Approaching biblical history as "history," Miller and Hayes examine the political and economic factors that give context to the Israelite monarchy's actions and the biblical writers' accounts. Now updated with the latest research and critical discoveries, including the Tel Dan Inscription, and considering the lively debate surrounding the reliability of biblical accounts, Miller and Hayes's judicious and even-handed portrayal gives detailed attention to the nature, strengths, and limitations of various forms of evidence for understanding Israel's origins and early history. The new edition also includes thirty-four new maps, helpful notes, and numerous charts and photographs.

The Cambridge Bible Commentary gives the full text in the N.E.B. version, with a lucid untechnical commentary designed for students in schools and colleges, for ministers of religion, and laymen generally. The volume is meant to be read as an uninterrupted unity, with introductory sections leading straight into the text, which is itself interwoven with the commentary. The central theme of Joshua is the acquisition of the land of Canaan by the people of Israel under the leadership of Joshua, the successor of Moses.