But, if we examine closely, it appears at least most pro-
ible that the whole passage is interpolated from the song.
i'st, we point to the fact that if the author had wished to
late a real miracle, he could not have done it in this place.
Ills miracle must have occurred at Gibeon. But the author
,ly inserts the words, " Then spake Joshua," etc., when he has
ready told how Israel came to Azekah and Makkedah in
irsuit of the fleeing enemy. This circumstance admits only
one explanation. The author first describes the events as his-
rian ; then he gives a simultaneous poetical sketch of the same
ents, just as Moses did in Num. xxi. 14-17, 18—27 ff. Again,
e defenders of the miracle overlook the fact that Joshua not
ily desires the sun to stand still at Gibeon, but also the moon in
e valley of Ajalon ; and this can scarcely be understood other-
se than poetically (comp. later). But the verse which forms
e conclusion of the whole passage, " And Joshua returned,
,d all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal," comes
pecially into consideration here. If we attribute this passage
the writer, we do not know how to deal with it. It is im-
ssible to believe that Joshua at that time really returned to
ilgal with the whole army.. The author continues in ver. 16
St where he has left off in ver. 11. He narrates circum-
mtially how Joshua followed up the victory, and how the
my undertook a campaign into the southern region, still
rther distant from Gilgal, and conquered the cities of the



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