How we cite our quotes:
Quote #1
Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the Ark of the Covenant had stood; and they are there to this day. (NRSV 4:9)
And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the Ark of the Covenant stood: and they are there unto this day. (KJV 4:9)
The writers of Joshua make it absolutely essential that the reader understand that the past is connected to the present, which influences the future. In some ways, that's rather like the butterfly effect. Don't know what we're talking about? Check out A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury.
Quote #2
But Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, Joshua spared. Her family has lived in Israel ever since. For she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. (NRSV 6:25)
And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. (KJV 6:25)
As a reward for Rahab helping the Israelites, Joshua spares her and her family. According to the book, Rahab's family still exists to this day with a direct tie to Jesus himself. Pretty nifty. Family legacies are just as important to history as any battle. Rahab's family was pretty lucky to have her.
Quote #3
Joshua said, "Why did you bring trouble on us? The LORD is bringing trouble on you today." And all Israel stoned him to death; they burned them with fire, cast stones on them, and raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. Then the LORD turned from his burning anger. Therefore that place to this day is called the Valley of Achor. (NRSV 7:25-26)
And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day. (KJV 7:25-26)
Double double toil and trouble upon Achan. Because of his disobedience, Joshua slays him and his family, and names their death place the valley of Achor, which in Hebrew means trouble. Moral of the story: Even though you may muck up and die, you might still get a valley named after you.