This dissertation seeks to better understand the biblical book of Joshua by utilizing Babylonian kudurrus as a contextual genre. It begins by first assembling a consistent group of kudurrus and then attempting to understand and evaluate them on their own terms. The contextual work is then pursued in two directions. First, The literary features of Joshua are evaluated in light of those common to kudurrus. In a second exercise, the stone assemblages in Joshua are compared to the physical characteristics and illocutionary intents of kudurrus.

The literary context of kudurrus sheds light on the function of various parts of the book of Joshua. It also demonstrates that Joshua was structured according to the literary conventions of its time. Finally, the textual transmission of kudurrus provide a model for understanding the development of Joshua which includes reliable sources that are piously embellished to enforce the original claims.

The numerous stone assemblages in Joshua play significant roles in the book. A comparison with kudurrus reveals immediate differences between the Babylonian and Israelite stones. However, it also points to the reality that stone markers were used to preserve property in Israel as well as the rest of the ancient Near East. One also sees that uniqueness of the stones in Joshua are linked to Israel's worldview.

In a broad sense, the study demonstrates that the author of Joshua was utilizing the literary conventions of his day while maintaining a worldview which was distinct from the surrounding cultures. Furthermore, it affirms that Joshua has once central concern—the preservation of property. It also suggests that it remains a viable option that Joshua, like contemporary kudurrus utilized reliable sources to enforce its claims.