Hess, a conservative scholar has written one of the two best commentaries I've seen on Joshua (Howard has written the other). The seven excursuses are extremely interesting. Hess also includes more archaeological information than most. The comments themselves are very insightful and helpful.

I was not as impressed with this commentary as I expected. The author focused too much on technical details of the text and battle execution at the expense of practical Christian/Jewish applications.

I am studying Joshua because I want to get a handle on God's bad behavior in Joshua's campaign in Canaan. Richard Hess didn't help much. Hess believes that all the Canaanite towns had the opportunity to join in covenant with Israel's God. Few joined in treaty with Israel politically and religiously. Most did not. For those rebellious towns: extermination.

That reading may be correct. I have my doubts. I have a hunch that the more likely origin of the genocidal wars is an exilic idealistic memory of the conquest of Canaan. I'm still studying. I wasn't helped much by Hess.

Furthermore, this commentary cannot be recommended as a study guide for class or sermon prep. There is too much tech and not enough application. The tech makes the commentary into a slow read.