JOSHUA AND THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN THE BOOK

JOSHUA AND THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN

THE BOOK OF JOSHUA Key events in the conquest of Canaan Joshua assumes command (1) Crossing of the Jordan River (2 -5) The conquest of Jericho and the central highlands (6 -9) The southern campaign (10) The northern campaign (11) The division of the land (12 -22) The renewal of the covenant (24)

UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP Joshua chosen to assume leadership (Nu. 27: 12 -23; Jos. 1: 2) Reiteration of the promise Assurance of presence – “as I was with Moses, so I will be with you” (1: 5) The need for courageous action – “Be strong and of good courage” (1: 6, 7, 9) Spying out Jericho In the house of Rahab The confession of an “ outsider” (2: 8 -11) The “deal” (2: 12 -14) Crossing over (3 -4) First, the priests with the ark Then, the people

JERICHO Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. Joshua 6: 1 -2

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CITY An ancient city, situated near a source of water Strongly fortified Situated on major trade and caravan routes It would always be a threat to the Israelite occupation of the land

HISTORY OF EXCAVATIONS The first serious excavation was made by an Austrian-German team in 1907 -1909. Concluded that the city was not occupied when the Israelites entered the land.

JOHN GARSTANG Professor at Liverpool University in England questioned the results Conducted a more detailed excavation in the 1930 s in order to “prove” the biblical record. Discovered four levels of occupation and their walls. The most recent wall had been destroyed so Garstang concluded that the last wall fell during the biblical conquest (± 15 th cent. BC).

KATHLEEN KENYON English archaeologist that led an excavation in the 1950 s. Advances in archaeological techniques demanded a reevaluation of Garstang’s conclusions. Concluded that the city was not inhabited during the conquest.

BRYANT WOOD American archaeologist reopened the question. Concluded that there was a city destroyed during the 15 th cent. BC based on evidence from pottery.

LACHISH Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Libnah to Lachish; he took up positions against it and attacked it. Js. 10. 31

THE QUESTION OF THE “BAN” “The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the LORD. ” Jos. 6: 17 The Hebrew word herem can be translated “accursed”, “ under the ban”, or “ devoted” Often meant the dedication of people and things to God for destruction Prohibited looting Implied the divine right to judge any people Should be seen in light of Genesis 15: 16: “But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete. "

COVENANT RENEWAL Joshua 24 Historical recitation – the importance of the past Challenge and declaration of intent – the need to take a stand Dialogue and acceptance – uncompromising obedience