Conquest and Settlement:

The Covenant Promise Fulfilled

Introductory Issues

• Review: What has been accomplished for the people of Israel?

• Deuteronomic History (DH) – a literary issue• Geo-politics – Canaanite cities, the Habiru

(‘Apiru) and “Hebrews” – note El Amarna letters• The nature of Israel’s entry into the Land – raids

against key leaders and cities with actual settlement much later

• The text of Joshua is not in conflict with Judges

A Theological and Ethical Concern

• The legitimacy of the conquest in light of the vile polytheism of Canaan

• Deuteronomy 7:1-6,16 – to prevent Israel from worshiping other gods

• The same drastic action was to be taken against apostate Israel – note exile and destruction

• herem – given over to destruction; refers almost exclusively to those who have been in rebellion against the LORD

Schematic outline of Joshua

Preparation (1-5) Conquest

(6-12) Inheritance (13-22) Renewal of

Covenant (23-24)

ACTION BUSINESS APPEAL

Joshua takes over

• Meaning of his name• Background as Moses’ assistant

– Fighting Amalekites– With Moses on the Mountain– One of the spies

• Confirmation after death of Moses– Exhortation to meditate on Torah– Key incidents: crossing Jordan, commemorative

stones, commander of the army of the Lord, Passover, circumcision

The Conquest

Strategy of Conquest

• Central entry point at Jericho

• Route of attack gains the high ground

• Divide and conquer

• Sweep the south

• Northern victory(ies) - Hazor

• An important observation: This is not an occupation at this point. Settlement comes later.

Jordan River Valley

Jericho

Jericho – Revetment Wall

Casemate Wall (at Beersheva; remains of this aspect of the Jericho walls are not evident)

Ascent to Bethel and Ai

Ai (which means “ruin”)

Major Campaigns

• Jericho – Rahab, herem and “first fruits”• Ai – the sin of Achan; the implications of

individual sin for whole community• Covenant renewal at Shechem – altar on Mt.

Ebal• Gibeonite deception – treaty ratified with oath• Jerusalem confederation• Southern campaign• Northern campaign - Hazor• “land not taken” – coastal plain and Jezreel

Valley

Tribal Allotments and Cities of Refuge

• Key tribal allotments• Cities of refuge –

three on each side of the Jordan Valley

• What happened to the Levites?

Covenant Renewal

• Joshua’s farewell speech (chapter 23)

• Renewal of the covenant at Shechem– A recital of history– Exhortation to fear the Lord– Affirmation and challenge– Writing and stones as witness against the

people