Joshua

Joshua ●

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The Israelites arrive at the Promise Land. They must invade it and take it over. Scoping Out the Enemy (2:1-24) – Before he leads the Israelites into Canaan, Joshua has two spies go out to check out Jericho. Rahab (a prostitute) tells them that the Jerichoians are afraid of an Israeli invasion. They heard all the stories about their escape from Egypt and they know that they have gone undefeated. The spies return to their boss Joshua and tell the people that “We're sure the Lord has given us the whole country, the people there shake with fear every time they think of us.” Crossing in Style (3:1-17) - The Israelites invade the Promise Land. Their invasion is lead by the Priests that carry the Ark of the Covenant (sacred chest containing the 10 commandments). When they step into the Jordan River, the river itself comes to a stop. The town of Adam (20 miles to the north) is flooded, and it stays that way until the Israelites cross the river. They enter the Promised Land the same way they left Egypt – God cleared the way by sweeping aside a river (just like the Red Sea). Breakthrough at Jericho (6:1-27) – After walking 5 miles across the river, they encounter their first enemies. The Jerichoians believe they are safe because of the city's huge walls. They felt so safe, that their army did nothing but waltz around the city for 6 days. On the 7th day, the walls collapse, and they no longer laugh at the protection they once had. The next battle, the Israelites lose. Achan (a soldier of the Israelites) becomes greedy and helps himself to around 5 lbs of Silver, one pound of Gold, and a fancy robe imported the area that is now Iraq. As the Israelites lose the battle, Achan dies. After that battle, the Israelites win and sweep south, then turn north. All the Time (literally) In the World (10:1-28) – Joshua finds out that armies from 5 cities, (including Jerusalem and Hebron) have camped at the hills of Gibeon (15 miles to the west). He ordes an uphill march the entire night. As the battle is extended hour after hour, Joshua asks God to extend the day (and days to come) so that maybe he can give Israel time to finish off the enemy. The result is the sun standing still and not going down for about an entire day. After a long time, the enemy gives in and runs away. They reach a mountain pass about 5 miles away and God sends a huge hail storm. “More of the enemy soldiers died from the hail than the Israelite Weapons”.

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Dividing the Land (13-22) – After Joshua's army takes over 31 cities in Canaan, he divides the land for the 12 tribes of Israel. Each tribe is required to finish jobs and secure boundaries to its claimed land. The powerful cities in the coast had not been taken over yet, especially the Philistine's land. Joshua's Farewell (23-24) – After helping the tribes get adapted and leading the nation into battle, Joshua must say goodbye. He brings the leaders together for a meeting and like Moses, he reminds them of the agreement – the first commandment (to worship God, and not Idols). Joshua calls the leaders of Israel to say good bye to him and he dies at the age of 110. They bury him in the rugged hills north of Jerusalem.