1 Joshua and Judges

I. Book of Joshua A. Section of Bible: Historical Books 1. Ch 2-12 Conquest of Land 2 B. Content 2. Ch Division of Land 3. Ch 1; Joshua’s Speeches

C. Dates: covers BCE 3 D. Joshua, Son of Nun 1. Means “G-d saves” as does Jesus, Isaiah 2. Moses‘ successor

II. Role of Joshua 4 A. Leads Israelites into Canaan to conquer land promised by G-d B. Polytheistic Canaanites already there! C. Refuse to hand Land over to Israelites

III. Holy War 5 A. War = holy act providing sense of security because G-d on their side B. Fulfilling promise made to Patriarchs

IV. Violence in Joshua A. The “ban” (Hb herem) B. Syn: Holy War C. Def’n: “sacrificing all spoils of war to G-d, killing all life, animal and human” 6

7 D. Purpose: Show that Israel trusts in G-d alone during war/sought nothing else E. To understand the violence, remember: words in Scripture are conditioned by language/culture of Israelites

V. Joshua and Moses: Parallels A. Cross Jordan R/ Red Sea B. Both obedient to YHWH C. Both get divine support 8

9 VI. Joshua as Role Model A. True commitment to Covenant results in blessings from G-d B. Undying devotion to G-d (Joshua 24:15)

VII. Age of the Judges A BCE B. Fills in transition period between Conquest of the Land and beginning of United Monarchy

C. Cycle of Sin-Redemption Cycle starts over again!

VIII. The Book of Judges 1. Settle tribal disputes

13 2.Led military defense against invaders 3. Men AND women 5.Given exceptional POWER to accomplish will of G-d 6. Challenged Israel: remain faithful to G-d

B. Israel’s Temptations 1. Baals: Canaanite god(s) of earth and fertility which took on many forms

2. Asherah: Canaanite goddess of fertility

16 C. Judges: Conscience for Israelites 1. Calling Israelites to Covenant faithfulness 2. Faithfulness = military success but disobedience = military defeat