Chapter 10 A Conquering People

Before he died, Moses told the Israelites to make God and their faith the most important thing in their lives. He said, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.” This is known as the Shema.

After Moses had died, Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan. They met with opposition from the Canaanites. Jericho was a large well-known city and whoever controlled it would control all of Canaan. Under orders from God and commanded by Joshua, The Israelites marched around the city led by 7 priests blowing horns. On the 7 th day the walls of the city fell down.

Israelites divided Canaan into 12 parts- one for each of the 12 tribes. They cast lots to decide who got which part. Casting lots means throwing stones– like dice to decide. The Israelites believed God decided the casting of lots. It was a gift from God not human achievement.

Judges where chosen to decide military and official business. The Israelites lived the following pattern Turned away from God Others conquered them Israelites prayed to God for help God sent a judge to deliver from their enemies Judge helped defeat the enemies Deborah was one of the first judges chosen in Canaan.

Deborah, the Judge told Barak the general to go to the top of Mt. Tabor to fight the Canaanites. Barak insists that Deborah also come to the battle. God sends a thunderstorm– Canaanite’s chariots get stuck in the mud and are useless. Israelites win the battle at Mt. Tabor.

Angel appeared to Zorah and told her she would be the mother of a son, Samson. Strong Nazirite– no alcohol, no cutting his hair, no contact with dead Married but wife killed by Philistines Samson fell in love with Delilah, a Philistine woman. Delilah was paid to find out the source of Samson’s strength. She finally learned that his hair was the source. While he slept, she had his hair cut.

Since Samson was no longer strong, he was captured, blinded and thrown in prison. While in prison, hair grew back and he was once again strong. For a festival, the Philistines chained Samson between two columns to make fun of him. Samson pulled down columns destroying temple and himself. Vows– Matrimony, Holy Orders

Ruth – Moabite who married a Jewish man who died. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, was also a widow. This left the women without anyone to support them. Naomi decided to return to her homeland. Ruth refused to abandon Naomi. She picked up the leftover grain and did everything to make sure Naomi was fed. Boaz, wealthy owner of the field was impressed with Ruth and married her. Boaz & Ruth– Obed– Jesse-- David