1. JOSHUA AND THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

10. JOHN GARSTANG
Professor at Liverpool University in England questioned the results
Conducted a more detailed excavation in the 1930s 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 (± 15th cent. BC).

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

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

14. 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

16. 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."

18. 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