Topical Bible: Holy Land: Conquered by Joshua

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The conquest of the Holy Land by Joshua is a pivotal event in the history of Israel as recorded in the Old Testament. This event marks the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan. The narrative of the conquest is primarily found in the Book of Joshua, which details the divinely guided military campaigns led by Joshua, Moses' successor.

Divine Commission and Preparation

Following the death of Moses, Joshua is appointed as the leader of the Israelites. God commissions Joshua with the task of leading the people into the Promised Land, assuring him of His presence and support. In Joshua 1:2-3 , God commands, "Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, cross over the Jordan—you and all this people—to the land that I am giving to the children of Israel. I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses."

Joshua's leadership is characterized by obedience to God's instructions, courage, and faith. Before crossing the Jordan River, Joshua sends two spies to scout the city of Jericho, where they are aided by Rahab, a woman who acknowledges the power of the God of Israel (Joshua 2).

Crossing the Jordan and Initial Victories

The crossing of the Jordan River is a miraculous event, reminiscent of the Red Sea crossing. As the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant step into the river, the waters are halted, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground (Joshua 3:14-17). This event signifies God's continued presence and power among His people.

The first major victory in the conquest is the fall of Jericho. Following God's specific instructions, the Israelites march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, the walls of Jericho collapse after the people shout and the priests blow their trumpets (Joshua 6:20). This victory is attributed to divine intervention and sets the tone for subsequent conquests.

Central and Southern Campaigns

After Jericho, the Israelites face a setback at Ai due to Achan's sin of taking forbidden items from Jericho. Once the sin is addressed, Joshua leads a successful campaign against Ai (Joshua 7-8). The central campaign continues with the renewal of the covenant at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, where the blessings and curses of the Law are proclaimed (Joshua 8:30-35).

The southern campaign is marked by the Gibeonite deception, where the Gibeonites secure a treaty with Israel through cunning (Joshua 9). Despite the deception, Joshua honors the treaty, and when the Gibeonites are attacked by a coalition of Amorite kings, Joshua leads a miraculous victory, during which the sun stands still at his request (Joshua 10:12-14).

Northern Campaign and Division of the Land

The northern campaign involves a coalition of kings led by Jabin of Hazor. Joshua's forces achieve a decisive victory, effectively breaking the power of the northern Canaanite cities (Joshua 11). The conquest of the land is largely completed, although some territories remain unconquered.

Following the military campaigns, the land is divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. This division is conducted by lot at Shiloh, under the supervision of Joshua and Eleazar the priest (Joshua 18:10). The Levites receive no territorial inheritance, as their portion is the priesthood and the offerings made to the Lord (Joshua 13:14).

Covenant Renewal and Joshua's Farewell

In his farewell address, Joshua calls the people to remain faithful to the covenant with God, warning them against idolatry and urging them to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. He famously declares, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). The people renew their commitment to the covenant, and Joshua's leadership concludes with his death and burial in the land he helped conquer (Joshua 24:29-30).

The conquest of the Holy Land by Joshua is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the importance of obedience and faith in the life of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 6:1-12:24
Now Jericho was straightly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Joshua's Exhortation.
... and of that which still remains to be conquered; urging them ... will perish quickly
from off the good land which God ... How good is it to have this holy and wise God ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/joshuas exhortation.htm

Unwon but Claimed
Expositions of Holy Scripture. <. ... Israel's history is significant.
The land was never actually all conquered. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/unwon but claimed.htm

We are Warned not Only in Civil Law, but Also in the Holy ...
... had fallen at the sound of the holy trumpets, being ... also, that the king of Ai was
conquered and had ... with guile, pretending that they were from a land very far ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x we are warned.htm

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... number of foreign settlers, but the Holy Land itself was ... far north-east of the land,
occupying at ... disguising their contempt for the conquered, especially when ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm

A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience
Expositions of Holy Scripture. ... was in some respects conquered by Canaanites and other
conquered tribes ... you make alliances with the people of the land, you shall ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a summary of israels faithlessness.htm

Entrance into Rest.
... In the land they conquered every enemy ... And so God waits, and Christ waits, and the
Holy Spirit waits, to give victory every day; not freedom from temptation ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/iv entrance into rest.htm

The National Oath at Shechem
... Ye cannot serve the Lord: for He is an holy God; He ... unto thy seed will I give this
land,' and had ... is their national God, who has fought and conquered for them ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the national oath at shechem.htm

The First Kings.
... the deliverer and lawgiver of Israel, and Joshua the great ... and weakened, until the
Jews were conquered and enslaved ... of a visit by travellers in the Holy Land. ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

Questions.
... viii.3, 4, 5. 14. What was the first measure of Zerubbabel and Joshua? 15. ... 12. Who
conquered Rome? 13. ... 34. Why could not the Holy Land be kept? 35. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

The End of the War
Expositions of Holy Scripture. ... till we can look back and down from the land of peace ...
their hands the wealth which, by God's grace, they had conquered from out ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of the war.htm