The names of the territories apportioned do not match exactly with the twelve sons of Jacob, because the sons of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) gained separate territories, whilst the Levites had no single territory as such, but were Our fourth period of Israel’s story covers the time from the people’s entry into the promised land of Canaan until the appointment of
This period is characterised by constant warring by the twelve tribes of Israel with the inhabitants of the land in an attempt to take possession of the land from them. The land was not quickly possessed for the same reason that the wilderness was not quickly traversed: the people were often faithless and disobedient to the
During the time of conquest, the Israelites were led by JUDGES. First there was Joshua, then a succession of twelve other judges, and last of all Samuel. Under the leadership of Joshua and Samuel, there was a
CONQUEST OF CANAAN
After one generation of Israelites had wandered 40 years in the wilderness, the next generation was led over Jordan by Joshua. They fought many wars to conquer Canaan. Through sin and idolatry they faltered. Through penitent revivals they prevailed, helped by judges like Gideon and Deborah. Eventually the tribes were settled around the Jordan. By this time there were thirteen tribes, not twelve, because Joseph’s descendants had formed into two tribes Manasseh and Ephraim. There were still twelve territories however, because the tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe, was required to settle in towns throughout the territories of the other tribes. The Levites did not have their own territory, but instead were given rights within the
In this lesson, we look mainly at Joshua’s time, which is covered in the book that bears his name.
Behind this story is the victorious faith that Joshua showed toward God. Of all the people freed from Egyptian bondage, only Joshua and Caleb made it into the promised land. Joshua, by faith, led the next generation of Israelites into Canaan and began to conquer with amazing power. This raises the question: How many of us have the faith and faithfulness needed to
The names of the territories apportioned do not match exactly with the twelve sons of Jacob, because the sons of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) gained separate territories, whilst the Levites had no single territory as such, but were
Joshua, was called by God to succeed Moses as leader of the Israelites. It was Joshua, a descendant of Joseph’s son Ephraim, who led the people into the promised land. Moses was the figure who linked the time of
Joshua was originally named Hoshea [Oshea, Hosea, Osee], but Moses called him Joshua (Num 13:8,16) which has a stronger meaning. Hoshea means deliverer, whereas Joshua means The LORD has saved. Our Lord Jesus bore the same name: Ιησους
Joshua demonstrated amazing powers in God’s name. Under his leadership, for example, the waters of the swollen Jordan were parted, the walls of Jericho fell down, and
God’s promise to Joshua is very beautiful: "Just as I have been with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go"
Joshua’s exhortation before he died is beautiful too. It’s essence is, "Choose you this day whom you shall serve". As we think about Joshua, may some of his great faith rub off on us and encourage us to say, "We will serve the Lord".
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