Joshua to Samson
Old Testament Division—Third Period (Concluded)
Conquest of Canaan.—Joshua became leader (Josh. 1:2). Received command from God (Josh. 1:6-9). Victory at Jericho (Josh. 6), followed by defeat at Ai (Josh. 7). Central Palestine conquered, and a great assemblage held at Shechem (Josh. 8:30-35). Southern and northern Palestine partially conquered (Josh. 10:1 to 11). Joshua's farewell (Josh. 23 to 24:27) and death (Josh. 24:29-33).
Israel under Judges.—Othniel delivered the people from Mesopotamia (Judg. 3:5-11). Ehud delivered from Moab (Judg. 3:12-30). Deborah and Barak delivered from Canaanites (Judg. 4:1 to 5:31). Terrible oppression under the Midianites, delivery by Gideon (Judg. 6:1 to 7:25). Jephthah delivered from Philistines and Ammonites (Judg. 10:6 to 12:7). Samson delivered from Philistines (Judg. 13:1 to 16:31).
TIME.—1458 B. C. to Samuel, 1121 B. C.
PLACES.—Palestine.
SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS.—The Jewish nation under Joshua achieved success just so long as they obeyed fully the commands of God. The Judges, as leaders, were direct representatives of God—who was the actual head of the nation—and so far as God's laws were strictly obeyed, the nation prospered.
Joshua and the Judges
45. Joshua Becomes Leader.—At the death of Moses we see Israel on the east side of the Jordan, opposite Jericho. Joshua succeeds Moses as leader. To him comes God's command, "Moses, my servant, is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan." (Josh. 1:2.) Note here no sign of discouragement. Moses may be dead, but God still lives, and will work through Joshua as well as through Moses. Notice in the orders given by God to Joshua that no mention at all is made of sword, spear, or bow, but only of obedience. This is emphasized again and again and rightly, for in obedience to God's law lay Israel's hope (read Josh. 1:6-9).