Download - Religion: The Old Testament
Significance of Conquering Canaan
Theologically signifies the Fulfilment of God’s promise
to the people of Israel
Therefore, it is seen as an act of God’s grace towards the people of Israel.
Historical-Sociological Approach
External Factor
• Geopolitics of the Fertile Cresent
Internal Factor
• Socio-political Context of Canaan
Rạmesses II
Reign: 1279-1213 BC
Pharaoh during Exodus
Seti I
Reign: 1394-1279 BC
Pharaoh before Exodus
Amenhṓtep IV
Reign: 1353-1336 BC
The Campaign of Jericho(Joshua 2-6)
• Joshua sends spies to Jericho
• Rahab hides and help the spies escape
• God is with Israel at Jericho
• Israelites marches around the city seven times
• The walls of Jericho falls
• Israel successfully conquers the city of Jericho
• Rahab and her family • Saved from destruction
• Joins the Israelites
The Campaign of Ai(Joshua 7-8)
• God angry with Israel• Sin of Achan
• God is not with Israel
• First attempt fails• Small army sent to Ai
• 36 Israelites die and remaining army chased off
• God is no longer angry• Achan faces sin’s consequence
• God is with Israel again
• Second attempt succeeds
Jericho and Ai echoes Biblical truth
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,
you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
Juxtaposition of
Rahab and Achan
• Acted Selflessly• Hiding the 2 spies
• Saved• Her family (Josh 2:12)
• The 2 spies (Josh 2:3-6)
• Insured the success of Israel’s campaign
• Acted Selfishly • Stole plunder from Jericho
• Endangered • The Israelites
• Those that sojourned with them
• Compromised the success of Israel’s campaign