In this episode, we explore the pivotal conclusion of the Book of Joshua, focusing on the final chapters that mark the end of an era for the tribes of Israel. We delve into Joshua's final speeches to the leaders of Israel, his call to renew their covenant with the Lord and the symbolic acts of burying Joseph's bones in Shechem. Discover these events' historical and theological significance, including the possible interpretations of the "hornet" mentioned in Joshua 24:12 and the transition...

In this episode, Caleb's conquest of Hebron unveils a shadowy past steeped in legends of giants that once roamed the land of Canaan. The Israelites, paralyzed by fear of these formidable beings—particularly the Anakim—hesitated to enter the Promised Land, viewing themselves as mere "grasshoppers" in comparison. Yet, as Joshua led the conquests, references to giants faded, with significant encounters primarily linked to Caleb's decisive victory in Hebron. Tracing the origins of these tribes...

This podcast episode explores the significant biblical land grants to Joshua and Caleb in the Book of Joshua. Joshua received the city of Timnathserah, now believed to be Khirbet Tibnah, near Shiloh. Caleb, known for his bravery as a spy, was granted the Hebron region despite its formidable defenses and association with giants. The episode also covers the intriguing story of Caleb’s daughter, who secured a field and water springs through a marriage arrangement with her warrior suitor....

In this episode, we delve into the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. We discuss the land grants to each tribe, including the unique situation of the Tribe of Levi, which received cities rather than a distinct land allocation. The episode provides a detailed breakdown of the territorial boundaries, including the regions occupied by the Tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Dan, Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali. We clarify how cities and natural landmarks...

In this episode, we explore the extent of the land promised to the Israelites and the challenges faced during their conquest. Although the Lord initially promised a vast region stretching from the Red Sea to the Euphrates River, the Israelites only conquered about two-thirds of this territory. The episode details the battles led by Joshua, including the defeat of Kings Sihon and Og on the east side of the Jordan River, which was never part of the original promised land. We also discuss the...

The ancient city of Hazor, a major power in northern Canaan, was notably significant due to its size and influence. When Joshua and the Israelites conquered Hazor, they destroyed it by fire to diminish its strategic importance. Hazor, previously under Egyptian control, was known for its Egyptian artifacts, including a sphinx and numerous statues, reflecting its central role in regional trade and power dynamics. The city's destruction, marked by intense burning and the desecration of cultic...

The strategic location of Gilgal served as a pivotal base for the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. Situated east of Jericho, Gilgal became the central camp where the Israelites would regroup after each military campaign. It provided a secure position backed by territories already conquered by the two-and-a-half tribes of Israel east of the Jordan River. This setup allowed for swift military operations without the concern of attacks from the east....

In ancient Canaan, King Jabin of Hazor learns of the southern campaign of the Israelites. Determined not to fall to their conquests, he sends messengers far and wide to gather a formidable alliance of northern kings and city-states. From the rugged mountains to the fertile plains, they heed his call, assembling a vast army likened to the sands of the seashore. Led by Hazor, a prosperous city on a crucial trade route, the coalition prepares for battle at the Waters of Merom, their chariots...

In Joshua 10, the passage recounts the extraordinary events of hailstones and the sun standing still. Scholars and interpreters have long debated its meaning. Some suggest a supernatural provision of light, akin to the Exodus narrative, while others propose a literal cessation of the sun and moon's movement, possibly linked to Earth's rotation. Another view dismisses it as a poetic embellishment, while some suggest a solar eclipse as an explanation, despite dating issues and eclipse duration....

After the Battle of Ai, in the Book of Joshua, an event is recorded. This event would be the reading of the blessings and curses that Moses would command Joshua to do. However, scholars today cannot figure out the timeline in which the event happened! Welcome to the History of the Bible! If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link (https://forms.gle/AtzUReJ8gLuFYPaP8). Let...

The second battle against Ai went very differently than the first one. Once the covenant had been restored between the Israelites and the Lord, the campaign was on again! However, the city itself, Ai, is debated even to this day, causing many to believe that the Battle of Ai has not even happened! Welcome to the History of the Bible! If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the...

The Battle of Jericho was a roaring success! Now it was time to move on to the next target; the City of Ai. However, because of the actions of one man, the mission to conquer the land of Canaan would come to a screaming stop and the Tribes of Israel would suffer.    Welcome to the History of the Bible!   If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link...

Often when we hear about the Battle of Jericho, we only think of the walls of the city. Although they were an important part of the battle, they didn’t tell the whole story. A story that can still be seen today buried beneath the earth.    Welcome to the History of the Bible!   If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link (https://forms.gle/AtzUReJ8gLuFYPaP8). Let us know how...

The plans have been given to Joshua on how to conquer the city of Jericho. But have you ever wondered how battles against cities were waged in the Late Bronze Age? What technology was used to conquer cities? Plus, what did the Israelites wield in battle to fight?   Welcome to the History of the Bible!   If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link...

Ever wonder what the city of Jericho would have been like? Or at least what type of walls it had, because the walls around the city are more famous than the actual city! Then on top of that, how would the Israelites conquer the city?   Welcome to the History of the Bible! If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link (https://forms.gle/AtzUReJ8gLuFYPaP8). Let us know how this...

In Ancient times, all people groups prepared for battle one way or another. This would include the Israelites. However, the Israelites went about it in a very different manner.    Welcome to the History of the Bible!   If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link (https://forms.gle/AtzUReJ8gLuFYPaP8). Let us know how this podcast has impacted you or someone you know click the...

The Israelites would finally make the crossing over into the Promised Land. The long-awaited moment of seeing the Promised Land had come!    Welcome to the History of the Bible!   If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link (https://forms.gle/AtzUReJ8gLuFYPaP8). Let us know how this podcast has impacted you or someone you know click the link...

In preparation for the coming battle, Joshua sends two spies over into the land of Canaan to spy it out. They would especially be looking at the city of Jericho. And it is here that we find a certain woman who is willing to betray her people and gods to help these spies!    Welcome to the History of the Bible!   If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link...

Joshua may have been commissioned to lead the Israelites, but there’s a big difference between that and leading them! As was traditional in ancient times, Joshua would receive the approval of God and the people to lead.    If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link (https://forms.gle/AtzUReJ8gLuFYPaP8). Let us know how this podcast has impacted you or someone you know click...

The Book of Joshua is full of new beginnings, the Israelites are no longer wandering in the wilderness, a new leader has come into authority, and despite the coming battles that would face them, things were beginning to look up for the Israelites.    Welcome to the History of the Bible!   If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link (https://forms.gle/AtzUReJ8gLuFYPaP8). Let...

Moses would give the Israelites clear instructions to follow when they would reach the Promised Land; They were to read the blessings and the curses. A choice would be given to the Israelites, they only had to choose life and things would go well with them.    Welcome to the History of the Bible!   If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link...

Moses would give his second sermon to the people of Israel, reminding them of the covenant that was made between them and the Lord.    Welcome to the History of the Bible!   If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link (https://forms.gle/AtzUReJ8gLuFYPaP8). Let us know how this podcast has impacted you or someone you know click the link...

  Though most of the people that Moses was giving his sermon to were alive, he was reminding them of the testimonies of God and what the Lord had done for them up until this point in their Journey.    Welcome to the History of the Bible!   If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link (https://forms.gle/AtzUReJ8gLuFYPaP8). Let us know how this podcast has impacted you or...

The ending of one book is the start of another one. In our case, it’s the Book of Deuteronomy. As we’ll begin to look at the book what it’s all about and why it was written   Welcome to the History of the Bible!   If you want to support the show, check out our Patreon Page (https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible)  To give feedback on The History of the Bible click the link (https://forms.gle/AtzUReJ8gLuFYPaP8). Let us know how this podcast has impacted you or someone you know click the link...