The Book of Joshua/Judges/Ruth

1. The Book of Joshua/Judges/Ruth God’s Fidelity

2. Joshua and Judges • Joshua and Judges form a bridge (or transition) between the Pentateuch and the historical books • They are called the “historical” b/c they show the theological formation (natureandwillofGodasrevealedtohumans)of the Hebrew nation over a long period of time.

3. Because they are in chronological order, we can say they are somewhat faithful to history

4. Two Sections • It is divided into two major sections: • 1. The miraculous conquest of the land by the tribes under Joshua’s leadership. • 2. Dividing the land among the tribes and settling territorial and boundary disputes

5. God demonstrates His fidelity in giving to Israel the land he promised them for an inheritance Joshua Introduction

6. God fulfills His promise to be their God and make them His people. • God is the leader of this nation of independent tribes. There is no centralized Government authority

7. The occupation begins with the crossing of the Jordan and the conquest of Jericho

8. Not all 12 tribes wished to enter the Promised land-Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh found the land good, the water and forage for their sheep plentiful, and friendly neighbors • They would however, honor their commitment to fight with the Hebrew nation-at least for a while.

9. Joshua 1-2 Joshua is accepted as leader • In 3 days they will move out • The Israelites unconditionally accept Joshua as the leader The new generation • Shows more deference (respect / admiration/submissiveness) to Joshua • Follow most of his commands

10. The Spies and Rahab • Joshua sends two spies into Jericho • Rahab’s house-(brothel) – a good place for information • The King of Jericho finds out • Sends troops to Rahab’s house • She lies, says “they left” • They were on the roof • She had heard of God’s liberation of the Israelites from Egypt

11. Rahab helps the spies escape Rahab is now a believer in God One of the purposes of Exodus was to increase the belief among non-Israelites She and her family will be spared during the conquest (b/c of her belief) She marks her home with a red rope Chapter 2

12. Chapter 3-5 • The Miracle of the Ark • The waters of the Jordan roll back as the Ark, carried by 1 priest from each tribe, enter the Jordan • This gives continuity >Moses then Joshua. The parting of the Red sea, crossing the Jordan • It also indicates the upcoming battles will be won by the power of God, not men.

13. The Memorial Stones God commands them to keep a stone from the riverbed to remember the miracle (this experience) In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."

14. Homework • Bring in an object from home that you will keep as a memorial of the time spent here at CBHS. Bring in something you would feel comfortable sharing with the class

15. The New Generation The manna ceases- they can now feed themselves from this land of milk and honey Joshua has all circumcised. This obedience symbolizes a renewal of the covenant This is done at Gilgal (meaning to roll) God has rolled back Israel’s reproach (reprimand)

16. A man shows up with a drawn sword • He is neither for them or against them • Joshua must take off his sandal-reminiscent of Moses and the burning bush • God will be fighting for Israel • But the war isn’t about Israel, it is about God’s purposes (“neither” side)

17. Chapter 6-7 The Walls of Jericho • “I will deliver Jericho into your hands” • Soldiers and 7 priests walk around the city once a day for 6 days • On the 7th day they walk around 7 times, then blow the trumpets and shout • The walls collapse and Israel takes Jericho

18. Joshua 6:21-24 • 21And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword… •  24And they burnt the city with fire, and all that was therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD.

19. Herem • This was a practice of many primitive tribes. • When a city was captured and placed under “herem” all was divided into 2 classifications: • 1. Sacred • 2. Profane

20. National Survival/Will of the gods • Anything judged profane was to be destroyed. Anything considered sacred was taken over for religious purposes. • Does this kind of brutality seem shocking to you? • Remember, this is a time and place which did not share our outlook. It was a mater of national survival and success in war was identified with the will of the gods

21. The tearing down of an entire city would be an enormous task – as well as rebuilding a new one. It’s not likely the “herem” was ever really practiced (at least on a large scale)

22. The “herem” was seen more as an ideal that should be accomplished, not necessarily the actual destruction

23. The writer is emphasizing that Israel put all its trust in God alone during war and sought nothing for itself

24. Defeat at Ai • Why were the Israelites defeated at Ai? • Someone had broken the covenant-a soldier had taken what belonged to God • Achan had stolen gold/silver (should have been used for religious purposes) • Achan is “cut off”. He and his family are buried with their belongings • Next time Israel is successful

25. Can you see how your actions effect others around you? • Can you see how you cut yourself “off” from those you love when you lie, steal, cheat, etc. (when we are selfish)?

26. Chapter 9-12 • Gibeonites deceive Joshua • They are afraid of Israel • They dress like poor people and make the Israelites believe they’re travelers from “outside” the Promised land • Without going over this with God (i.e. we would pray), Joshua makes an oath never to attack them • Eventually the truth comes out and Gibeon becomes servants of Israel

27. Hewers of wood and drawers of water • These were the people living in the lowest social classes of the community

28. What is an Oath • It is a solemn appeal to a deity-or some revered person • Is an oath binding when the one giving it is deceived? • How binding is it?

29. Miraculous Conquest • Hail storms aid in killing many • The sun stands still at Joshua’s request until Israel wins (The crowing rooster/raining before the game ends) • Nothing is impossible for God. The Lord fought for Israel • Israel has conquered the Promised land-the inheritance has taken place

30. TheTwelve Tribes Manasseh Asher Zebulun Issachar Ephraim Benjamin Dan Gad Judah Naphtali Simeon Reuben Division of land to the 12 Tribes of Israel

31. Homework • Make a sketch of your 8th grade cafeteria and how the 8th grade class was grouped for lunch. • Identify in a respectful way, what gifts each group (clique) brought to the school. Write them on the other side of the sheet. • Identify and record the positive and negative characteristics of the cliques. • Identify and record common bonds and events that unite the groups into a community.

32. How is your current freshman class here at CBHS grouped? • Is it united? • If not, what are some values/beliefs that could help unite it?-or strengthen the unity? • What about the school as a whole?

33. Joshua 13-22 • Roll the dice-The Holy Land is divided • Joshua and the High Priest Eleazar divide the land using sacred dice • Just how many tribes are there? • There are actually 13. Joseph’s is spilt between his 2 sons Manasseh and Ephraim (remember, Jacob adopted them as his own) • The tribe of Levi received no land-why? • They were given the priestly functions. The priests needed to be spread out – 48 cities between the tribes and 6 cities of refuge.

34. Cities of refuge • What were these cities for? • For people who accidentally killed another-to protect them from the vengeance of the victim’s family • Do we have a moral obligation today to protect (offer sanctuary) to innocent people from countries who are trying to escape persecution/murder?

35. Chapter 23 Joshua’s Farewell • Joshua emphasizes: • The Lord has defeated their opponents therefore- • Be strong / Follow the Law • Don’t mingle with other nations • Don’t worship or swear oaths to false gods

36. Chapter 24 -Renewal of the Covenant/Joshua’s Death • This assembly renewing the covenant made at Mt. Sinai is an important event in Israel’s history. • Shechem thus becomes the earliest religious center for the Israelite tribes • The renewal links the past and present together (remember, this conquest occurs over a long period of time)- the groups not formally a part of the Exodus were formally initiated into the covenantal community

37. Anamnesis • This continual bringing up to the present (linking past to present) is how the Hebrews maintained their history. • This linking of past and present is called ANAMNESIS • The liturgical celebration of the Mass links the saving actions of Jesus with people in the present

38. What are the 2 major parts of the Mass? • Word/Eucharist • How does each part relate to the past?

39. Covenant Renewed • Don’t ally with or marry “Pagans” • Why the emphasis on this? • The renewal assembles all of Israel • Lists the continual support of God • Shows God’s fidelity-every promise has been kept by the Lord • They confirm they will solely worship God- “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”

40. Joshua’s Death • After Joshua dies, the Israelites are left leaderless. • The next leaders will be the Judges. They will be in charge of small areas or tribes. • There will be no other leaders of all the people until the time of the kings

41. The Book of Judges

42. Folk Heroes • Get into your groups • Make a list of some folk heroes of our time - religious figures, singers, athletes, astronauts, scientists, political activists, etc. • List the qualities and/or achievements that make them stand out

43. The Books Purpose To show that the fortunes of Israel depended upon their obedience or disobedience to God’s Law Whenever they rebelled against Him, they were oppressed. When they repented, he raised up judges to deliver them

44. The Moral Pattern of Judges The Israelites are unfaithful to God and worship false gods • God punishes them through foreign oppression • They repent and ask God to forgive them • God raises up a savior to rescue them- militarily through a judge

46. We Mirror Israel • Our tragedies, like those of Israel, are a result of forgetting our call to serve God and do what’s right. • When Israel forgets to reveal the one God to all nations, it falls into selfishness, apprehensiveness, blindness, and ends up dominated by idol worshiping neighbors. • Can you see the parallel to our lives?

47. What was the Purpose of the Judges? • The Judges took care of legal matters but was more of a military leader • Arose in time of great need. They would lead the tribes during the rest of their lifetime • The position was not based on descendents • The Judge was not in control of all the tribes at once • There are 12 Judges – major and minor

48. 1. Othniel 2. Ehud 3. Barak (w/Deborah) 4. Gideon 5. Jephthah 6. Samson 1. Shamgar 2. Tola 3. Jair 4. Ibzan 5. Elon 6. Abdon Major Judges Minor Judges

49. Othniel is the first Judge The people are worshiping false gods God allows Cushan-rishathaim of Mesopotamia to conquer them They cry out- Othniel defeats the enemy Judges 1-3

50. How quickly we forget Eglon (Moabite) conquers Israel Ehud is in charge of the tribute to Moab Ehud is left handed-what makes this significant? The guards miss the knife when he’s frisked Ehud stabs the king, escapes, and the Israelites lie in wait for the Moabites as they pursue Ehud Ehud