Conquest Period

Study Notes by Ed Underwood

“If you indeed obey the Lord your God and are careful to observe all his commandments I am giving you today, the Lord your God will elevate you above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come to you in abundance if you obey the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).

The second major unit within the seventeen Historical Books is called either the Conquest Period, Pre- Kingdom Period. Since there is no king in Israel during the events recorded they are also referred to as the theocratic books. These three books—Joshua, Judges, and Ruth—record the conquest of Canaan under Joshua, the division of Israel into the twelve tribes, the period of the judges, and the story of Ruth. After the death of Moses and then Joshua there were a series of minor leaders in Israel. In the next section, the Kingdom era we will meet the great King David. The events cover a time period of just over 350 years from the death of Moses (c. 1405 BC) to after the death of Samson (c. 1079 BC).

The narrative bridges the gap between Israel’s great lawgiver—Moses, and her first king—Saul. This is a period of great contrasts. Joshua is the most positive book of the Old Testament; Judges is the most negative. The history begins with great faith in Israel; it closes with almost no faith in Israel. But amazingly, there is faith in Moab!

Joshua, Judges, and Ruth: Victorious faith, disastrous unbelief, and amazing grace!

Most of the events recorded in these books occurred in Israel and Moab.

I. The History of the Period of Conquest: During the conquest and settlement of Canaan, then during her beginning years of existence, Israel was a true theocracy—a nation ruled by God. The success or failure of the nation depended on the degree of their conformity to God’s will. During times of obedience (Joshua) they found blessing. When they rebelled (Judges) disaster followed. Through it all, God always responded to the faith of the righteous (Ruth).

1. Israel conquers the land (Joshua, 25 years): Joshua links the Pentateuch to the rest of Israel’s history. This selective history of the conquest and settlement of the land proves that victory comes through faith in God and obedience to His will rather than mighty armies or strategic leadership (1:8- 9).

   1. Theseven-yearmilitarycampaign(threemilitarycommands,thirtyenemies—Joshua1-12). 2. Thedivisionandsettlementoftheland(twelvetribes—Joshua13-24).

2. Israel fails in the land (Judges, about 350 years): During the time of the Judges life the new nation falls into chaos due to consistent disobedience and idolatry. Rather than listening to God the people began thinking for themselves (21:25). In spite of miraculous local deliverances from oppressors under the judges, the nation refuses to turn to their God.

   1. God’speopledeteriorate(Judges1-3a)). 2. God’speopledisciplined(Judges3b-16). 3. God’speopledepraved(Judges17-21)

C. God finds faith in Moab (Ruth, 30 years during the period of the Judges): An intriguing love story of devotion and faithfulness in the midst of chaos, war, immorality and idolatry. A Moabite widow leaves her homeland to live with her widowed mother-in-law in Bethlehem. God rewards her by guiding her to kinsman who redeems her and marries her (3:11). Astonishingly God grafts her into the family of Israel and the line of Messiah! Ruth is King David’s great-grandmother.

1. Ruth’sloveforGoddemonstrated(Ruth1-2). 2. Ruth’sloveforGodrewarded(Ruth3-4).

II. The Contrasts of the Conquest Period reveals a clear message: God blesses His obedient people, disciplines His disobedient people, and responds to faith no matter who it comes from.

BOOK

KEY TERM

GOD’S WORK

GOD’S ROLE

GOD’S PEOPLE

JOSHUA JUDGES RUTH

Victory Defeat Redemption

Fights For Israel Disciplines Israel Teaches Israel

Protector Disciplinarian Rewarder

Inherit the Promise Abuse the Promise Share the Promise

 

Joshua

   

Judges

   

Ruth

 

God responds to the faith of His people with loving blessing.

God responds to the unbelief of His people with loving discipline.

God responds to faith wherever He finds it.

1. Living by faith is daily and lifelong! Yesterday’s faith, though meaningful to God and you, will not carry you through today. Who would have imagined that the Book of Judges would follow the victories of Joshua? (Colossians 2:6-7)

   Are God’s mercies to you still new every morning? Or would you have to admit you’re living off the fumes of faith from years gone by?

2. Loving discipline is part of the Christian life! Imagine if God would have let Israel “get away” with their idolatry and rebellion? (Hebrews 12:5-11)

   Are you trying to “get away” with a sinful lifestyle? Could it be that God wants you to connect the circumstances of your life with His loving discipline?

3. Pedigrees—there are none in the family of faith! (Philippians 3:1-11; Galatians 3:28) God responds to faith not bloodlines. There are no barriers to promotions in His church.

   Are you a “have” when it comes to Christian pedigree? How can you make the most of the blessing of a Christian heritage?

   Are you a “have-not” when it comes to Christian pedigree? How can you begin to build a Christian heritage for those you will leave behind?