The Conquest Period

Under Joshua’s leadership, Israel crosses the Jordan River into the Promised Land to claim the inheritance God promised to Abraham centuries earlier. The conquest begins dramatically with the fall of Jericho—its walls collapse after Israel marches around the city for seven days. Through a series of military campaigns, Israel gains control of much of Canaan, though pockets of resistance remain. The land is divided among the twelve tribes by lot. Joshua’s farewell address challenges the people to choose whom they will serve, and they renew their covenant commitment to YHWH. This period establishes Israel in the land but also reveals the incomplete nature of the conquest—a reality that will haunt them in the centuries ahead.

Historical Dating

Traditional chronology places the conquest immediately after the wilderness period (1406 BCE), with major campaigns completed within 6-7 years. Archaeological evidence from sites like Jericho and Ai presents complex challenges to this timeline, with destruction layers from various periods not always aligning with biblical chronology.