The Conquest. After the death of Moses, Joshua had assumed command of the invading host of Hebrews. After the signal victories on the east of the Jordan, the Hebrew armies were eager to conquer the fairer and more populous districts lying to the west of that famous stream. Though the west Jordanic territory was occupied by many kings and filled with strongly fortified towns, a dread of the victorious Hebrews preceded their invasion. As a precautionary measure, Joshua despatched two spies to survey the city of Jericho, whose strong position made it the key to the land. The spies were concealed by Rahab, who in return was promised protection in the approaching siege. After the spies had made a favorable report, Joshua prepared to advance. The waters of the Jordan, which were swollen by the spring freshets, divided before the approaching ark, and the Hebrew multitude passed through on dry ground. Joshua established his headquarters at Gilgal; and not unmindful of his dependence on Jehovah, he renewed the rite of circumcision and celebrated the feast of the Passover. Both of these rites had fallen into abeyance during the long period of wandering in the wilderness. In a short time Jericho was besieged, captured, and destroyed. The trespass of Achan, who had appropriated "a goodly Babylonish garment" and a large amount of silver and gold, led to an unexpected and humiliating defeat. At length Ai was taken by stratagem; and afterwards the blessings and curses of the Mosaic law were solemnly proclaimed on Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal. The Gibeonites entrapped Joshua into a treaty of peace, and for this act of deception were condemned to perpetual bondage. The southern part of Canaan was conquered first; and it was during a severe battle with the Amorites that, according to a poem in the book of Jasher, Joshua exclaimed: "Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; And thou, Moon, in the valley of Aijalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, Until the nation had avenged themselves of their enemies." - seven Unfortunately this fine poetic passage has too often been translated into sober prose. The conquest of northern Canaan was practically completed with the defeat of a formidable Canaanitish coalition "at the waters of Merom." Allotment of Land. After a war lasting some years and the overthrow of thirty-one kings, Joshua found himself complete master of the fertile and populous land of Canaan. The promise made to Abraham centuries before was at last fulfilled. It only remained to assign the conquered territory to the various tribes. To prevent jealousy and murmuring, the distribution was made by lot. Judah occupied the territory between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean, including Jerusalem, the future capital of the nation. The location of the other tribes is indicated in the accompanying map. When his work was ended, Joshua, like Moses, delivered a farewell address, and renewed the covenant between the people and God. The discourse has the fine prophetic character of Deuteronomy. It recapitulates the blessings, promises, and threatenings of Jehovah, and ends with a fervent exhortation to obedience. "Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt, and serve ye the Lord." 1 The deep religious spirit pervading the book of Joshua, 1 Josh. 24: 14, |