Page 69 - Advanced OT Survey Revised

Disobedience always has consequences. The Canaanites’ debauchery brought them destruction, just as
Israel’s disobedience brought them death and captivity. We see God dealing not with individuals, but
with nations as a whole when grand designs are in play. When a community sins, there are
consequences for every member of the population, even the children. When Israel did evil, God brought
famine into the land, and adults and children suffered alike. Every act of corporate judgment sustains
collateral damage.

So, to answer the question, when God kills, is he a murderer? The answer is no. Sin against God
brought death into the world. Every person is going to die. Jesus holds the keys of death (Rev. 1:18).
Does the fact that everyone dies make God a murderer? No.

In the big scheme of things, God will save the righteous, and God will hold the “unrighteous for the day
of judgment, while continuing their punishment” (2 Peter 2:9). He has promised eternal life to those
who choose to receive Him (John 1:14). There is a way to avoid God’s wrath against sin, supplied by God
Himself in sending His son to die for sinners. Jonah went to the evil society in Nineveh and warned them
of the wrath to come. They repented of their sin and God’s wrath was abated. It was not until years
later that Nineveh returned to their wicked ways that God’s judgment led to their destruction. God is
just in His judgment for sin.

Overview: The conquest and division of the land fulfill God’s promise in proportion to the nation’s
obedience to God’s covenant! Chapters 1-5 focus on the final preparations for the people of Israel
before entering the land. In these chapters, YHWH prepares His people to enter His place, with parallels
to a previous generation. First, He prepares His new leader, urging Joshua, Moses’ successor, to
remember His mission- possess Canaan, His presence- I am with you as I was with Moses, and His law
meditates and obey (1). Second, the mission of spies recalls previous unsuccessful attempt- Num. 13-14,
but Rehab’s confession, conversion offer hope of a better outcome (2). Third, as the Red Sea was parted
in the exodus, YHWH parts the Jordan, highlighting His greatness, with stones commemorating this
mighty deed (3-4). Fourth, while prthe evious generation had a covenant sign- circumcision, YHWH
needed to mark this new generation, rolling away from their reproach. Fifth, the celebration of Passover
marked Israel’s departure from Egypt (Ex 12) and arrival in Canaan (5). Finally, just as YHWH’s angel
visited Moses at the bush- sandals (Ex. 3), he also appeared to Joshua on the edge of Canaan (5:13-15).

Brief Summary

Chapters 6-12 focuses on the conquest of the land upon entry into the land. First Portion Israel’s
conquest of Canaan can be divided according to geography central, south, north. First, YHWH gives
instruction for Jericho’s defeat, stressing victory comes from Him and the spoils should be devoted to
Him (6). So, when Achan disobeys, taking things devoted to YHWH, He brings defeat against Ai; but after
Israel removes sin in the camp, YHWH gives victory. After entrance and victory, Israel renews its
covenant, as YHWH commanded (Chapters 7-8). Second, when the Hivites of Gibeon hear, they deceive
Israel to make a covenant- showing that without divine direction, Israel will stray (Chapter 9). When a
coalition of kings comes against Gibeon, they cry out to Israel suzerain, and YHWH grants victory with
hail in the south (Chapter 10). Third, when another coalition forms in the north- a great horde, YHWH
again gives victory. Other than Gibeon, Joshua devoted all the other cities to destruction (Chapter 11). A
summary of Joshua’s campaigns shows effective control, but much land was left to possess (13:1, not
being completed (cf. 11:23).

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