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Adapted from the History of Christianity series by The Irreverent Historian. This is from “Part 1: Sacred Origins” covering the early era of the nation of Israel, the originators of Judaism, published in Gospel Light, vol. 13, June 2009. Read previous.
After Jacob left Canaan, new settlers grabbed the vacant real estate. These Canaanites built cities protected by big strong walls, and assumed that nobody in their right minds would dare attack them.
Led by Joshua, the new nation was forged in the heat of battle. The Israelites crossed the Jordan River and destroyed the fortified city of Jericho in a week’s time.
The land promised to Abraham many years ago was taken by force, city by city. By the time he was through, Joshua and his people had captured 31 Canaanite cities.
The conquered land was divided by Joshua among the twelve tribes of Israel. After many years wandering in the desert, the
Israelites finally had a land to call their very own.
After this period, Israel fell into a repeated pattern. Its people turned away from God and started worshiping other gods. Enemies would come and attack them.
God would eventually listen to their cries, and give them leaders (known as Judges) to save them. Once saved from bondage, they returned to Yahweh – at least until the Judge kicks the bucket. Then, the cycle continues.
The actions of well-known Judges such as Deborah (the only woman), Gideon (with his 300), and super-strong Samson were not quite enough to break the vicious cycle.
There was no “Israelite nation,” so to speak. No one had any central authority, and power was scattered across Judges and tribal leaders. As the book of Judges said, everyone did what they pleased. And people started to grow sick and tired of being bullied by other people.
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[:zh]After Jacob left Canaan, new settlers grabbed the vacant real estate. These Canaanites built cities protected by big strong walls, and assumed that nobody in their right mindswoulddareattackthem. Led by ,the new nation was forged in the heat of battle. The Israelites crossed the Jordan River and destroyed the fortified city of Jerichoinaweek’stime. The land promised to Abraham many years ago was taken by force, city by city. By the time he was through, Joshua and his people captured31Canaanitecities. The conquered land was divided by Joshua among the twelve tribes of Israel. After many years wandering in the desert, the
Israelites finally had a land to call theirveryown. After this period, Israel fell into a repeated pattern. Its people turned away from God and start worshiping other gods. Enemies wouldcomeandattackthem. God would eventually listen to their cries, and give them leaders (known as ) to save them. Once saved from bondage, they returned to Yahweh – at least until the Judge kicks the bucket. Then, thecyclecontinues. The actions of well-known Judges such as Deborah (the only woman),Gideon(withhis300),and super-strongSamsonwerenotquite enoughtobreaktheviciouscycle. Therewas no“Israelite nation”, so to speak. No one had any central authority, and power was scattered acrossJudgesandtriballeaders. As the book of said, everyone pretty did what they pleased. Andpeoplestartedto sick and tired of being bullied by otherpeople[:]