Story 62: Josh'u-a Conquers Southern Ca'naan; The Sun And Moon Stand Still; Thousands Killed By Hailstones IV

   While the sun hung in the Heavens near the western horizon, and while the Am'o-rites who still lived were fleeing to a smaller town nearby, Josh'u-a made an earnest prayer to the LORD. He asked that the sun and moon in the Heavens be made to stand still, and the waning day prolonged, until the last of the enemies of Is'ra-el had been put to death. A poet has described the prayer and its answer in these words:
               "Sun, stand thou still upon Gib'eon;
               And thou, Moon, in the valley of Ai'ja-lon.
               And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed,
               Until the nation had avenged themselves of their enemies."
   It is said that the day was prolonged to twice its usual length, until the Is'ra-el-ites had slain every soldier of the five united kings. The kings themselves were captured in a cave where they had sought to hide, and were brought before Josh'u-a. They were forced to submit to a custom of the times which may seem cruel to us. Certain princes of Is'ra-el pressed their feet upon the necks of the kings, thereby showing that humiliating defeat was sure to be inflicted upon all who opposed the conquest of Ca'naan by the Is'ra-el-ites. Then the unhappy kings were hanged on a tree, and after the sun had gone down they were buried in the cave where they had hidden.
   Then followed a new series of battles and victories in which five other important cities were destroyed by the Is'ra-el-ites. Before this triumphant campaign ended, the entire southern territory of Ca'naan was conquered by Josh'u-a. Then Josh'u-a and his army returnt to Gil'gal, leaving the banners of conquest floating over the entire land from Ka'desh-Bar'ne-a on the south to Ga'za on the north, and from the low-lands of the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an on the west to the city of Gib'eon on the east.

Story 62: Josh'u-a Conquers Southern Ca'naan; The Sun And Moon Stand Still; Thousands Killed By Hailstones lll

   The kings of these four cities agreed to the request, and there marched against the city of Gib'eon an army of five nations combined. This army was so much greater in numbers and strength that the forces of the Gib'eon-ites were in grave danger of complete destruction. Terrified by the superior forces of the five nations which gathered before the city, the Gib'eon-ites sent an urgent appeal to Josh'u-a for help.
   Josh'u-a's response was prompt and wholehearted. He immediately led the host of Is'ra-el against the armies of the five united kings, marching all night in order to make an attack early the next morning. The distance from Gil'gal to Gib'eon was eighteen miles, but by daybreak there was an Is'ra-el-ite army numbering at least four hundred thousand ready to go into battle at once. In the meantime the LORD appeared to Josh'u-a in a vision and promised him success, saying to him, "I have delivered them into thy hand." Thus victory was assured before a single blow had been struck.
   In the battle which followed, the Is'ra-el-ites fell upon the armies of the Am'o-rite kings like a mighty avalanche rolling down a mountain. The Am'o-rites were slaughtered by the thousands as they fled before the attack, and they were too greatly terrified and confused to make a firm stand. Soon they rushed in mad retreat down the western pass from Gib'eon, pursued by the Is'ra-el-ites, and constantly growing weaker. Then they fled up the steep mountain slopes leading to Beth-Ho'ron, a few miles to the northeast.
   The Am'o-rites thought that they had found a place of security in this little city, But the hand of God soon struck them a heavier blow than that which they had just received from Is'ra-el. The LORD caused a great hailstorm to fall upon them, some of the stones weighing as much as a pound, and it is said, "more were slain by the hailstones of the LORD than by the swords of Is'ra-el." Just as the fire and brimstone had fallen from Heaven upon their ancestors in Sod'om and Go'mor'rah, so deadly weapons of ice now poured down upon the idolatrous Am'o-rites.

Story 62: Josh'u-a Conquers Southern Ca'naan; The Sun And Moon Stand Still; Thousands Killed By Hailstones ll

   It appears that this treaty had the approval of the LORD, for Saul, who was king of Is'ra-el several hundred years before, was severely rebuked for slaying a group of Gib'eon-ites. Although God condemned them to slavery for their lying and deception, He honored their faith. The league which Josh'u-a and the princes of Is'ra-el had made with them was confirmed and made by the LORD.
   It also appears that the occupation of these four cities without warfare was a great advantage to the Is'ra-el-ites. The cities were midway between strong heathen nations to the north and to the south; by occupying them, Josh'u-a was able to thrust his army like a wedge into the center of the unfriendly nations of the country. Thus the alliance of the Ca'naan-ites was broken up almost before it had gotten under way.
   Among the stronger cities of southern Ca'naan there were five which were held by different tribes of Am'o-rites. These were as follows: Je-ru'sa-lem, about twenty miles southeast of Gil'gal; He'bron, one of the most ancient and important cities of the country, located about twenty-five miles south of Je-ru'sa-lem; Jar'muth, about fifteen miles southwest of Je-ru'sa-lem; La'chish, about thirty-five miles southwest of Je-ru'sa-lem; and Eg'lon, which was just north of La'chish. The people who lived in all these cities, and in the smaller towns which formed a part of each tribal territory, were noted for bravery and military skill.
   The king of Je-ru'sa-lem feared that he would be the next to be attacked by Josh'u-a, for his city and territory was nearest to the encampment of Is'ra-el at Gil'gal, and to the royal city of the Gib'eon-ites who had formed a league of peace with the Is'ra-el-ites. He sent an urgent request to the kings of all these other cities to join him in battle against the Gib'eon-ites, thinking that by conquering and occupying the cities of Gib'eon he and his allies would be in a better position to defend Je-ru'sa-lem. In asking for this alliance the king of Je-ru'sa-lem was moved by fear, and by a spirit of revenge. He felt that he was unable to defeat the Is'ra-el-ites, that the Gib'eon-ites who had allied with Is'ra-el should be punished as traitors to the cause of the heathen nations of the land, and that the best way to withstand the Is'ra-el-ites was to conquer their allies.

Story 62: Josh'u-a Conquers Southern Ca'naan; The Sun And Moon Stand Still; Thousands Killed By Hailstones l

   The news of Is'ra-el's great meeting on Mount E'bal and Mount Ger'i-zim was soon spread among the various heathen nations of Ca'naan, and they began to seek some way of acting together to keep the chosen people of God out of their land. All the heathen tribes agreed that the victories of Is'ra-el over the Am'o-rites east of the Jor'dan, and the conquest of the lands of Mid'i-an and Am'mon had been won through the favor of God upon the He'brews. They also felt that the destruction of Jer'i-cho and Ai would have been impossible without the LORD'S help. They knew that the Covenant meeting in the mountains was held for the purpose of dedicating all Is'ra-el to God, and that He had promised to give them the entire land. Their determination to fight Is'ra-el was also a rebellion against God, for in opposing His chosen people they defied His power and rule.
   Among the heathen peoples there was one tribe which was impressed by the righteous cause of Is'ra-el, and which was so greatly moved by the fear of God that they deserted the other nations and sought an alliance with Is'ra-el. These people, who were known as the Gib'eon-ites, or Hi'vites, were known to be strong and courageous, but they realized that power and bravery can avail nothing in a fight against God.
   For some reason the Gib'eon-ites did not wish to make themselves known in their offer of alliance with Is'ra-el, so they adopted a clever disguise. A group of their wisest and most able men pretended to be common laborers who had come from a distant land. Wearing old, ragged clothing, and carrying torn wine-skins and moldy bread, thay came to Josh'u-a begging for mercy.
   They professed to have faith in God, showed great respect for the miraculous power which had blessed and protected Is'ra-el, and expressed a strong desire to join the people who had been shown such favor by the LORD. They even suggested that they become servants of the Is'ra-el-ites, promising to do whatever tasks that might be given them.
   Josh'u-a was deceived by the request of the Gib'eon-ites. Without knowing who they were, he and the elders of Is'ra-el formed a league with them and agreed to spare the lives of their people. A treaty of peace was then made without seeking the advice of the LORD, and the princes of Is'ra-el gave their word to abide by it.
   Three days later the Is'ra-el-ites found out that the Gib'eon-ites were close neighbors, and that they occupied four large and important towns directly east of Is'ra-el's encampment at Gil'gal. Then the Is'ra-el-ites declared that they were no longer bount by a treaty which had been gaint by trickery, and that the lives of the Gib'eon-ites should not be spared. But Josh'u-a and the princes of Is'ra-el replied, "We have sworn unto them by the LORD, the God of Is'ra-el; now therefore we may not touch them." The leaders of Is'ra-el felt that a solemn agreement should be kept, even though one of the parties to it has not acted in good faith.

Story 61: A'chan's Theft From God; The Defeat Of Is'ra-el At Ai lll

There is a great meaning in the fact that the mountains where this ceremony took place were exactly in the center of the land of Pal'es-tine. From Si'don, on the northern boundary, to Ka'deah-Bar'ne-a on the south; and from the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an Sea on the west to the top of the mountain range of Gil'e-ad on the eastern boundary, the mountains of E'bal and Ger'i-zim are exactly at the half-way point. The renewal of the Covenant of Is'ra-el with God at this central point, and at the beginning of the conquest of Ca'naan, was a sign that the children of Is'ra-el would finally take possession of the entire land. It was also a sign of complete obedience to the Laws of God in every part of the land which He had given them.
   For many centuries after this wonderful ceremony the vicinity of these two holy mountains was the chief place of worship for the children of Is'ra-el. It was at Shi'loh that the Ark of the Cov'e-nant rested for a long period. The prophets of later times often spoke of the sacrifices offered in this neighborhood. Even in the closing years of the He'brew monarchy the history, tales, and legends associated with Mount Ger'i-zim competed in glory with those of Je-ru'sa-lem. In the days of our Sav'ior upon earth, the woman of Sa-ma'ri-a, said "Our fathers worshiped on this mountain."
   After the close of the ceremonies on Mount E'bal and Mount Ger'i-zim, which probably lasted for several days, the Is'ra-el-ites returnt to their encampment at Gil'gal. Josh'u-a continued his preparations for further combat with the heathen tribes which then occupied various parts of Ca'naan, and for the conquest of the entire land in the name of the LORD.

Story 61: A'chan's Theft From God; The Defeat Of Is'ra-el At Ai ll

   When the finger of God pointed him out as the guilty one, A'chan frankly confessed his sin at once. He said, "I have sinned against the LORD, and my guilt has been discovered before Is'ra-el. I stole a royal garment woven entirely of gold, an ingot of gold shaped like a wedge, and several pieces of silver. All these are hidden in my tent."
   Josh'u-a sent men to search the tent, and there they found all the articles mentioned by A'chan. The value of the silver and gold was between seven and eight hundred dollars, and the royal garment was probably worth even more. A'chan had really stolen from the LORD, for it had been commanded that everything taken in Jer'i-cho should be consecrated to His service.
   All the members of A'chan's family had known of his theft, and had probably aided him in hiding the stolen goods. For this reason they all received the same punishment as A'chan: they were stoned to death, and their bodies were burnt. The place where they were put to death was called A'chor, which means "trouble," and it was marked with a pillar of stones as a warning to all future generations.
   All Is'ra-el now knew that the disgraceful defeat at Ai had not been caused by the superior strength of the enemy, but by the sin of A'chan. A golden wedge sinfully hidden in the camp of Is'ra-el was more to blame for their defeat than the many swords of the warriors of a heathen city.
   Greatly encouraged by a special message from the LORD, Josh'u-a now planned a new attack upon the city of Ai. Soldiers were placed in strongholds at different points around the city, and the men of Ai were tempted to come out for battle. While these men were pursuing one group of He'brew soldiers, another group entered the city and set fire to it. The armies of Is'ra-el then turnt against the men of Ai in a great battle, and slew every one of them. The king was captured, and was later hanged upon a tree.
   Under special permission granted by the LORD, all the cattle, sheep, and other property captured in the city of Ai were given to the soldiers who had take part in the attack.
   After the destruction of Ai, the children of Is'ra-el continued their march across the mountains of central Ca'naan until they came to a place near the ancient city of She'chem. Here Josh'u-a built an altar of stones, and offered burnt sacrifices to God. All the children of Is'ra-el took part in the prolonged service of consecration which was then held.
   At the high place where the Is'ra-el-ites gathered for this service two high mountains faced one another, with a narrow depression between them. The mountain to the north was called Mount E'bal, and the one to the south was called Mount Ger'i-zim. Josh'u-a divided the tribes of Is'ra-el into two groups, placing six tribes on Mount E'bal, and the other six on Mount Ger'i-zim. He then read to the assembled Is'ra-el-ites the Laws which had been given to Mo'ses. When he read the warnings of God against disobedience, and related the judgments to be imposed upon those who failed to keep God's Law, the children of Is'ra-el who stood on the slopes of Mount E'bal shouted, "Amen!" Then he read the promises and words of blessing for those who obeyed the Laws of God, and the Is'ra-el-ites upon Mount Ger'i-zim also joined in saying "Amen!"
  

Story 61: A'chan's Theft From God; The Defeat Of Is'ra-el At Ai l

   The next place which Josh'u-a planned to capture was a town of the Am'o-rites called Ai. It was situated about twenty miles northeast of Jer'i-cho on the main road leading to the mountainous regions of the interior of Ca'naan. Ai was not fortified like Jer'i-cho, but it was the home of about twelve thousand people, and it must be taken before an attack could be made upon other towns in the district.
   Spies were sent to inspect the defenses of Ai, and to find the best way of attacking the town. They soon informed Josh'u-a that there would be no need of sending a large force against it. For this reason only three thousand men were sent to take the town. The men of Ai met this small force of Is'ra-el-ites in battle, and inflicted a crushing defeat upon them. Many of the Is'ra-el-ites were slain, others were captured, and the rest were driven back to their camp.
   When the news of this defeat spread through the camps of Is'ra-el the people were struck with terror. Josh'u-a was disappointed and sore at heart. He said, "Is-ra-el has been humiliated before the Ca'naan-ites and A'o-rites, and they will scorn our efforts to take this land." He and the elders of Is'ra-el gathered in the Sanctuary of the LORD for prayer. They tore their clothing and threw dust upon their heads, for in those days these were the signs of great mourning. Josh'u-a cried to the LORD, "What shall we do when the children of Is'ra-el turn their backs before their enemies?"
   The LORD appeared to Josh'u-a and told him that Is'ra-el's defeat was not because of the strength of their enemies, but because of weakness which had been caused by sin. "Someone among the Is'ra-el-ites," said the LORD, "has taken of the spoils of the conquest of Jer'i-cho which should have been consecrated to the LORD, and has used it for himself." Then he added, "No victory for Is'ra-el is possible until the thief has been found and punished."
   The LORD knew who the guilty man was, but He wished Josh'u-a to point him out before the Is'ra-el-ites in such a way that everyone in the camp would be convinced of his guilt. There must be no doubt in the mind of anyone as to the cause of Is'ra-el's defeat at Ai. The criminal himself must be made to realize the terrible wrong which he had committed, and to confess that his punishment was just.
   It is not clear exactly how the guilty man was found, but we know that the discovery was made by casting lots. It was learnt that the criminal was a member of the tribe of Ju'dah, that he was a descendant of Za'rah, who was one of the five sons of Ju'dah; that he was a member of the household of Zab'di (also called Zim'ri,) and that he was a son of Car'mi. At last the lot fell upon A'chan. Thus the finding of the criminal was marked with terrible certainty, for the LORD had directed the entire process.

Story 60: The Dividing Of The Waters Of Jor'dan, And The Collapse Of The Walls Of Jer'i-cho lll

   After marching around the city once each day for six days, they made the circuit in a similar manner seven times on the seventh day. At the conclusion of the final march around the city, the entire army stood at attention while the trumpeters blew a long blast. Then all the people lifted their voices in one great shout. At once the foundations beneath the wall sank deep into the ground, and the walls crumbled into a flat mass of stone over which the Is'ra-el-ites could easily pass into the city.
   The strange plan of attack was completely successful; the army of Is'ra-el marched over the fallen walls into the city, the entire population was slain, and enormous spoils of war were taken. The city of Jer'i-cho was burnt to the ground, and Josh'u-a pronounced a special curse upon any person who should ever undertake to rebuild it on the same site. Many years later another city in that vicinity was called Jer'i-cho, but it was on a different site than the one which was utterly destroyed by Josh'u-a.
   Before the walls of Jer'i-cho were overthrown, Josh'u-a sent men to rescue Ra'hab and her family from the house in which she had sheltered his two spies. They were put in a safe place outside the camp of Is'ra-el until they had received the ceremonies of purification and adoption by which people who were not Is'ra-el-ites were admitted to the chosen race.
   Josh'u-a directed that all the gold and silver and other valuables captured in Jer'i-cho be dedicated to the LORD, and solemnly warned every man against taking anything for himself. One man disobeyed this order, and we shall learn of his punishment in our next story.
   In the strange manner in which the city of Jer'i-cho was overthrown the LORD required the trustful, obedient, and laborious service of His people, thereby showing that it is the power of God which brings victory in all the works of His Kingdom, The LORD not only conquered the Ca'naan-ites, but won the hearts of Is'ra-el unto Him in faith and love. The destruction of the people of Jer'i-cho, apparently cruel and vindictive, is an example of God's judgments against idolatry and wickedness.

Story 60: The Dividing Of The Waters Of Jor'dan, And The Collapse Of The Walls Of Jer'i-co ll

   What sacred memories cling to that section of the river Jor'dan! Five hundred and fifty years after the parting of the waters for the passage of Is'ra-el they were again divided. The waters parted for E-li'jah and E-li'sha just before E-li'jah was carried to Heaven in a fiery chariot, and again for E-li'sha as he journeyed back to his work on the west side of the river. Then, many hundreds of years later, the Sav'ior was Baptized somewhere within this vicinity.
   After the two stone memorials had been erected, the Is'ra-el-ites moved to a place called Gil'gal, about six miles west of the river, and within a mile of the city of Jer'i-cho. Here the Tabernacle was erected, and the tents of Is'ra-el were set up in the usual order. Gil'gal was to be the camping place of Is'ra-el for many months.
   On the fourteenth day of the month, just four days after the crossing of the Jor'dan, the Pass'o-ver was celebrated in all the camps of Is'ra-el. This was the third time that Is'ra-el engaged in the Pass'o-ver feast, the first time in E'gypt, and the second at Si'nai. It had been neglected for thirty-nine years in the wilderness while Is'ra-el was living in disobedience to the Covenant which they violated by not entering Ca'naan when at Ka'desh-Bar'ne-a the first time.
   The harvest season was at hand when Is'ra-el began the conquest of Ca'naan. The people went into the fields, and vineyards, and orchards to gather food, and this marked the end of the manna. For thirty-nine years this food had fallen from Heaven, but now it was no longer needed.
   In the course of his preparations for an attack upon Jer'i-cho, Josh'u-a walked around the walls of the city on a tour of inspection. He was met by a Heavenly Messenger who appeared to be an Angel, but who in reality was the Son of God, who many centuries later came into the world as a Sa'vior for all mankind. The same Divine Personage had appeared to Ja'cob hundreds of years before at the ford of Jab'bok, and to Mo'ses in the burning bush in the wilderness. He came to strengthen the faith of Josh'u-a, and to give him courage for the battles which lay just ahead.
   In His appearance to Josh'u-a He called Himself "Captain of the Host of the LORD," suggesting that His presence made Holy the ground on which they stood, and advising him that Jer'i-cho would be conquered through the power of the LORD. Josh'u-a bowed before Him with great reverence, and humbly accepted the solemn charge placed upon him.
   All the Ca'naan-ites and Am'o-rites living west of the Jor'dan had been smitten with terror by the sight of the great Host of the Is'ra-el-ites. They had heard of the conquest east of the Jor'dan, and their hearts melted with fear and cowardice as they thought of the power which God gave to His chosen people. The gates of Jer'i-cho had been closed, and no one was permitted to go out. There seemed to be no thought of attacking the Is'ra-el-ites, who were encamped just one mile away.
   Is'ra-el's plan of attack against this walled and strongly fortified city was very strange, yet its results were truly miraculous. More than five hundred thousand soldiers marched silently around the outer walls of the city once a day for six days in succession. The Ark of the Cov'e-nant was carried by the priests in the front section of this great army. In the vanguard were picked soldiers, probably the forty thousand men of the tribes of Reu'ben, Gad, and Ma-nas'seh. They marched ahead of the priests who bore the Ark, while the rest of the army marched behind it. Seven priests marched before the Ark, each of them carrying a trumpet, and they all blew upon the trumpets as a signal for the march.

Story 60: The Dividing Of The Waters Of Jor'dan, And The Collapse Of The Walls Of Jer'i-cho l

   After hearing the report of the two men who had spied upon Jer'i-cho, Josh'u-a directed the children of Is'ra-el to prepare for an immediate removal to the banks of the Jor'dan. The people took down their tents and rolled them up, then gathered their flocks and herds for the march. The priests took down the Tabernacle, and prepared it for removal. The furnishings and holy vessels of the Tabernacle were also packed in such a way that it would be easy to carry them. The Ark of the Cov'e-nant was covered with curtains, and two staves were run through the golden rings on each side so that it could be carried by the priests.
   Josh'u-a gave orders that those who carried the Ark were to march in front of Is'ra-el, being careful to remain about half a mile ahead. The people were warned not to come any nearer to the Ark than that.
   Josh'u-a then told the people to dedicate themselves anew to the LORD, saying, "Tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you." On the next morning he directed the priests to take the Ark of the Cov'e-nant upon their shoulders and to march down into the waters of the Jor'dan. The people were to follow, carefully observing the rules already given.
   As the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the waters of the Jor'dan, a very miraculous thing took place. The fast running currents of the river were suddenly stopped and piled up like a wall clear across the river, while the waters in front ran swiftly on toward the Dead Sea. In a little while there stretched across the entire Jor'dan river-bed a vast, dry highway, the waters to the north forming a great wall held back by an invisible dam.
   The priests who were bearing the Ark moved out into the center of the river-bed, then waited there until the entire host of Is'ra-el had crossed to the other side. Only the women and children of the tribes of Reu'ben, Gad, and Ma-nas'seh, with about seventy thousand men who had been left to protect them and to help in caring for the cattle and sheep, remained on the east side of the Jor'dan.
   What a startling sight the He'brews must have presented to the Ca'naan-ites on the west side of the river! Nearly five hundred and fifty thousand soldiers armed for battle, about two million women and children, and countless thousands of sheep and cattle moved in one continuous caravan across the Divinely prepared highway for more than eight hours.
   After they all had reacht the west side of the river, Josh'u-a ordered twelve men, one from each tribe of Is'ra-el, to gather twelve large stones from the river-bed where the priests had stood with the Ark. With these stones he set up a monument which was to remind Is'ra-el at all times of the power of God in providing a way for them to cross the Jor'dan. A second memorial for the same purpose was built in the river where the priests had stood with the Ark. Then the waters of the river began to flow rapidly toward the Dead Sea, just as they had before the miracle took place.

Story 59: Josh'u-a's Preparations For The Conquest Of Ca'naan lll

   The spies knew that she had saved their lives, and recognized her faith in God, so they promised that no harm would come to her or any member of her family when the city was captured by Is'ra-el. Then they took a cord of deep scarlet color and said, "When our men come to take the city, hang this cord from the window of your house. We pledge our lives that no one will be harmed in the building from which there hangs this scarlet cord."
   Ra'hab's house was built on top of a wall of Jer-i'cho, and was a part of the fortifications. It was built of huge basalt rocks, with walls three or four feet thick. She hung a rope from one of the windows outside of the wall, and the two men climbed down the rope and made their way back to the river. Then they swam across the Jor'dan again and arrived safely at the camp of Is'ra-el. They told Josh'u-a how frightened the people were in Jer-i'cho, and said, "Surely the LORD has given us this land, and the people dare not oppose us."
   Later, when the Is'ra-el-ites captured the city of Jer-i'cho and destroyed all its people, Ra'hab and her family were spared. She turnt fully to the He'brew religion, married one of the princes of the tribe of Ju'dah, thereby becoming an ancestor of the Savior. She is mentioned with honor in the New Testament.

Story 59: Josh'u-a's Preparations For The Conquest Of Ca'naan ll

   After receiving full directions from the LORD for the immediate conquest of Ca'naan, Josh'u-a sent officers through the camps of Is'ra-el to prepare the people for this new venture. "Within three days," said Josh'u-a, "we shall begin our march against the Ca'naan-ites. Prepare yourselves to cross Jor'dan, and take possession of the land which God has given us." He reminded the members of the tribes of Reu'ben and Gad that the agreement which they had made with Mo'ses must be faithfully kept, and they responded heartily to his order for all the men to join in this march.
   It took great courage to cross the river Jor'dan, which separated the Is'ra-el-ites from Ca'naan, for it was a swift stream without bridges or fords. The low lands on either side were narrow, only three to five miles at the widest points. Back of these low lands, on the west side, the hills and mountains rose almost perpendicularly to great heights. At the season when Josh'u-a gave the order for crossing, the narrow banks of the river were flooded by waters from the snow-capped mountains in the north and by rain from the mountains on both sides. The Is'ra-el-ites had no boats to use in crossing this wide, dangerous river, but they had faith that God would help them to carry out the orders of Josh'u-a.
   Looking across the Jor'dan from the camp of Is'ra-el, they could see Jer-i'cho, a strongly walled and fortified city of one of the tribes of Ca'naan.
   Josh'u-a thought it wise to send two brave, reliable men across the river to spy upon Jer-i'cho. They were to study the city carefully, noting its fortifications and points of weakness, and looking for safe ways of approaching the city. They were also expected to mingle with the people, and to find out whether they were terrified by the possibility of an attack by the Is'ra-el-ites, or whether they were confident that they could defend themselves.
   Two men chosen by Josh'u-a swam across the Jor'dan, and thoroughly inspected the surroundings and walls of Jer-i'cho. Then they entered the city to examine its defenses, but were discovered and pursued by officers. They sought refuge in the home of a woman named Ra'hab, and she hid them on top of her flat-roofed house, covering them with stalks of flax. When the officers searched the house of Ra'hab they were unable to find the two Is'ra-el-ites, and reported to the king that they had escaped from the city.
   Ra'hab evidently knew something about the miraculous dealings of God with the enemies of Is'ra-el, and how He had delivered the Is'ra-el-ites from bondage in E'gypt. She is said to have hidden these spies because of her faith, even though she may have been superstitious and afraid. After the officers had given up their search of her home, she said to the Is'ra-el-ites,
   "The people of this city know that your God is mighty, and that He has given you this land. They have heard of His mighty works for you, and are in a state of terror at the thought of your coming into the land. I believe in you God, and would like to serve Him. I beg you to spare my life, and that of my father and mother and brothers and sisters, when you take Jer-i'cho."

Story 59: Josh'u-a's Preparations For The Conquest Of Ca'naan l

   We have already learnt many times over in these stories that God sometimes uses man to carry out His plans, but is never dependent upon any one man. When Mo'ses died, Josh'u-a was already prepared to take his place, and to carry forward the conquest of Ca'naan by the Is'ra-el-ites.
   And so, after the death of Mo'ses, the Is'ra-el-ites were still encamped on the east side of the Jor'dan, the LORD appeared to Josh'u-a with a stirring message. He was commanded to lead the children of Is'ra-el across the Jor'dan at once, and to conquer the land which had been promised to their fathers.
   The LORD then outlined to Josh'u-a the extent of the land which had been set aside for Is'ra-el. From north to south, it was to begin in the regions of the great river Eu-phra'tes, reaching down to the borders of the land of E'dom and Mo'ab, looking toward E'gypt. From east to west, it was to extend from the great Syr'i-an desert to the shores of the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an Sea. all this territory, with its many types of soil and vegetation, its beautiful mountains and fertile plains and valleys, its rivers and lakes, its wide forests and unlimited natural resources, was to be conquered as the permanent home for a great nation.
   The entire area, except that part east of the Jor'dan which had already been taken from the Am'o-rites, Am'mon-ites, and Mid'i-an-ites, was then held by various heathen tribes. It was not held by one united people, nor ruled by one king; there were many small nations occupying different sections of the country, each of them ruled by its own king. In most cases, the capital of these small tribes would be in a fortified town or city, with the surrounding territory used for farming or stock-raising. These tribal nations were often engaged in wars among themselves. The task of conquering the land was therefore much easier, since there was no probability of united opposition from the various tribes which hated one another.
   The LORD not only commanded Josh'u-a to conquer the entire land of Ca'naan, but assured him of His presence.  He urged him to be strong and of good courage, and to have confidence of victory and success. The laws given by Mo'ses were to be read constantly, and to be carefully obeyed by Josh'u-a and the people. The duties of religion must never be neglected. The LORD cautioned Josh'u-a that he and all Is'ra-el must maintain loyal to God and to His teachings, and that true religion must always hold a central place in the national life of the country.
   The war which Josh'u-a was commanded to wage against the heathen tribes of Ca'naan was to be one of extermination. These people who had defied God, worshiped false gods and idols, who were given over to the lowest forms of wickedness, and for whom there was no hope of civilization or moral reform, were to be completely destroyed. Such was the will of God, and such were the orders given to Josh'u-a and to all Is'ra-el. Any failure to carry out these instructions would result in punishment from God and great trouble for Is'ra-el.

Story 58: Josh'u-a Appointed To Succeed Mo'ses; The Death Of Mo'ses ll

   When Mo'ses reached the top of the mountain he looked down upon the lands east of the Jor'dan which had been conquered and then allotted to the tribes of Reu'ben and Gad. Lifting his eyes far to the north, he gazed with joy upon the land of Gil'e-ad, which was now held by Ma-nas'seh. Turning to the west, he saw the deep torrents of the Jor'dan as its waters rushed into the Dead Sea just south of his gaze. Far out over the western horizon he beheld the hills, mountains, and valleys of the Promised Land soon to be conquered by Is'ra-el under the leadership of Josh'u-a. Stretching his sight to the blue waters of the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an still further toward the sunlight, the fertile plains of the western shore brought a glow of joy to his heart.
   What a glorious spot for a man of Mo'ses character and career to make his journey into the glories of the world beyond! Surely, no such glorious scenes have ever passed before the dying eyes of another man. The entire landscape of the Promised Land swept before his eyes as he went up into the presence of God. He had once ascended Si'nai to commune with Je-ho'vah, to receive from Him comfort and strength and a renewed commission of service; now he ascends Ho'reb to die. Not an untimely death, for he knew how to die as he had known how to live.
   There was yet another glorious scene passing before the dying vision of this saintly man which must have greatly cheered his heart. On the plains of Mo'ab his eyes turnt to his people Is'ra-el; three million souls compacted into a powerful community, united in spirit and in purpose, ready to cross Jor'dan at the word of the LORD, and armed for the conquest of the Promised Land. This Mo'ses realized that his work would go on.
   It is said that Mo'ses was buried by the LORD, and that no man has ever known the last resting place of his body. May it not be that if it was left there on top of Mount Ne'bo at all, it was only for a short time? Is it too much to believe that, like E-li'jah in later history, and like E'noch in times before, Mo'ses was carried bodily into Heaven? Did he not appear in transfigured glory when two Heavenly visitors talked with Je'sus as He was transfigured before three apostles on another mountain?

Story 58: Josh'u-a Appointed To Succeed Mo'ses; The Death Of Mo'ses l

   While Is'ra-el was encamped at A'bel-Shit'tim, and just before the death of Mo'ses, the LORD directed Mo'ses and Josh'u-a to enter the Tabernacle for a special message. In the sanctuary of the LORD arrangements were made for the departure of Mo'ses, and for the appointment of Josh'u-a as his successor. Mo'ses already knew that he would not be permitted to enter Ca'naan, and he received with perfect calmness the LORD'S announcement of his approaching death. He was now one hundred and twenty years of age, but robust in health, full of vigor, and his eyesight undimmed. But the appointed hour for his death was at hand, and he accepted it with the same faith which had marked his entire career. His work was finished, and he was ready to go. There was nothing for him to fear as the future peace and happiness of his soul was concerned. His only thought was for the future security and prosperity of Is'ra-el.
   Mo'ses did not seek the appointment of a successor from his own family; he asked the LORD to make the choice. When the LORD appointed Josh'u-a as his successor, Mo'ses gladly gave his approval, and prayed that Josh'u-a would be anointed with Divine courage and strength for the very trying work to which he was called.
   Josh'u-a was well qualified for the responsible position to which he was Divinely appointed. He had been closely associated with Mo'ses throughout the period since Is'ra-el was delivered from E'gypt, and had loyally served as his minister. At Si'nai he had been chosen to accompany Mo'ses to the Holy Mountain, and had faithfully waited for him during the forty days in which he was alone with God. It was his heroic leadership which had brought victory to Is'ra-el in the war with Am'a-lek-ites, and he was one of the two spies who reported that Is'ra-el was able to possess the land of Ca'naan when they first stood on the border at Ka'desh-Bar'ne-a. It was under his leadership that the heathen tribes east of the Jor'dan had been conquered.
   Josh'u-a was officially placed in office by the priestly services of anointing and the laying on of hands. The people accepted his Divine appointment, and publicly declared to be the successor of Mo'ses. He was solemnly charged with the duties of his office, and given strength by the assurance of God's presence with him. Success in the conquest of Ca'naan and in the settlement of Is'ra-el in that  land which was promised by the LORD.
   Not far from the place where Is'ra-el was encamped on the plains of Mo'ab there rose high into the heavens a series of mountain ranges. One of the highest points among these ranges was called Ne'bo. From this high peak one may look out over much of the entire land of Ca'naan.
   The LORD directed Mo'ses to ascend this mountain alone. With stately step, fearing not, confident of the rest which awaited him, and fully surrendered to the will of God, Mo'ses walked out from the camp of Is'ra-el and climbed to the top of Mount Ne'bo. The Is'ra-el-ites watched him with sorrow, for he had told them that he was going into the mount never to return.