Joshua / Judges for Beginners

In this first lesson Mike covers introductory material such as, authorship, dating, historical context, along with a comparison of authors and other points of interest to prepare students for the study of these two books in proper context.

This lesson deals with Joshua's first act of leadership as the new head of the people, crossing the Jordan river and entering the Promised Land for the first time.

In this lesson Mike reviews the reasons for both the Israelite's victories and defeat in their campaigns to capture both these cities in an effort to settle the Promised Land.

After the conquest of Jericho and Ai, Joshua leads the Israelites on a military campaign to possess large portions of Canaanite territory.

Mike describes the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel along with the provisions for certain individuals and groups.

The final section of Joshua's book contains this great leader's final words of wisdom to the Jewish nation and a renewal of the people's covenant with God marking a national and spiritual high point in Israel's history.

This first lesson in Judges covers the authorship and dating of this book as well as a comparison with the book of Joshua and a survey of the events and reasons why Israel falls away from its faithful obedience to God as in the days of Joshua.

This section reviews the events leading up to the Canaanite invasion of Israel and its defense by Deborah, the only female judge in Jewish history, along with God's call of Barak.

Mike reviews the spectacular rise of Gideon as a leader and judge of Israel as well as his fall into idolatry.

Mike reviews the arch of success and failure experienced by some of Israel's best and least known Judges.

Mike reviews the life and times of one of the most iconic and erratic characters of the Old Testament.

This final lesson traces both the religious and moral low points in Israel's history.