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According to the Book of Joshua, the Israelites defeated 31 city kingdoms in their conquest of the Promised Land. However, Lawrence E. Stager (The Oxford History of the Biblical World, Forging an Identity: The Emergence of Ancient Israel) examines the evidenced for each of he cities mentioned in Joshua and finds that most of the cities could not have been conquered by Joshua, including that many of them were not even occupied at that time.

The strong consensus of historians is that there was no unified conquest of the Canaanite cities. The Israelites were actually descendants of rural Canaanites who left the region of the rich coastal cities to settle peacefully in the hitherto sparsely populated hinterland. In time, the Israelites needed a glorious past that they could be proud of, and this legendary conquest became that glorious past.

For more information on the Book of Joshua and early Israelite history, please visit:

http://christianity.answers.com/bible/the-book-of-joshua-explained

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Where were the children of Israel before they went over to the Promised Land?

The children of Israel were in Egypt before they journeyed to the Promised Land. They were enslaved in Egypt for several generations before being led out by Moses during the Exodus.


What did the people of Israel do before crossing the Jordan River?

Before crossing the Jordan River, the people of Israel camped near the river, consecrated themselves, and received instructions from Joshua to follow the Ark of the Covenant carried by the priests to lead them into the Promised Land.


Did Moses establish Jerusalem as the capital of the Nation of Israel?

No, Moses did not enter the Promised Land. He died before the people of Israel went into Canaan to claim the land. (Deuteronomy 34:5 "So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, by the word of the Lord.") It was King David who established Jerusalem as Israel's capital, 2900 years ago.


What was Joshua occupation?

Joshua's occupation in the Bible was that of a military leader and commander. He succeeded Moses as the leader of the Israelites and led them in the conquest of the Promised Land. He is also known for his role in the Battle of Jericho, where the walls of the city famously came tumbling down after the Israelites marched around it for seven days.


What was the church in the wilderness?

"The church in the wilderness" refers to the concept of the Israelites as the chosen people of God during their time wandering in the desert after fleeing slavery in Egypt. It represents their journey toward the Promised Land and their faithfulness to God despite challenges and hardships.

Related Questions

How am I king David?

You aren't; he was a king over Israel before it split into the two kingdoms of Judah and Israel


Where were the children of Israel before they went over to the Promised Land?

The children of Israel were in Egypt before they journeyed to the Promised Land. They were enslaved in Egypt for several generations before being led out by Moses during the Exodus.


What are the stories from before the birth of Jesus?

Stories from before the birth of Jesus can be found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Stories about: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - the three patriarchs of the people of Israel, Moses - he led the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt to the 'promised land'. Joshua, Caleb - leaders of the people Israel when Israel entered the 'promised land'. Saul, David, Solomon - some of the kings of Israel. Isaiah, Jonah, Jeremiah, - some of the prophets of Israel


Which of the two Israelite kingdoms went into exile first - Israel or Judah?

Israel, comprising ten of the twelve Jewish tribes, was exiled 133 years before Judah was exiled.


What promise did matt make to israel shortly before israel died in george washington's socks?

Matt promised Israel that he would find a way to keep his family together and take care of them after Israel passed away.


When was Moses not permitted to enter the promised land?

He was not permitted because he disobeyed God. Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land. God did allow him to see it from one of the mountains outside Israel before he died.


Did the Children of Israel make it to the Promised Land?

Yes. The early part of the Book of Joshua discusses this event.


Did Aaron enter promised land?

No. Aaron died along with his generation in the desert before entering the promised land. His death is recorded in Deuteronomy 10:6.


Who attacked Israel before reaching the promised land?

The Israelites were attacked along the road to Canaan by the Amalekites. This is recounted in Exodus 17:8-15 which is in the related links below.


What did the people of Israel do before crossing the Jordan River?

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What was Israel's name before it was called Israel?

Before it was called Israel, the land was known as Canaan.


Where did duke William came from before conquering England?

in germany