Bible Battle #12 – C. 1406 BC The Battle of Ai was a victory that began in defeat; the taking of the Promised land was put in jeopardy because of Achan’s sin in disobeying God. Following the Battle of Jericho, Joshua attacked the Ai fortress. He misjudged its defences and its defenders, resulting in a defeat, at first. Joshua did not … Read More
BATTLE of JERICHO | Joshua 6; Angel of the Lord; Walls of Jericho; Rahab helps spies; Invasion of Canaan
Bible Battle #11 – C. 1406 BC Did you know that Jesus, king of peace, was directly involved in the planning of the most famous battle in Bible history: The Battle of Jericho? Did you know that: (a) Jesus, king of peace, is interested in war?! (b) Jesus was directly involved in the planning of the most famous battle in Bible history: … Read More
Preparation for Total War | Deuteronomy 20; Invasion of Canaan; Israel’s enemies; Israel’s ancient borders
Bible History – C. 1407-06 BC GOD’S WAR MANUAL Sun Tsu’s The Art of War is a wonderful work on the basic principles of successful strategy in war. It is a strong work which many professions even outside the military, such as business executives, learn from. Nevertheless it is still based on the “Babylonian system”, which is man’s way of doing things. Deuteronomy … Read More
Preparation for the New Life in the Promised Land | Deuteronomy; Invasion of Canaan; Blessings and Curses
Bible History – C. 1407-06 BC As the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan they are also preparing for their new life in the Promised Land, Canaan. At this point we’ll take you through God’s provisions for his people in preparing for the military enterprise ahead as well as civil life. The CHOSEN PEOPLE The concept of God choosing the Hebrews is often … Read More
Occupation of GILEAD | Numbers 32; Vengeance on Midianites and Moabites; Preparing Invasion of Canaan
Bible Battle #10 – C. 1407 BC ANCIENT HISTORY before the Occupation of Gilead By this point in the campaign the Hebrew fighting force had advance far north to what today is Syria. They most likely had some advanced units securing that frontier but there were still some remnant Amorite populations behind the lines, to the south. The tribes of Reuben and Gad had much … Read More
Destruction of MIDIAN | Numbers 31; Balaam’s donkey; Vengeance on the Midianites and Moabites
Bible Battle #9 – C. 1407 BC ANCIENT HISTORY before the Destruction of Midian The events leading up to the war on Midian (Numbers 22-30) are actually complex and take up quite a narrative in Scripture. Bible Prophecy – BALAAM’S DONKEY After the campaign east of the Jordan King Balak’s kingdom was the last obstacle before the Promised Land. They were terrorized by the Hebrews due to their … Read More
Foundations of Jewish Life – Second Census – Jewish Calendar – Sacrificial Offerings – Jewish Feasts
Bible History – C. 1407 BC In the study of the battles of the Bible sometimes there is much content in between one engagement and the next. This happens even when relatively short time has elapsed. Between the Bible Battle of Edrei (Numbers 21) and the destruction of Midian (Numbers 31) there isn’t a great elapsing of time. Nevertheless the biblical account during … Read More
Battle of EDREI – King Sihon – King Og – Giants in the Bible
Bible Battle #8 – C. 1407 BC ANCIENT HISTORY before the Battle of Edrei After consolidating their position to the south of the Ammonite frontier and moping up opposition there, Israel regrouped and prepared to continue their advance. Spies were sent to Jazer and the area was cleared of Amorites. It is a sound strategy that Joshua would not want to leave a threat behind him when … Read More
Battle of JAHAZ – Defeat of the Amorites – King Sihon
Bible Battle #7 – C. 1407 BC Israel defeated a mighty enemy that seemed indestructible. This added to the new nation’s growing fierce reputation that began spreading into Canaan even before they crossed the Jordan. Most of Deuteronomy is made up of addresses that Moses makes to the people before their invasion to capture the Promised Land. ANCIENT HISTORY before the Battle of Jahaz The first Kingdom of Babylon … Read More
Victory at HORMAH – Arad destroyed – Promised Land – Bronze Snake
Bible Battle #6 – C. 1407 BC This second battle of Hormah is mostly unrelated with the first given the time that had elapsed in the wilderness – 40 years. It was fought with different people for a different reason. Nevertheless it is a vindication of the first defeat. ANCIENT HISTORY before the Victory at Hormah 1407 BC is a very busy period for war, … Read More
Wait in the Wilderness – Water from a rock – Moses grieves God
Bible History – C. 1445-1407 BC This is the famous period of the 40 years in the wilderness. When we read these chapters in the Book of Numbers we easily loose track of time. Although the Pentateuch follows a solid chronological order, the priority on its format was not historical. So it is easy to read 10 chapters that describe the incidents of … Read More
Defeat at Hormah – Defeat by Amalekites – Wilderness
Bible Battle #5 History – C. 1445 BC The Hebrews failed in their attempt to go into the Promised Land without God’s permission and were beaten back at a place which would, in future, be named Hormah. ANCIENT HISTORY before the Defeat at Hormah After Mount Sinai, things turned for the worse. As so often is the case, after the ecstasy of accomplishing a great … Read More
Civilization in the Wilderness – First Census – Army of God – Canaan
Bible History – C. 1446 BC ORGANIZING PRINCIPLES of the NATION and ARMY It may have been in the hidden valleys of Mt. Hor (Gebel Harun) that the Hebrews may have assembled and trained he army that would be the conquering instrument that Joshua would use to invade Canaan. The Book of Numbers is one of the easier books in the Bible to … Read More
Twelve Tribes of Israel
Bible History It is at this point pertinent to address the 12 tribes because their distinction will begin to be more evident as we move in history. Some battles have only a few of them in action and some even have tribes fighting each other. These tribes would grow into nations and empires. The identification of these nations today will … Read More
Second Covenant – Ark of the Covenant – Tabernacle
Bible History – C. 1446 BC Exodus 21-40 records the settling of God’s laws for living and instructions for worship. A NEW COVENANT FOR a NEW NATION For about a year, people prepared their advance. When they left Egypt they all walked together and fought together but now was time to separated the wheat from the chaff (Matthew 13:29-30). The dissenters among them had … Read More