| JOSHUA |
| Explanatory Footnotes - page 2 |
| and if they disobeyed. The two mountains, Ebal and Gerizim, formed a natural amphitheater, ideal for such a public ceremony. From their peaks much of the promised land could be seen. (Mount Gerizim eventually became the seat of worship for the Samaritans, which helps explain Jesus' conversation in John 4.) 9:2 War Strategy Joshua used expert military strategy against Israel's many enemies in Canaan. His assignment as one of the original spies had given Joshua valuable knowledge of the topography of the land. Israelite armies entered the middle of Canaan, splitting the country in two and intersecting strategic trade routes. His "flying column" formations, night marches, ambush tactics rather than long sieges, and destruction of key cities showed awareness of advanced military techniques. 9:27 Saved by Deceit The elaborate deception of the Gibeonites literally saved their lives. They were not dstroyed, but forced to become the Israelites' servants. Some of them even converted to Judaism. The book of Nehemiah includes Gibeonites (sometimes called Hivites) among those who helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. And at least one of King David's "mighty men" was a Gibeonite. (See also the incident recorded in 2 Samuel 21:1-14.) Even so, the Gibeonites often caused trouble for the Israelites. 10:24 Act of Humiliation This act - stepping on a neck - was the ultimate way to humiliate a king. It expressed utter, enforced submission. Egyptian and Assyrian sculptures frequently portrayed this custom. 11:23 Two Accounts of Warfare Judges 1 summarizes the incidents recorded in Joshua, but from a different point of view. Joshua presents the campaign |
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