Joshua's Conquest of Canaan and Israel's Tribal Inheritance

Joshua's Conquest of Canaan: Campaigns and Tribal Inheritance

Understanding Nefesh and Neshama in Context

The concepts of Nefesh and Neshama are often discussed in relation to the nature of life and soul, particularly in the context of the commands given during the conquest:

• Nefesh: Associated with animals; refers to the basic life force. In the context of conquest, it implies the killing of those who stood in the way.
• Neshama: Associated with humans; refers to the higher soul or spirit. In the context of conquest, it implies the command to eliminate all human inhabitants of Canaan.

Joshua's Campaigns and the Conquest of Canaan

The Book of Joshua details the Israelite conquest of the land of Canaan, led by Joshua, fulfilling the divine commands given by Hashem to Moses.

1. Joshua executed all the kings by the sword, as commanded by Moses.
2. He conquered most cities located on hills, notably burning the city of Hatzor.
3. The Israelites were permitted to take animals and spoils of war, but all people were put to the sword.
4. Joshua meticulously fulfilled all commands that Hashem gave to Moses, not missing a single instruction.
5. His conquests spanned from the southern regions to the north.
6. Conquering the northern territories proved more protracted than the southern campaigns.
7. Only the Gibeonites made a peace treaty with Israel; no other nation did.
8. Hashem hardened the hearts of the Canaanites, preventing them from seeking peace and ensuring their destruction.
9. Joshua, along with Caleb and his brother, conquered Hebron and eliminated the Anakim (giants) there.
10. No Anakim (giants) remained in the land of Israel, except for a few cities along the coastline:
    • Gaza
    • Gath
    • Ashdod
11. Joshua then divided the conquered land among the Israelite tribes, bringing an end to major warfare in Israel.

Similarities in Conquering North and South Canaan

1. Initial Response: Kings in both regions heard of Israel's advance and formed alliances to fight.
2. Divine Assurance: Hashem reassured Joshua and Bnei Yisrael (Children of Israel) not to fear.
3. Obedience: Joshua faithfully executed Hashem's commands in both campaigns.
4. Peace Treaties: Only the Gibeonites made peace with Israel; no other nation did.

Differences in Conquering North and South Canaan

Duration of Conquest

• South: Conquered relatively quickly.
• North: Required a more prolonged campaign, lasting approximately seven years.

Nature of Opposition

• South: Primarily involved infantry.
• North: Faced armies equipped with horses and chariots, posing a greater challenge.

The Transjordanian Tribes: Reuben, Gad, and Half-Manasseh

After the conquest of Sihon, King of Heshbon, and Og, King of Bashan, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh requested to settle in the newly conquered Transjordanian lands. They cited their large herds of cattle from Egypt and their need for extensive grazing pastures.

• Initially, Moses rebuked them, comparing their request to the sin of the spies, implying a lack of faith in the land of Canaan west of the Jordan.
• Upon their renewed plea, Hashem instructed Moses to grant their request, but under specific conditions:
  • They must serve as the vanguard in all future battles for the conquest of Canaan west of the Jordan.
  • They must fight alongside the other Israelite tribes until the entire land of Canaan west of the Jordan is conquered and divided.