User:AmericanBaath/Biblical wars

This sandbox documents the various wars and conflicts depicted in the Bible, the primary scripture of Christianity. This sandbox presumes that the Bible is inerrant. The dates come from The Sacred Calendar, credit for which goes to website author Jim Liles.

Israelite Conquest of Canaan

Israelite Conquest of Canaan
Part of the Book of Joshua and the Book of Judges
Date 7 January 1400 BC – 30 September 1396 BC Location Canaan Result Israelite victory
Belligerents
Israelites	Canaanites
Commanders and leaders
Joshua Supported by: God	Adonizedek  † Hoham  † Piram  † Japhia  † Debir  †
Strength
40,000	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Minimal losses	Population slaughtered

The Israelite Conquest of Canaan was an ancient war between the Israelites and the Canaanites for control over Canaan, which later became known as Israel. The Israelites were led by Joshua and were motivated to take the Promised Land that had been promised to them by God. Beginning in 1400 BC, the Israelites swiftly defeated the Canaanites. The last of the Canaanite forces were defeated in 1396 BC. Most of the Canaanites were slaughtered during the conflict, as God commanded the Israelites to do such.

The conquest is most famous for the Battle of Jericho, where the Canaanite city of Jericho was besieged by the Israelites for seven days. On the seventh day of siege, the walls of the city fell and the city was captured. The entire population of Jericho was slaughtered by Israelite forces, with the exception of Israelite collaborator Rahab and her family.

Background

Israelites in the Negev

In 1440 BC, Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in ancient Egypt with the help of God. The Israelites began their journey towards Canaan, hoping to claim the Promised Land. However, many of the Israelites disrespected God, and He punished them by dooming the entire generation to die roaming the Negev. Joshua and the new generation of Israelites were born in the Negev. Moses died in 1400 BC, being the last of his generation, and God finally allowed the Israelites to take Canaan for their home.

Wickedness of Canaan

God, having chosen the Israelites as His people, hoped to use them to deliver justice upon the Canaanites. The Canaanites were a pagan people and engaged in child sacrifice to Moloch. For this, among various other immoral activities by the Canaanites, God sought to punish them. In doing so, He knew that He could also turn Canaan into a home for His people.

Conquest

Early actions

On 7 January 1440 BC, Joshua dispacted two spies from Abila to Jericho. They arrived in Jericho on 9 January and were housed by Rahab. The King of Jericho learned of this and demanded Rahab turn the spies over. Rahab lied, claiming she did not know of their whereabouts, which saved the spies' lives. Afterwards, Rahab told the Israelites that she knew God had promised Canaan to them and she promised to help them.

Christian–Roman conflict

In the 1st century, there was a conflict between the early Christians and the Roman Empire. The Romans, largely with the collaboration of Judea, widely persecuted early Christians for following the ministry of Jesus.