W3 – The Conquest and the Story of Rahab

Purpose: The students will evaluate the challenges that come with the conquest narrative in comparison to the treatment of Rahab.

Initial Post: The book of Joshua and the conquest of the Promised Land within it present many challenges about Gods heart and character because God commands the Israelites to overthrow nations. We find two unique stories in this section of the Old Testament that offer insight into the nature of God, the story of Rahab (chap. 2-4) and Achan (chap. 7). These events present challenges as we consider a God that seeks obedience, yet also offers grace and mercy. In 300 words, address the following questions:

• Achan was one of Gods people, an Israelite. Yet he is the one that struggles with obedience. What do we learn from Achan and his family about following Gods instructions? What was the temptation that Achan faced that caused him to be disobedient?
• Rahab, a non-Israelite, is willing to risk her life for a God she does not fully know. She offers hospitality to the spies and is rewarded with hospitality from all of Israel in return. What does the story of Rahab demonstrate about Gods grace and mercy (remember her nationality, prior occupation, and religious background).
• How do you justify the conquest narrative with your understanding of God? (Reference one of the readings from this week to support your answer).

Bible: Coogan, M. D. (2010). The New Oxford Annotated Bible: New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha (4th ed). Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780199370504

Textbook: Lamb, D. T. (2022). God behaving badly: Is the God of the Old Testament angry, sexist and racist? InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 9781514003503

Textbook: Pemberton, G. (2015). The God who saves. Leafwood Publishers Press. ISBN: 9780891124825

Video: https://youtu.be/JqOqJlFF_eU?si=7vo4htA_u-MPtNwD

Be sure to cite and reference both scripture and your textbook(s) in your posts using page number/timestamp.

Rubric: Quality of Post: Student referenced the readings and resources for the week in an integrated, thoughtful response.