The Tanakh Podcast

Shimon's tribal portion is subsumed within the territory of Yehudah. Why? Is it because of Jacob's curse? If so, why do the Tribe of Levi get an "upgrade" whereas Shimon lose their tribal independence?

Seven tribes have failed to transition to the Settlement stage. They remain in the camp of Gilgal. Here, Joshua will compel them to move ahead and migrate to their tribal territories, to begin the work of populating the entire land of Israel. But why does the story begin with Benjamin?

The Tribes of Joseph complain: "You haven't given us enough land" Joshua tells them: This is your choice. Either clear the forests, or confront the enemy in the valley. The land is there; you have to make a decision which challenge that you will confront. There are no free lunches, no miracles. If you want to possess Israel, it is an uphill struggle. This is a chapter of tough choices.

The Tribes who actively stake a claim for their tribal lands are Yehuda, Ephraim and Menashe - Yehuda and Yoseph. In this podcast we explore the role of Yehuda and Yoseph as perennial leaders of the Jewish people, from the days of Jacob, Rachel and Leah, through the split of the kingdom (after King Solomon) to Messianic times.

As the opening verse of our chapter indicates, the tribal portions (Nechalot) were assigned by a lottery. But let's look at Bamidbar 26:53-33 where we are instructed to calculate the tribal portions by the size of the tribal population. Is this a calculation or a random lottery? And ... how did the tribes determine where they were to be situated geographically?

Caleb steps forward and demands the city of Hebron from Joshua. In this chapter, we return to the Spy episode when Caleb and Joshua both returned with a good report. But these are very different leaders. Caleb is fierce, independent and headstrong. His leadership of the tribe of Judah will ensure that this is the first tribe to settle in their  territory.

Chapter 13 lists the tribal portions of Reuven, Gad and Menashe on the east bank of the Jordan river. But is this land part of the land of Israel? The text of Sefer Yehoshua is somewhat ambivalent about this region, a negativity with roots in the Torah.

Chapter 12 is a victory song. Hooray! We have defeated 31 kingdoms! But open chapter 13: "Joshua!" says God; "There is lots more to conquer!"  So, was it a total and comprehensive conquest or only a partial one?

This fourth campaign in Israel's military conquest is absolutely natural; no miracles at all. But why does God instruct Joshua to destroy the chariots and hamstring the horses of the enemy? What is God teaching the Israelites?

Joshua comes to the aid of his new allies, the Gibeonites, as they are attacked by five Canaanite armies. This provides him with a lucky opportunity to battle the enemy in the open, outside the protective walls of their cities.  This military campaign obliterates the Canaanite enemy in the South of the country.