The Tanakh Podcast

Joshua gathers the people in Shchem and asks them if they want to worship idolatry or God!
Where have we ever seen a leader giving a choice of this sort to the nation?
And it all takes place at a Temple in Shchem. IS there a Temple in Shchem? What about Shiloh?
What is the purpose of this gathering?

What does a leader want to communicate before he dies? In this chapter, Joshua reflects his master and teacher, Moses, as he renews the covenantal conditions: 
Loyalty to God and keeping His laws will bring blessing and national success; but idolatry and intermarriage will lead to national doom, destruction and Exile.

The wars are over. The two-and-a-half Tribes return to the Transjordan after their national service, and build a monumental altar on the banks of the Jordan River.
However, the Israelites Tribes in Canaan assume that these tribes have set up an alternative worship site, and have abandoned God!
They set out for war!
How will they defuse the situation?

Why did the Priests and Levites need 48 cities spread around the country? What role did these cities serve?

This chapter allots six cities of refuge: 3 in Transjordan and 3 in Eretz Canaan.
The cities are designated for "accidental murderers", to gain protection from the "Blood Avenger" and to stand trial in a fair legal hearing.
But is the "Blood Avenger" a Jewish idea? Doesn't this vigilante system seem somewhat primitive?  

Music: Ehud Banai