Course Description
In this course, we will embark on an interactive exploration of the books of Joshua and Judges, focusing on the themes of leadership and nationhood in ancient Israel. Through a close reading of the texts, we will investigate how the leaders of Israel shaped the identity and destiny of the nation during a critical period of transition. We will analyze the leadership of Joshua as he guides the Israelites into the Promised Land, discussing themes of faith, obedience, and the challenges of nation-building. We will then turn to the diverse leadership of the book of Judges, exploring the cycle of sins, crisis and deliverance, while observing the downward spiral as the book progresses.
This course is designed to be somewhat interactive (dependent upon the size of the class), allowing time for group discussions and respectful debates to better understand the events and the characters, and the way they impact national identity and unity at this delicate juncture in biblical history. Join us for a dynamic exploration that combines textual analysis and discussion to deepen our understanding of these foundational biblical narratives.