Hebrew scriptures

Book of Joshua

the historical book which contains the stories of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land

Jericho

an ancient walled Canaanite city; the first place to be taken by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership

Rahab

a woman who lived in Jericho, she assisted the Israelites in capturing the city

shofar

made out of a ram's horn, it was used to call assemblies, announce a new year and warn of danger

the ban

God's command that the Israelites destroy all of the inhabitants, animals and material possessions of the towns they conquered

Book of Judges

the book which tells the stories of the 12 people called by God to lead the Israelites when they had fallen into sin and were being persecuted by their enemies

Deborah

the female leader who sat under a palm tree and acted as a Judge for the Israelites

Canaanites

the native inhabitants of the area of ancient Palestine west of the River Jordan who were conquered by the Israelites

Baal

a popular god worshipped by the Canaanites whose religion included the practices of human sacrifice and temple prostitution

Gideon

a military leader, judge and prophet who was called by God to lead the Israelites to victory over the Midianites

Philistines

the members of a non-Semitic group of people who had invaded Canaan from the Mediterranean Sea and came into conflict with the Israelites

Nazirite

a man consecrated to God from birth who promised never to consume wine or strong drink or to cut his hair or beard

Samson

the judge known for his strength and bravery during the Israelites' conflict with the Philistines

Ruth

the story of a woman who was not an Israelite but who married an Israelite and stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi after her husband died

Naomi

the Israelite mother in law of Ruth

Moab

the land east of the Dead Sea where Naomi and her husband moved during a famine

Boaz

a wealthy Israelite who is impressed by how Ruth takes care of Naomi

Jael

The wife of Heber the Kenite who killed Sisera, the Canaanite general, thus becoming a national heroine in Israel