ABSTRACT
Joshua leads the people across the Jordan, orders a mass circumcision, and then directs priests carrying trumpets made of rams' horns to march around the city. The people of Jericho have heard of the victories of the Israelites, and Rahab tells the spies that "all the inhabitants of the land melt in fear before you". Most of Joshua describes his extensive military conquests, and the allocation of the territory to the tribes, with Judah receiving the largest portion. In addition, Joshua resists any attempt to form a hereditary kingship. Joshua renews the covenant at Mount Ebal and sets up a seat of government, but not a capital, at Shiloh. Joshua gives a series of farewell addresses, but the most eloquent is delivered shortly before his death before all the tribes of Israel. While a great hero, Joshua's failures had major political implications for the Israelites during the period of the judges.
