The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Introduction to Conquest & Judges (with Jeff Cavins) (2026)
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Mar 22, 2026 
Jeff Cavins, Catholic Bible scholar who created the Great Adventure Timeline, outlines the Conquest and Judges period. He walks through Joshua’s campaigns, the Jordan crossing, and tribal land allotments. Then he explains the chaos after Joshua’s death, the Judges cycle of sin and deliverance, and memorable figures like Deborah and Samson.
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God Demonstrates Dominion In The Crossing
- The conquest begins with dramatic signs that God is Lord over Canaanite gods, like the Jordan waters rolling back to Adam.
- Joshua's crossing, cessation of manna, circumcision, and the fall of Jericho show God asserting covenant authority as they enter the land.
Why Joseph And The Levites Have No Territory
- Tribal land allotments reveal Joseph splits into Ephraim and Manasseh and Levites receive cities, not territory.
- The Levites' inheritance is God himself, so they serve across 48 cities rather than holding a contiguous tribal parcel.
Approach Difficult Passages From Trust
- Read difficult Old Testament passages from trust in God's covenant faithfulness rather than putting God on trial.
- Adopt St Augustine and St Thomas' posture: persist in reading until you see how the text reveals God's mercy, justice, and purpose.