followHIM Joshua 1-8; 23-24 Part 2 • Dr. Camille Fronk Olson • May 18-24 • Come, Follow Me
May 13, 2026
Dr. Camille Fronk Olson, a professor and Old Testament scholar, guides a lively look at Joshua. She unpacks covenant renewal at Gilgal, the mysterious commander outside Jericho, and the psychological siege of Jericho. She explores Achan’s costly disobedience, Caleb’s bold request for his mountain, and the daughters of Zelophehad changing inheritance law.
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Jericho As Psychological Warfare
- The Jericho siege uses ritualized, psychological tactics: seven priests, seven trumpets, and seven days of silent circuit to produce a decisive collapse.
- Olson emphasizes the eerie stillness of repeated shofar blasts and the dramatic seventh-day shout that topples the walls.
Cherem Means Set Apart For God
- The ban (cherem) on Jericho's plunder marks items as set apart for God, not merely forbidden loot.
- Olson explains the items would go to the Lord's treasury and warns that taking them curses the individual and the camp, leading to Achan's exposure.
Achan's Secret That Cost Israel
- The story of Achan shows private covetousness can bring communal disaster when he hides a Babylonish garment, silver, and gold.
- Olson recounts Joshua's methodical inquiry down to the family and Achan's confession leading to his punishment.