ion does not, Pharaoh's courtiers accept Yahweh as their God. In a similar manner, Israel's conquest of Canaan, at Jericho, reaffirms Israel's status as a blessing. While hiding the two Israelite spies, Rahab confides, " I know that the Lord has given the country to youfor the Lord your God is the only God in heaven above and on earth below" (Josh. 2:9,11). Rahab is a harlot, whom one would presume to be anything but pious. When Israel destroys Jericho, " only Rahab the harlot and her father's family were sparedand she dwelt among the Israelites" (6:25). This quotation highlights two important notions: the author's choice of stating "her father's family," can be interpreted as her immediate family or a larger group of people who also accept Yahweh. Secondly, Rahab's " dwell[ing] among the Israelites" is a classic example of how the inhabitants of other nations remain and become a part of Israel. By remaining with the Israelites, Rahab embraces the fact that their God is the one and only God. Also part of Israel's conquest of Canaan, are the events surrounding the city of Gibeon. Upon seeing what Israel had done to Jericho, " the people of Gibeon had come to terms with Israel and remained among them" (Joshua 10:2). This is yet another example of people from other nations accepting Yahweh and becoming a part of Israel. Without having directly experienced what Yahweh is capable of, the Gibeonites immediately identify Him as God. When Joshua arrives with Israel, and realizing what the king's true intentions are, commands, " Stand still, O sun, at Gibeon,/ O moon, in the Valley of Aijalon" (10:12). Miraculously halting these supernatural forces, Joshua defeats all five armies and kills the kings. These marvels further strengthen the people's faith in Yahweh and prove again that Israel is a blessing to the cities of Canaan. (israel proves to be a blessing to Canaan because it reveals to Canaan's people the one true God)Proving that he himsel...
