The conquest of Canaan under Joshua

The book of Joshua narrates the entry into Canaan in three campaigns. The central campaign opens with the miraculous crossing of the Jordan opposite Jericho, the collapse of Jericho's walls, and — after a setback at Ai over Achan's theft — the taking of Ai and a covenant ceremony at Shechem between Mounts Gerizim and Ebal. The southern campaign is provoked by the Gibeonites' treaty with Israel; five Amorite kings besiege Gibeon, Joshua marches by night, the sun stands still at Aijalon, and the coalition is destroyed (Joshua 10). The northern campaign confronts Jabin of Hazor and his allies at the waters of Merom; their chariot force is broken and Hazor burned (Joshua 11). The land is then divided by lot among the tribes (Joshua 13–21). Joshua's farewell at Shechem (Joshua 24) renews the covenant for the next generation.