Homeland Of History Channel's The Bible: Analysis

The story of Joshua conquering Jericho, and Samson’s bringing about of Israel’s deliverance from the Philistines, depict the decline of Israel from faultless success and obedience. The episode “Homeland” of History Channel’s The Bible tells the astonishing story of Joshua and Samson, who are given divine power and mercy through the Lord to secure the Promise Land. Both Joshua and Samson receive a calling from the Lord through a messenger to secure the land because through the Lord both men are given the strength to conquer the most evil and escape death. The story of Joshua conquering Jericho begins much like Moses’ calling from the Lord through the burning bush. Instead, Joshua is presented with a divine messenger, a commander of the heavenly force of the Lord, who represents the Lord’s attempt to bring forward justice to Earth. In Joshua chapter 5, the heavenly messenger states that he neither takes the side of Israel or Israel’s enemy. This demonstrates that the Lord’s desire for justice comes from Israel’s desire for freedom and land. The messenger of the Lord doesn’t command that Joshua rage war, rather he asks Joshua to remove his sandals in light of the Lord’s direction to Moses at the burning bush. Those residing in Jericho have fear of the Israelites, not because they would be battling the Israelite army, but because they would be battling …show more content…
The decline of Israel is reflect in Samson through weakness. Samson’s story differs from the rest in the context of the Judges because he does not lead an Israelite army into battle, instead he breaks his promise to the lord, marries with a Philistine woman and seeks personal retribution. The story of Samson is one that almost seems to reflect Israel itself. Samson expresses disobedience, undergoes capture and in the end prays for the hope of the Lord to rescue amidst