Late 15th Century BC (Traditional Dating of the Conquest of Canaan)
The Israelites were transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle in the wilderness to settling in the Promised Land, Canaan, which was inhabited by various Canaanite tribes with their own polytheistic beliefs.
Canaan was a region with multiple city-states, each ruled by its own king. The political landscape was fragmented, with no central authority, making it ripe for conquest.
The events take place on the eastern side of the Jordan River, as the Israelites prepare to enter Canaan. The Jordan River served as a natural boundary between the wilderness and the Promised Land.
The Israelites were governed by the Law given through Moses, which emphasized monotheism and covenantal faithfulness to Yahweh. This contrasted with the Canaanite practices of idolatry and polytheism.
Joshua
Successor of Moses and leader of the Israelites, tasked with leading the conquest of Canaan.