Epoch 4

What happens when a people with no homeland find themselves at the doorstep of destiny? Epoch 4 of Tracing His Story explores the dramatic transformation of Israel from a wandering collection of tribes into a united nation under God’s sovereign direction. Through the historical and deeply spiritual books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, we see vividly how God leads His people into promise, tests their faithfulness, and continually points toward ultimate redemption.

After generations of slavery in Egypt and decades of wandering in the wilderness, Israel stood at the edge of the Promised Land. With Moses gone, Joshua—his faithful successor—stepped forward to lead. His mission was immense: to take possession of a land inhabited by powerful, fortified cities. Yet God reassured Joshua, calling him to strength, courage, and absolute trust.

Epoch 4 begins dramatically at the banks of the Jordan River at flood stage, a seemingly impassable barrier. Mirroring the miraculous Red Sea crossing a generation earlier, God once again demonstrates His power by halting the river, allowing His people to cross on dry ground. This miracle declared unmistakably that God was with Joshua and Israel, affirming His unchanging promise and presence.

Their first conquest was Jericho, a formidable walled city. God’s battle strategy defied human logic—march silently around the city walls, trumpet blasts, and a final victorious shout. Faith, not military might, brought victory, and Jericho’s walls fell miraculously. This powerful moment encapsulated the central message: victory belongs to God, who fights on behalf of those who trust Him.

Yet even in triumph, Israel grappled with obedience and trust. At Ai, their victory turned into unexpected defeat because of hidden sin within their ranks. This lesson underscored God’s holiness and the necessity for Israel to remain pure and devoted fully to Him. Throughout Joshua, God’s faithfulness stands in sharp contrast to human faltering, continually highlighting Israel’s need for divine leadership.

As the Israelites settled the Promised Land, the era of Judges began—a period marked by repeated cycles of rebellion, judgment, deliverance, and renewal. The book of Judges vividly portrays humanity’s tendency toward spiritual drift. When Israel neglected God, they faced oppression. When they cried out, God graciously raised up Judges—deliverers like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson—to rescue His people and guide them back to covenant faithfulness. Each Judge revealed God’s unwavering patience, mercy, and power to redeem despite Israel’s persistent rebellion.

Amid the dark chaos of the Judges period, the beautiful and deeply personal story of Ruth emerges like a radiant beacon of hope. Ruth, a foreign Moabite widow, chooses loyalty to Naomi, her Israelite mother-in-law, and more importantly, to Naomi’s God. Ruth’s humble obedience and faithfulness place her within God’s grand story of redemption, becoming the great-grandmother of King David and ultimately part of the lineage of Jesus Christ Himself.

Ruth’s story encapsulates the powerful message of Epoch 4: God’s redemption often comes through ordinary acts of extraordinary faithfulness. Her life points unmistakably forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Redeemer.

Epoch 4 invites you into a vivid narrative of faith tested and faith rewarded, of human frailty met by divine faithfulness, and of God’s ongoing commitment to fulfill His covenant promises. Watch now to witness how God transforms tribes into a nation, guides through victories and failures, and continually weaves the beautiful tapestry of redemption that leads directly to Jesus Christ.

Discover how these ancient stories from Joshua through Ruth reveal timeless truths about the character of God and the powerful impact of unwavering trust.