Book excerpt: . Under the capable leadership of Moses and Joshua, the nation of Israel marched into the Promised Land. After many successful military campaigns, Israel generally pursued the pagan peoples, and God's people stood clearly in charge. On the eve of Joshua's death, the nation's future couldn't have appeared brighter. But the outlook wasn't as bright as it seemed. The nation, having fallen short of complete obedience to God, was about to receive some tough love over a lengthy period of time. During this time, Israel plunged into a seemingly endless cycle of sin, suffering, repentance, and temporary deliverance.