God's Blessing

What does Joshua 10-11 really mean?

Joshua 10-11 is about the Lord granting Joshua and the Israelites victorious battles over their enemies as a demonstration of His faithfulness and power in fulfilling His promises to His people.

5 So the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, gathered their forces and went up with all their armies and encamped against Gibeon and made war against it.
2 he feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were warriors.
3 So Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, to Piram king of Jarmuth, to Japhia king of Lachish, and to Debir king of Eglon, saying,
4 “Come up to me and help me, and let us strike Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and with the people of Israel.”
5 So the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, gathered their forces and went up with all their armies and encamped against Gibeon and made war against it.
6 And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, saying, “Do not relax your hand from your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites who dwell in the hill country are gathered against us.”
7 So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor.
8 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.”
5 So Joshua and all the people of war with him came against them suddenly by the waters of Merom and fell upon them.
10 And the Lord threw them into a panic before Israel, who struck them with a great blow at Gibeon and chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon and struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah.
11 And as they fled before Israel, while they were going down the ascent of Beth-horon, the Lord threw down large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died. There were more who died because of the hailstones than the sons of Israel killed with the sword.
12 At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.”
10 And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day.
14 There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man, for the Lord fought for Israel.
15 Then Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.
16 These five kings fled and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah.
17 And it was told to Joshua, “The five kings have been found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah.”
18 Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave and set men by it to guard them,”
19 But do not stay there yourselves, pursue your enemies and attack their rear guard. Do not let them enter their cities, for the Lord your God has given them into your hand.”
20 So Joshua and the people of Israel defeated them with a great blow at Gibeon, chased them along the way that goes up to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah.
21 And all the people returned safe to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah.
22 Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me from the cave.”
23 And they did so, and brought those five kings out to him from the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon.
24 And when they brought those kings out to Joshua, Joshua summoned all the men of Israel and said to the chiefs of the men of war who had gone with him, “Come near; put your feet on the necks of these kings.” Then they came near and put their feet on their necks.
25 And Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.”
26 And afterward Joshua struck them and put them to death, and he hanged them on five trees. And they hung on the trees until evening.
27 But at the time of the going down of the sun, Joshua commanded, and they took them down from the trees and threw them into the cave where they had hidden themselves, and they set large stones against the mouth of the cave, which remain to this very day.
28 As for Makkedah, Joshua captured it on that day and struck it, and its king, with the edge of the sword. He devoted to destruction every person in it; he left none remaining. And he did to the king of Makkedah just as he had done to the king of Jericho.
29 Then Joshua and all Israel with him passed on from Makkedah to Libnah and fought against Libnah.
30 The Lord gave it also and its king into the hand of Israel. And he struck it with the edge of the sword, and every person in it; he left none remaining in it. And he did to its king as he had done to the king of Jericho.
31 And Joshua and all Israel passed on from Libnah to Lachish and laid siege to it and fought against it.
32 And the Lord gave Lachish into the hand of Israel, and he captured it on the second day and struck it with the edge of the sword, and every person in it, as he had done to Libnah.
33 Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish. And Joshua struck him and his people, until he left none remaining.
34 And Joshua and all Israel passed on from Lachish to Eglon, and they camped against it and fought against it.
35 And they captured it on that day, and struck it with the edge of the sword. And he devoted every person in it to destruction that day, as he had done to Lachish.
36 Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon to Hebron. And they fought against it
37 And they took it and struck it with the edge of the sword, and its king and its towns they devoted to destruction.
38 Then Joshua and all Israel with him turned back to Debir and fought against it.
39 and he captured it with its king and all its towns. And they struck them with the edge of the sword and devoted to destruction every person in it; he left none remaining. Just as he had done to Hebron and to Libnah and its king, so he did to Debir and to its king.
40 So Joshua struck the whole land, the hill country and the Negeb and the lowland and the slopes, and all their kings. He left none remaining, but devoted to destruction all that breathed, just as the Lord God of Israel commanded.
41 And Joshua struck them from Kadesh-barnea as far as Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, as far as Gibeon.
42 And Joshua captured all these kings and their land at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel.
43 Thus Joshua struck the whole land, the hill country and the Negeb and the lowland and the slopes, and all their kings. He left none remaining, but devoted to destruction all that breathed, just as the Lord God of Israel commanded.
1 When Jabin, king of Hazor, heard of this, he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,
2 and to the kings who were in the northern hill country, and in the Arabah south of Chinneroth, and in the lowland, and in Naphoth-dor on the west,
3 to the Canaanites in the east and the west, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, and the Jebusites in the hill country, and the Hivites under Hermon in the land of Mizpah.
4 And they came out with all their troops, a great horde, in number like the sand that is on the seashore, with very many horses and chariots.
5 And all these kings joined their forces and came and encamped together at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.
6 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will give over all of them, slain, to Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.”
7 And Joshua and all the people of war with him came against them suddenly by the waters of Merom and fell upon them.
8 And the Lord gave them into the hand of Israel, who struck them and chased them as far as Great Sidon and Misrephoth-maim, and eastward as far as the Valley of Mizpeh. And they struck them until he left none remaining.
9 And Joshua did to them just as the Lord said to him: he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire.
10 And Joshua turned back at that time and captured Hazor and struck its king with the sword, for Hazor formerly was the head of all those kingdoms.
11 And they struck with the sword all who were in it, devoting them to destruction; there was none left that breathed. And he burned Hazor with fire.
12 And all the cities of those kings, and all their kings, Joshua captured, and struck them with the edge of the sword, devoting them to destruction, just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded.
13 But none of the cities that stood on mounds did Israel burn, except Hazor alone; that Joshua burned.
14 And all the spoil of these cities and the livestock, the people of Israel took for their plunder. But every man they struck with the edge of the sword until they had destroyed them, and they did not leave any who breathed.
15 Just as the Lord had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses.
16 So Joshua took all that land, the hill country and all the Negeb and all the land of Goshen and the lowland and the Arabah and the hill country of Israel and its lowland,
17 from Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir, as far as Baal-gad in the Valley of Lebanon below Mount Hermon. And he captured all their kings and struck them and put them to death.
18 Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.
19 There was not a city that made peace with the people of Israel except the Hivites, the inhabitants of Gibeon.
20 For it was the Lord’s doing to harden their hearts that they should come against Israel in battle, in order that they should be devoted to destruction and should receive no mercy but be destroyed, just as the Lord commanded Moses.
21 And Joshua came at that time and cut off the Anakim from the hill country, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah, and from all the hill country of Israel. Joshua devoted them to destruction with their cities.
22 There was none of the Anakim left in the land of the people of Israel. Only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod did some remain.
23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war.

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Setting the Scene for Joshua 10-11

The scene in Joshua 10-11 takes place in the land of Canaan, where Joshua and the Israelites are leading a military campaign to conquer the Promised Land. Joshua, the successor of Moses, is leading the Israelite army against various Canaanite kings and their armies. The Israelites have already defeated Jericho and Ai, and now they are facing a coalition of five Amorite kings who have gathered together to fight against them.

Joshua, along with his army and his trusted leaders such as Caleb, Eleazar the high priest, and other tribal leaders, have come together to strategize and plan their next moves. The atmosphere is tense as they prepare for battle, knowing that the outcome will determine their possession of the land that God has promised them. The camp is bustling with activity as soldiers sharpen their weapons, priests offer sacrifices, and Joshua seeks guidance from the Lord.

Surrounded by the rugged terrain of Canaan, with its hills and valleys, Joshua and his men are ready to face the challenges ahead with faith and courage. The sun beats down on them as they stand united in their determination to fulfill God’s command to take possession of the land. The scene is set for a decisive battle that will test their resolve and their trust in the Lord to deliver them.

What is Joshua 10-11 about?

The verse in Joshua 10-11 illustrates the triumph of the Israelites against the numerous kings of Canaan, showcasing their unwavering faith in God and their determination to fulfill His promise of the Promised Land. It signifies the power of God working through His chosen people, enabling them to overcome obstacles and claim victory over their enemies. The conquest of Canaan by the Israelites serves as a powerful testament to the fulfillment of God’s promises and the significance of faith, obedience, and perseverance in achieving His divine purpose. Trusting in God and following His guidance remind us of the strength we have. Just like the Israelites faced formidable foes in the kings of Canaan, we too may encounter challenges in our own lives. But through the example of the Israelites, we learn that with faith, courage, and obedience to God’s will, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way. So, let us draw inspiration from the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan and strive to emulate their unwavering trust in God as we navigate through our own battles, knowing that He is always by our side, guiding and empowering us to emerge victorious.

Understanding what Joshua 10-11 really means

Certainly! Here is a structured commentary on Joshua 10-11:

  • Context and Summary
  • Historical Background: Joshua 10-11 describes the military campaigns led by Joshua as the Israelites conquer the land of Canaan. These chapters highlight the battles against the Amorite kings and the northern coalition of kings.

  • Divine Intervention: A significant aspect of these chapters is the miraculous intervention by God, such as the sun standing still and the hailstones that defeated the enemies.

  • Key Phrases and Their Meanings

  • “The Lord threw them into confusion”: This phrase emphasizes God’s direct involvement in the battle, causing disarray among the enemy forces.
  • “The sun stood still”: This miraculous event signifies God’s control over nature and His willingness to intervene for His people.

  • “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged”: This command from God to Joshua is a recurring theme, encouraging trust and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

  • Related Biblical Passages

  • Exodus 14:14: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” This passage parallels the divine intervention seen in Joshua 10-11.
  • Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” This verse reinforces the idea of trusting in God’s power and sovereignty.

  • Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” This New Testament verse echoes the assurance of God’s support seen in Joshua’s battles.

  • Relevance to People Today

  • Trust in Divine Assistance: Just as Joshua and the Israelites relied on God’s intervention, people today can find comfort in knowing that God is present in their struggles.
  • Courage in Adversity: The encouragement to “not be afraid” is timeless, reminding us to face challenges with faith and confidence.

  • God’s Sovereignty: The miraculous events in these chapters remind us of God’s ultimate control over all circumstances, encouraging us to trust in His plans.

  • Anecdote for Illustration

  • Personal Story: Imagine a person facing a daunting challenge, such as a serious illness or a significant career setback. They might feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. However, by placing their trust in God and seeking His guidance, they can find the strength to persevere. Just as Joshua witnessed miraculous victories, this person might experience unexpected support and solutions, reinforcing their faith in God’s provision.

  • Conclusion

  • Encouragement to Reflect: Reflect on the ways God has intervened in your life or the lives of others. Consider how these stories of divine assistance can bolster your faith and courage.
  • Call to Action: Embrace the assurance that God is with you in your battles. Trust in His timing and His ways, knowing that He is capable of performing miracles in your life just as He did for Joshua and the Israelites.

By understanding the deeper meanings and applications of Joshua 10-11, readers can draw strength and inspiration for their own journeys of faith.

How can we trust in God’s promises completely?

We can trust in God’s promises completely by understanding that God is faithful and true to His word. When we believe in His promises with unwavering faith, we demonstrate our trust in His character and sovereignty. God’s promises are not based on our circumstances or human limitations but on His infinite power and love for us.

To trust in God’s promises completely means to have confidence in His ability to fulfill what He has spoken. This requires a deep conviction that God is trustworthy and will always keep His word. We can rely on His faithfulness in all situations by keeping our focus on His promises and not on our own understanding. Trusting in God’s promises completely means surrendering our doubts and fears to Him and allowing His truth to guide our thoughts and actions.

Application

Reflect on the strength of God shown in Joshua 10-11; see how He delivered His people from every challenge. Let’s find confidence in His protection, just like the Israelites did. Let this motivate you to believe in His assurances and face your battles fearlessly. Will you join in, taking steps with faith in His power and promises?