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 person 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.
The True Meaning of Joshua 11
This chapter of the Book of Joshua recounts the Israelites’ military campaigns against the northern Canaanite kings. The author, believed to be Joshua himself, provides a detailed account of these pivotal events as the Israelites continue their conquest of the Promised Land.
The chapter opens with the news of a coalition of Canaanite kings who have gathered to fight against the Israelites. Undaunted, Joshua leads his people into battle, emerging victorious through the Lord’s divine intervention. We witness the Israelites’ methodical approach to securing the land, city by city, as they fulfill the promise made to their ancestors.
Throughout this passage, we are reminded of the Lord’s unwavering support for the Israelites, as seen in the previous chapters. The author skillfully weaves in references to earlier biblical events, such as the Israelites’ crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho, to demonstrate the continuity of God’s plan for his chosen people.
Joshua 11:1-5
Jabin king of Hazor heard of this and sent word to Jobab king of Madon, to the kings of Shimron and Akshaph, and to the northern kings who were in the mountains, in the Arabah south of Kinnereth, in the western foothills, and in Naphoth Dor on the west; to the Canaanites in the east and west; to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites and Jebusites in the hill country; and to the Hivites below Hermon in the region of Mizpah.” This passage sets the stage for the alliance formed by various kings of the surrounding regions to go up against the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership.
The mention of Jabin, the king of Hazor, holds significance as Hazor was a powerful city in Canaan during that period. Jabin’s alliance with other kings against the Israelites portrays the continuous opposition the Israelites faced as they progressed in taking possession of the Promised Land. This verse showcases the political and military challenges Joshua and the Israelites encountered as they continued their conquest of the land.
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where God’s chosen people faced opposition from various enemies. The faith and obedience of the Israelites were tested in these moments of conflict and battle. It reinforces the theme of perseverance and trust in God’s promises even in the face of formidable opposition. Joshua’s leadership and unwavering faith in God’s guidance are exemplified in his strategies and actions during these confrontations.
The unity of the Canaanite kings against the Israelites highlights a common theme in the Bible where God’s people often face challenges from coalitions or alliances formed against them. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face in their lives, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in faith and relying on God’s strength to overcome adversities. This passage ultimately underscores the sovereignty of God in fulfilling His plans despite the combined efforts of earthly powers. The account of Joshua 11 reminds readers of the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and trusting in God’s promises in the face of overwhelming odds and powerful enemies. Just as Joshua and the Israelites faced daunting opposition but ultimately prevailed through God’s intervention, believers today are encouraged to persevere in their spiritual battles with the assurance that God is fighting on their behalf. This chapter serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness and power to deliver His people from all adversaries, reinforcing the timeless message of trusting in Him wholeheartedly.
Joshua 11:6-9
A pivotal moment in the conquest of the Promised Land is read about in Joshua 11:6-9. The verses describe how the Lord instructed Joshua not to be afraid of the coalition of armies coming against him, for the Lord would deliver them into his hand. This assurance from the Lord was crucial for Joshua as he faced daunting odds in battle. It served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and his promise to be with His people as they carried out His will.
This episode exemplifies the importance of trust and faith in God when facing challenges. Joshua’s obedience to God’s command and his unwavering faith in God’s promises were instrumental in the victories he achieved. It teaches us that in the midst of difficulties, we can find strength and courage in our trust in God’s guidance and protection. This theme of trust and obedience resonates throughout the Bible, with numerous accounts of God’s faithfulness to those who put their trust in Him. This incident highlights the concept of divine intervention in human affairs. The Israelites were not alone in their battles; the Lord fought alongside them, ensuring their success. This aligns with the broader Biblical narrative of God’s involvement in the lives of His people and His sovereignty over all nations and circumstances. It emphasizes the idea that victory ultimately comes from God and serves as a reminder that we should rely on Him rather than our own strength or strategies.
Additionally, the mention of the chariots and horses in these verses underscores the military might of the Canaanite forces. Despite facing a formidable enemy with superior weaponry, Joshua did not waver because he knew that the power of God was far greater than any earthly weapons. This serves as a powerful reminder that our strength and victory come from the Lord, and not from our own capabilities or resources. The story in Joshua 11:6-9 conveys timeless lessons about faith, trust, and divine intervention. It encourages us to be courageous and steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is with us in our battles. It reminds us that victories are not always won through human strength alone, but through the power and providence of God. It is a testament to the unwavering faith of Joshua and serves as a powerful example for us to emulate in our own walks of faith.
Joshua 11:10-15
A significant and pivotal moment in the conquest of the Promised Land is seen in Joshua 11:10-15. Let’s identify the subject: “we.” Now, rewrite the sentence in active voice: “We will break down these verses and delve into their deeper meanings.”
Verse 10 states, “At that time Joshua turned back and captured Hazor and put its king to the sword.” Hazor was a major Canaanite city that served as the head of a coalition of northern city-states opposed to the Israelites. Joshua conquered Hazor, dealing a decisive blow to the Canaanite resistance and establishing Israelite dominance in the region. This victory demonstrated the power and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promise to give the land to the Israelites.
The mention of putting the king of Hazor to the sword reminds us of the brutal nature of warfare during that time. Battles in the Old Testament were often fierce and merciless, characterized by the harsh realities of ancient warfare. However, it also symbolizes the elimination of evil and the fulfillment of God’s judgment upon the wicked inhabitants of the land. This serves as a reminder that God’s justice will prevail over all evil.
Moving on to Verse 11, it says, “Everyone in it they put to the sword. They totally destroyed them, not sparing anyone that breathed, and he burned Hazor itself.” This verse depicts the severity of the judgment upon Hazor and its people. The total destruction of the city and its inhabitants was a common practice in ancient warfare as a sign of complete victory and to prevent any remnants of evil from reemerging. From a spiritual perspective, this act symbolizes the importance of complete obedience to God’s commands and the necessity of rooting out sin entirely from our lives. Joshua conquered the other cities in the north as part of his campaign, as we read in Verses 12-13. These included cities like Madon, Shimron, and Achshaph, among others. Each conquest represented a step forward in fulfilling God’s promise to give the land to the Israelites. The mention of “devoted to destruction” highlights the concept of herem, which referred to the complete destruction or devotion of something to God. This concept underscores the idea of God’s exclusive claim over His people and the importance of obeying His commands without compromise. Joshua did everything that the Lord had commanded Moses, as Moses had commanded him in Verse 15.” This verse emphasizes the theme of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands. Joshua’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling God’s instructions, passed down from Moses, set a powerful example for the Israelites. It serves as a reminder for us today to wholeheartedly obey God’s word and trust in His guidance, knowing that He fulfills His promises to those who are faithful. Joshua 11:10-15 highlights the themes of God’s faithfulness, judgment, obedience, and the fulfillment of His promises. It reminds us of the importance of complete obedience to God, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the assurance that God is with His people in every conquest. Joshua’s actions in these verses demonstrate the importance of staying true to God’s commands and trusting in His plan, even in the face of great challenges.
Joshua 11:16-20
A crucial turning point in the story of Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land is seen in Joshua 11:16-20. The verses describe how Joshua and the Israelites conquered the entire region of Canaan, following the Lord’s command to utterly destroy the inhabitants of the land.
Firstly, in verse 16, it mentions that Joshua took all this land, the hill country, and all the Negev. This signifies the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan as an inheritance. It shows the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises, even if the fulfillment required battles and struggles for the Israelites.
Moving on, the text states that Joshua struck down all the kings of the land, leaving no survivors. This drastic action of total destruction may seem harsh to modern readers, but it reflects the severe judgment of God upon the inhabitants of Canaan due to their wickedness and idolatry. The Lord had warned the Israelites not to intermingle with these pagan nations or adopt their practices, as it would lead them astray from worshipping the one true God (Deuteronomy 7:1-4).
Furthermore, verse 20 highlights the role of the Lord in hardening the hearts of the enemies of Israel, so they would meet their defeat. This divine intervention emphasizes the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and His power to bring about His purposes through both natural and supernatural means.
This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the consequences of disobedience. The destruction of the Canaanite nations serves as a stark warning against turning away from the Lord and following after false gods. It also underscores the principle of spiritual warfare, where believers are called to put on the armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18). Joshua 11:16-20 offers valuable insights into the themes of divine promise, judgment, obedience, and spiritual warfare. It portrays the Israelites as instruments of God’s justice in fulfilling His covenant purposes, while also emphasizing the need for faithfulness and loyalty to the Lord in the face of opposition and temptation.
Joshua 11:21-23
The verses in Joshua 11:21-23 speak of the complete destruction of the Anakites from the hill country, from Hebron, Debir, and Anab. This section is significant as it signifies the fulfillment of God’s promise to Moses and Joshua to give them victory over the inhabitants of the land of Canaan. The mention of the Anakites holds particular importance as the Anakites were known to be a race of giants, feared and formidable. The Israelites showed their faith in God’s power and ability to conquer even the most daunting adversaries by defeating them.
The Anakites are first mentioned in Numbers 13:33 when the Israelite spies reported back to Moses after scouting the land of Canaan. The spies described the Anakites as being descendants of the Nephilim, and they felt like grasshoppers in their presence due to their stature. This reference highlights the contrast between the physical might of the Anakites and the faith of the Israelites in the strength provided by God.
The significance of this victory over the Anakites extends beyond just a military conquest. It serves as a reminder that with God on their side, the Israelites were able to overcome any obstacle or enemy, no matter how strong or intimidating they may seem. This theme of divine assistance and faith in God’s promises is a recurring motif throughout the Bible and serves as a timeless message for believers to trust in God’s power to overcome challenges.
Furthermore, the eradication of the Anakites underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The Israelites were instructed to completely destroy the inhabitants of the land of Canaan to prevent themselves from being led astray by their practices and beliefs. This act of obedience demonstrated the Israelites’ commitment to following God’s will, even when it involved difficult and unpleasant tasks. The victory over the Anakites in Joshua 11 can be seen in a broader context as foreshadowing the ultimate triumph of good over evil in the spiritual realm. Just as the Israelites conquered the physically imposing Anakites through their faith in God, believers are encouraged to face their spiritual battles with the assurance that God will grant them victory. This episode serves as a reminder of the unwavering power of God and the importance of trust and obedience in fulfilling his plans.
After Joshua 11
The Conquest of the North
The Israelites had now conquered the southern and central regions of Canaan. But their work was not yet done. Joshua knew that there were still many powerful kings and armies in the north that had not yet been defeated. He gathered his people and prepared to march northward, determined to complete the task that the Lord had set before them. The Israelites knew that the battles ahead would be fierce as they set out. The northern kings had formed a powerful alliance, and their armies were formidable. But Joshua’s faith in the Lord’s promise never wavered. He knew that with God’s help, they would prevail.
The stage was set for the final showdown. The Israelites were about to face their greatest challenge yet, but they were ready. With the Lord’s guidance and their own unwavering determination, they would soon bring the entire land of Canaan under their control.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.