1 And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard [those things], that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,
2 And to the kings that [were] on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,
3 [And to] the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and [to] the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and [to] the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.
4 And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that [is] upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.
5 And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel.
6 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.
7 So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them.
8 And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.
9 And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.
10 And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms.
11 And they smote all the souls that [were] therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying [them]: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire.
12 And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, [and] he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded.
13 But [as for] the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; [that] did Joshua burn.
14 And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe.
15 As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.
16 So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same;
17 [Even] from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them.
18 Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.
19 There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all [other] they took in battle.
20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, [and] that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
21 And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.
22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.
23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
Summary of Joshua Chapter 11
Joshua Chapter 11 narrates the conquests of the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership as they continue to take possession of the Promised Land. This chapter primarily focuses on the defeat of various kings and their armies, showcasing God’s support for Israel in their military endeavors.
Key Themes
- Divine Guidance: The chapter emphasizes the role of God in guiding and empowering the Israelites during their conquests.
- Unity of Enemies: The chapter illustrates how various kings united against Israel, demonstrating the threat posed to the Israelites.
- Obedience and Faith: Joshua’s actions reflect obedience to God’s commands, which is crucial for Israel’s success.
- Destruction of Idolatry: The destruction of enemy cities signifies the removal of pagan influences from the land.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Gathering of Kings (Verses 1-5)
In the opening verses, several kings from the northern regions of Canaan unite to fight against Israel. This coalition includes notable leaders such as Jabin, king of Hazor, who is described as a significant adversary.
- The strategic alliance formed by these kings indicates the seriousness of the threat faced by Israel.
- Their collective strength emphasizes the need for divine intervention, which sets the stage for God’s miraculous support.
2. God’s Assurance to Joshua (Verses 6-9)
God reassures Joshua not to fear the assembled kings, promising that He will deliver them into Israel’s hands. Joshua’s obedience is highlighted as he follows God’s commands in preparing for battle.
- This divine reassurance serves to bolster Joshua’s confidence and faith in God’s promises.
- Joshua’s actions, including the surprise attack at night, demonstrate strategic military planning guided by divine instruction.
3. The Total Defeat of the Kings (Verses 10-15)
Joshua successfully defeats the coalition of kings, capturing Hazor and executing its king. The text emphasizes the thoroughness of Israel’s conquest, as they destroy the cities and their inhabitants, adhering to God’s command.
- The destruction of Hazor is significant as it was a major city and a center of Canaanite power.
- Joshua’s adherence to God’s commands in the destruction of these cities illustrates the importance of obedience in achieving victory.
4. The Scope of the Conquest (Verses 16-23)
The chapter concludes with a summary of the territories conquered by Joshua. It highlights the extensive land that Israel has taken possession of, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham.
- The narrative underscores the systematic approach taken by Joshua in conquering the land.
- The mention of the various regions and peoples conquered serves to illustrate the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Israel.
Theological Implications
- The chapter reinforces the belief in God’s sovereignty and His active role in the affairs of nations.
- It serves as a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
- The unity of the enemies against Israel symbolizes the spiritual battles faced by believers today.
Conclusion
Joshua Chapter 11 encapsulates a critical moment in Israel’s history as they continue their conquest of Canaan. Through divine guidance and military strategy, Joshua leads the Israelites to victory over formidable enemies, emphasizing themes of faith, obedience, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
