Unyielding Victory: Joshua's Conquest Continues

Joshua's resounding victories, following God's commands to the letter, underscore the power and might of God, who fulfills His promises to His chosen people. The chapter ends with the land finally resting from war, and Israel becoming inheritors of the promised territories.

Coalition Against Israel (verses 1-5)

When Jabin, king of Hazor, hears of Joshua's victories, he unites an extensive coalition of kings to fight against Israel. The amassed armies are numerous and they gather at the waters of Merom.

Divine Assurance and Victory (verses 6-12)

God assures Joshua not to fear, promising victory. Joshua, following God's command, hampers the enemy's cavalry and burns their chariots. Joshua's army strikes down the enemy, leaving no survivors, with Joshua himself killing the king of Hazor.

The Fate of Hazor (verses 13-17)

Joshua devotes Hazor to complete destruction, sparing no lives, and burns down the city as God had commanded.

Complete Conquest and Rest from War (verses 18-21)

Joshua takes control of all regions, defeating all kings and capturing cities. The only peace was with the Hivites of Gibeon. God hardens the hearts of the enemies to assure their destruction. Anakim were completely eliminated from the land of Israel.

This chapter recounts Joshua's continued conquest of the northern regions, as he leads Israel in battles against multiple kingdoms. He is guided by divine instructions, fulfilling the words of Moses, and showcases the power and assistance of God in their victories.

1. Obedience to God's command
2. Warfare and conquest
3. Divine intervention and assistance
4. Manifestation of prophecy
5. Annihilation of the enemies1. Biblical warfare
2. Divine commands and obedience
3. Destruction and annihilation of cities
4. Divine promises and their fulfillment
5. Allocation of conquered lands1. Joshua
2. Jabin king of Hazor
3. Jobab king of Madon
4. Kings of Shimron and Achshaph
5. Various kings of the northern territories
6. Various ethnic groups (Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Hivites)1. Hazor
2. Madon
3. Shimron
4. Achshaph
5. Waters of Merom
6. Greater Sidon and Misrephoth-maim
7. Valley of Mizpeh
8. Land of Goshen
9. Valley of Lebanon
10. Mount Hermon

1. Joshua 11 opens with kings uniting their forces to defeat Israel. Have you ever felt like all forces were against you? How did you respond?

2. How can we apply the concept of God giving strength to Joshua and his men in the face of a vast army, to our modern lives?

3. How did God's reassurance to Joshua ("Do not be afraid") impact Joshua's decision-making and actions? What lessons can we learn from this for our own lives?

4. Can you identify a time when you felt God's reassurance in your life as Joshua did, giving you courage to face a daunting situation?

5. Joshua followed God's commands exactly, even when they may have seemed strange (like hamstringing the horses and burning the chariots). What does this say about obedience, even when we don't fully understand God's instructions?

6. In what ways do you struggle with obeying God's instructions when they don't make sense, and how can Joshua's example guide you?

7. In Joshua's military victories, we see God's sovereignty and His power to help His people overcome their enemies. How have you experienced God's sovereignty and power in your life?

8. How can Joshua's faith in God's promise, despite the daunting number of enemies, inspire us when facing our seemingly impossible tasks?

9. The process of claiming the promised land was not a quick one. How does this apply to our understanding of patience and waiting on God's timing?

10. Joshua 11 demonstrates the balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. How do you view the balance between trusting God and taking action in your life?

11. The Anakim were considered giants and were feared by many, yet Joshua was able to defeat them. How can this narrative give you courage when facing your own "giants"?

12. Joshua destroyed all the inhabitants of the land as commanded by God. This may seem ruthless, but it was part of God’s judgement. How do you reconcile the nature of God as a judge and a loving God in this context?

13. As Joshua obeyed God fully, he was able to lead Israel to victory. How does this inspire you in your daily walk with God?

14. In this chapter, the Canaanites vastly outnumbered the Israelites, yet the Israelites were victorious because God was with them. How does this change your perspective on problems that seem overwhelming in your life?

15. What do you think this chapter teaches about the dangers of making alliances with those who do not honor God, as seen in the failed alliances of the Canaanite kings?

16. The chapter mentions that the Israelites fought for a long time to win their victories. How does this inform your understanding of persistence and endurance in your faith journey?

17. Joshua's leadership was instrumental in these victories. How does this chapter encourage you to step up in leadership roles in your life?

18. When Joshua and the Israelites faced adversity, they turned to God for guidance. How can this inspire you when facing challenges?

19. The Israelites went from being nomads to possessing cities. How does this transformation speak to the life-changing power of following God's will?

20. The success of Joshua was tied to his complete obedience to God’s commandments. In what areas of your life do you need to exercise complete obedience to experience breakthrough?