God's Sovereignty in Battle
Joshua 11:6 reveals God's assurance to Joshua, Do not be afraid of them, for by this time tomorrow I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. This highlights God's control over the outcome of battles and His ability to fulfill His promises.

Obedience to God's Commands
Joshua's actions in verses 9 and 15 demonstrate his commitment to following God's instructions precisely, as he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots and left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses.

The Extent of the Conquest
Verses 16-23 detail the comprehensive nature of the conquest, emphasizing that Joshua took the entire land as the LORD had spoken to Moses, showcasing the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.

The Role of Divine Intervention
The text underscores that the victories were not due to Israel's might but God's intervention, as seen in verse 20, For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts to engage Israel in battle.Trust in God's Promises
Just as Joshua trusted God's promise of victory, we are called to trust in God's promises in our lives, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

Complete Obedience
Joshua's example teaches us the importance of complete obedience to God's commands, not picking and choosing what is convenient.

Courage in the Face of Adversity
Joshua's courage, bolstered by God's assurance, encourages us to face our own challenges with faith and confidence in God's support.

Recognizing God's Hand in Our Victories
Acknowledge that our successes are not solely due to our efforts but are often the result of God's intervention and blessing.1. Joshua
The central figure in this chapter, Joshua is the leader of the Israelites, tasked with leading the conquest of Canaan. His name in Hebrew, יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Yehoshua), means "The LORD is salvation."

2. Jabin
The king of Hazor, who is the primary antagonist in this chapter. He forms a coalition of various kings to fight against Israel. His name in Hebrew, יָבִין (Yabin), means "he understands" or "he discerns."

3. Jobab
The king of Madon, who is part of the coalition against Israel. His name in Hebrew, יוֹבָב (Yovav), means "howler" or "shouter."

4. The king of Shimron
Another member of the coalition. The name Shimron in Hebrew, שִׁמְרוֹן (Shimron), means "watch" or "guard."

5. The king of Achshaph
Also part of the coalition. The name Achshaph in Hebrew, אַכְשָׁף (Akhshaph), is less clear in meaning but is a location in Canaan.

6. The kings of the northern hill country
These are unnamed kings who join the coalition against Israel. The term "hill country" in Hebrew is הָהָר (ha-har), referring to the mountainous regions.

7. The kings of the Arabah
These are also unnamed kings from the Jordan Valley region, known as the Arabah in Hebrew, עֲרָבָה (Aravah).

8. The kings of the western foothills
Unnamed kings from the Shephelah, the lowland region in Hebrew, שְׁפֵלָה (Shephelah).

9. The kings of Naphoth-dor
Unnamed kings from the region of Dor. Naphoth-dor in Hebrew, נַפַּת דּוֹר (Naphat Dor), refers to the coastal region near Dor.

10. The kings of Canaanites in the east and west
These are unnamed kings from the broader region of Canaan, with Canaanite in Hebrew, כְּנַעֲנִי (Kena'ani), referring to the inhabitants of Canaan.

11. The kings of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, and Hivites
These are various groups of people living in Canaan, each with their own kings. Their names in Hebrew are אֱמֹרִי (Emori), חִתִּי (Chitti), פְּרִזִּי (Perizzi), יְבוּסִי (Yevusi), and חִוִּי (Chivvi), respectively.1. Hazor
Described as the head of all those kingdoms, Hazor was a significant Canaanite city. It was led by King Jabin, who formed a coalition against Israel (Joshua 11:1, 10).

2. Madon
Another city whose king joined the coalition against Israel. The exact location is uncertain, but it was part of the northern confederation (Joshua 11:1).

3. Shimron
A city whose king also joined the coalition. It is sometimes identified with Shimron-Meron, located in the region of Galilee (Joshua 11:1).

4. Achshaph
A city in the northern part of Canaan, whose king was part of the alliance against Israel (Joshua 11:1).

5. Waters of Merom
The location where the coalition of kings gathered to fight against Israel. It is believed to be a body of water in the northern part of Canaan (Joshua 11:5).

6. Great Sidon
Mentioned as part of the territory that Joshua conquered. Sidon was a prominent Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast (Joshua 11:8).

7. Misrephoth-maim
A place to which the defeated armies fled. The name suggests a location near water, possibly associated with salt or hot springs (Joshua 11:8).

8. Valley of Mizpah
A region in the north where Joshua pursued the fleeing armies. The term "Mizpah" means "watchtower" in Hebrew, indicating a place of lookout (Joshua 11:8).

9. Mount Hermon
A significant mountain in the northern part of the land, marking the northern boundary of the conquests (Joshua 11:17).

10. Lebanon
The region extending from Mount Hermon to the entrance of Hamath, known for its cedar forests (Joshua 11:17).1. Coalition of Northern Kings
Jabin king of Hazor hears of Israel's victories and forms a coalition with other northern kings, including Jobab king of Madon, the king of Shimron, and the king of Achshaph, among others (Joshua 11:1-3). The Hebrew root for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) emphasizes their authority and leadership in the region.

2. Gathering at the Waters of Merom
The assembled kings and their armies gather at the Waters of Merom to fight against Israel (Joshua 11:4-5). The Hebrew term for "waters" (מַיִם, mayim) signifies a strategic location for the battle.

3. Divine Assurance to Joshua
The LORD assures Joshua not to fear the coalition, promising that He will deliver them into Israel's hands by the next day (Joshua 11:6). The Hebrew word for "deliver" (נָתַן, natan) indicates God's sovereign control over the outcome.

4. Surprise Attack by Israel
Joshua and the Israelite army launch a surprise attack on the coalition at the Waters of Merom, defeating them decisively (Joshua 11:7-8). The Hebrew verb for "attacked" (בּוֹא, bo) conveys the sudden and forceful nature of the assault.

5. Pursuit and Destruction
Israel pursues the fleeing armies to Greater Sidon, Misrephoth-maim, and the Valley of Mizpah, leaving no survivors (Joshua 11:8). The Hebrew root for "pursue" (רָדַף, radaph) highlights the relentless nature of the pursuit.

6. Hamstringing of Horses and Burning of Chariots
Following God's command, Joshua hamstrings the horses and burns the chariots of the defeated armies (Joshua 11:9). The Hebrew verb for "hamstring" (עָקַר, akar) indicates a disabling action to prevent future military use.

7. Capture and Destruction of Hazor
Joshua captures Hazor, the head of the coalition, and puts its king to the sword. He then burns the city (Joshua 11:10-11). The Hebrew term for "burn" (שָׂרַף, saraph) signifies complete destruction by fire.

8. Conquest of Other Cities
Joshua captures and destroys the cities of the coalition, putting their kings to the sword and leaving no survivors, as commanded by Moses (Joshua 11:12-15). The Hebrew word for "destroy" (חָרַם, charam) implies a total consecration to destruction.

9. Summary of Conquests
The chapter concludes with a summary of Joshua's conquests, noting that he took the entire land as the LORD had commanded Moses, and the land had rest from war (Joshua 11:16-23). The Hebrew root for "rest" (שָׁקַט, shaqat) conveys a cessation of hostilities and peace.Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. This verse parallels God's encouragement to Joshua.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? This New Testament verse echoes the assurance of God's support seen in Joshua 11.

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. This verse reinforces the theme of relying on God rather than human strength. Pray for Trust in God's Promises
Ask God to strengthen your faith in His promises, especially when facing difficult situations.

Pray for Obedience
Seek God's guidance to obey His commands fully and faithfully, even when it is challenging.

Pray for Courage
Request God's courage to face adversities with confidence, knowing He is with you.

Pray for Recognition of God's Work
Thank God for His hand in your victories and ask for the discernment to see His work in your life.

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?