◄ Joshua 11 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary Conquest of the Northern Cities 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. Teaching Points 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. Practical Applications 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. People 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. Places 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). Events 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. Connections to Additional Scriptures 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. Prayer Points 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. Bible Study Questions 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? Topics 1. Coalition of Northern Kings Joshua 11 begins with a coalition of northern kings forming an alliance to fight against Israel. The text describes how Jabin, king of Hazor, sent word to several other kings to join forces. This coalition represents a significant threat to the Israelites as they continue their conquest of Canaan. 2. Divine Assurance of Victory God reassures Joshua of victory over the northern coalition. In verse 6, the Lord tells Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, for by this time tomorrow I will deliver all of them slain before Israel." This divine promise underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. 3. The Battle at the Waters of Merom The Israelites engage the coalition at the Waters of Merom. Joshua leads a surprise attack, and the Lord delivers the enemy into Israel's hands. The Hebrew root for "delivered" (נָתַן, natan) emphasizes God's active role in granting victory to His people. 4. Destruction of Hazor Following the battle, Joshua captures and destroys Hazor, the head of the coalition. The text notes that Hazor was the most significant city among the northern kingdoms, highlighting the importance of its destruction in breaking the coalition's power. 5. Complete Conquest of Northern Canaan Joshua and the Israelites continue their campaign, capturing and destroying the cities of the northern kings. The narrative emphasizes that Joshua left no survivors, fulfilling the command given by Moses. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "herem" (חֵרֶם), meaning devoted to destruction, as part of God's judgment on the Canaanite nations. 6. Obedience to the Lord's Commands The chapter concludes by noting Joshua's obedience to all that the Lord commanded Moses. Verse 15 states, "As the LORD had commanded His servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses." This highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience in the fulfillment of God's plans. 7. Summary of Conquests The final verses provide a summary of the conquests led by Joshua, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Israel's victories. The text notes that the land had rest from war, signifying a period of peace and stability following the successful campaigns. Themes 1. Divine Command and Obedience Joshua 11 emphasizes the theme of obedience to God's commands. The chapter begins with God instructing Joshua to not be afraid and to take action against the northern kings. Joshua's compliance with God's directives is a central theme, as seen in Joshua 11:6, "The LORD said to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid of them, for by this time tomorrow I will deliver all of them slain before Israel.'" 2. God's Sovereignty and Power The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and power over the nations. The defeat of the northern coalition of kings demonstrates that God is in control and can deliver victory to His people. This is evident in Joshua 11:8, "And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who defeated them and pursued them." 3. Judgment and Destruction The theme of divine judgment is present as the Canaanite cities and their inhabitants are devoted to destruction. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "herem," meaning something devoted to God, often through destruction. Joshua 11:20 states, "For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts to engage Israel in battle, so that they would be completely destroyed." 4. Fulfillment of God's Promises The conquest of the land is a fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. The theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant is underscored as Israel takes possession of the land. Joshua 11:23 concludes, "So Joshua took the entire land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses." 5. Unity and Cooperation Among the Israelites The chapter also reflects the theme of unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel as they work together to conquer the land. This collective effort is crucial for the success of their mission, as seen in the coordinated attacks against the Canaanite kings. 6. The Role of Leadership Joshua's leadership is a key theme, as he faithfully executes God's commands and leads the Israelites to victory. His role as a leader who listens to God and acts decisively is highlighted throughout the chapter, reinforcing the importance of godly leadership. 7. The Consequences of Disobedience Implicit in the narrative is the theme of the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the fate of the Canaanite kings and their cities. Their destruction serves as a warning of the repercussions of opposing God's will. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions