Joshua 9:2

they came together to wage war against Joshua and Israel.

Study Bible

they came together
This phrase indicates a coalition or alliance formed by various groups. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "וַיִּתְקַבְּצוּ" (vayitkabbetsu), which conveys the idea of gathering or assembling. Historically, this reflects the common practice of city-states in Canaan banding together to confront a common threat. Theologically, it underscores the unity of opposition against God's people, a theme seen throughout Scripture where the forces of the world unite against the divine plan.

to wage war
The Hebrew root for "wage war" is "לַחֲמוֹ" (lachamo), which means to fight or engage in battle. This phrase highlights the aggressive intent of the Canaanite kings. It is not merely a defensive posture but an active decision to confront and attempt to destroy the Israelites. This reflects the spiritual reality of the Christian life, where believers are often engaged in spiritual warfare against the forces of darkness, as described in Ephesians 6:12.

against Joshua
Joshua, whose name in Hebrew is "יְהוֹשֻׁעַ" (Yehoshua), meaning "The LORD is salvation," is a type of Christ in the Old Testament. The opposition against Joshua symbolizes the opposition against God's appointed leader and, by extension, against God's salvation plan. Historically, Joshua was a formidable military leader, and his leadership was a direct threat to the Canaanite kings. Spiritually, this reflects the opposition that Christ and His followers face from the world.

and Israel
Israel, in this context, refers to the nation chosen by God to inherit the Promised Land. The Hebrew word "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisrael) means "God prevails" or "He struggles with God." This phrase emphasizes the collective identity of the people of God, who are often targeted by the world due to their covenant relationship with the Lord. Historically, Israel's presence in Canaan was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, and their journey was marked by divine intervention and guidance. Spiritually, it reminds believers of their identity as God's people, set apart and often opposed by the world, yet assured of victory through God's promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of Israel, successor to Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are entering the Promised Land.

3. Canaanite Kings
Various kings of the land of Canaan who unite to oppose Israel's conquest of the land.

4. Canaan
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, a region inhabited by various tribes and nations.

5. Coalition of Kings
The alliance formed by the Canaanite kings to resist the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Unity in Opposition
The Canaanite kings united against a common threat, showing how opposition can bring together even disparate groups. Believers should be aware of how spiritual forces may unite against God's purposes.

God's Sovereignty in Conflict
Despite the coalition against them, Israel was assured of victory because of God's promises. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness in the face of opposition.

Spiritual Warfare Awareness
Just as Israel faced physical battles, Christians face spiritual battles. Awareness and preparation through prayer and the Word are essential.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
Israel's success depended on their obedience to God's commands. Similarly, believers are called to live in obedience to God's Word.

The Power of God's Promises
The Israelites' confidence came from God's promises. Christians can find strength and courage in the promises of God found in Scripture.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the unity of the Canaanite kings against Israel reflect the spiritual opposition believers might face today?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the conflicts and challenges we encounter?

3. How can Ephesians 6:12 help us understand the nature of the battles we face as Christians?

4. What are some practical ways we can prepare for spiritual warfare in our daily lives?

5. How can we apply the assurance of Romans 8:31 to situations where we feel overwhelmed by opposition?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:1-2
God commands Israel to conquer and destroy the nations in Canaan, which sets the stage for the conflict in Joshua 9.

Psalm 2:1-2
This passage speaks of nations conspiring against the Lord and His anointed, similar to the coalition against Israel.

Ephesians 6:12
Highlights the spiritual warfare believers face, paralleling the physical battles Israel encountered.

Romans 8:31
Encourages believers that if God is for us, no opposition can stand, reflecting the assurance Israel had in God's promises.

2 Chronicles 20:15
Reminds us that the battle belongs to the Lord, a truth Israel needed to remember in their conquest.