The fear of the Canaanite kings is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, particularly during the period of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. This fear is depicted as a divinely orchestrated phenomenon that facilitated the Israelites' successful settlement in the Promised Land. The Canaanite kings, who ruled over various city-states in the region, were known for their formidable military capabilities and fortified cities. However, their fear of the Israelites and their God played a crucial role in the unfolding of biblical history.

Biblical Context

The fear of the Canaanite kings is first mentioned in the context of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their journey toward the Promised Land. In Exodus 15:14-16, the Song of Moses celebrates the deliverance of Israel and anticipates the terror that will grip the inhabitants of Canaan: "The peoples will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia. Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; the dwellers of Canaan will melt away; terror and dread will fall upon them. By the greatness of Your arm they will be as still as a stone, until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people You bought pass by."

This prophetic declaration sets the stage for the events that unfold in the Book of Joshua, where the fear of the Canaanite kings becomes a tangible reality.

Joshua's Conquest

The Book of Joshua provides several accounts of the fear that gripped the Canaanite kings as the Israelites advanced into the land. In Joshua 2:9-11, Rahab, a resident of Jericho, reveals to the Israelite spies the fear that has fallen upon her people: "I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below."

This fear is further evidenced in Joshua 5:1, where it is recorded that "all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over. Their hearts melted, and there was no longer any spirit in them because of the Israelites."

Divine Intervention

The fear of the Canaanite kings is portrayed as a direct result of divine intervention. God Himself instills this fear to ensure the success of the Israelites. In Joshua 10:8, the LORD reassures Joshua, saying, "Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you." This divine promise underscores the theological perspective that the fear experienced by the Canaanite kings is part of God's sovereign plan to fulfill His covenant promises to the patriarchs.

Strategic Impact

The fear of the Canaanite kings had significant strategic implications for the Israelite conquest. It led to the demoralization and disunity among the Canaanite city-states, making them more vulnerable to Israelite attacks. In Joshua 9:1-2, it is noted that the kings of the region initially attempted to form alliances to resist the Israelites, but their efforts were ultimately futile due to their overwhelming fear and the Israelites' divinely aided victories.

Conclusion

The fear of the Canaanite kings serves as a testament to the power and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to Israel. It highlights the theme of divine intervention in human affairs and the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises through the conquest of Canaan. This fear, as depicted in the biblical narrative, underscores the sovereignty of God and His ability to orchestrate events for the accomplishment of His divine purposes.