The fear of the Canaanite kings is a significant theme in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. This fear is depicted as a divinely orchestrated phenomenon that facilitated the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Biblical Context

The fear of the Canaanite kings is first mentioned in the book of Joshua, which details the Israelites' entry into Canaan after their exodus from Egypt and forty years of wandering in the wilderness. As the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan River and begin their conquest, the reputation of their God and the miraculous events that accompanied them spread throughout the land, instilling fear in the hearts of the Canaanite inhabitants.

Scriptural References

1. Joshua 2:9-11 : Rahab, a resident of Jericho, provides a firsthand account of the fear that gripped the Canaanites. She tells the Israelite spies, "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."

2. Joshua 5:1 : The fear of the Canaanite kings is further emphasized as the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan River. "Now when 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 they lost all courage to face the Israelites."

3. Joshua 9:1-2 : The fear of the Israelites led to a coalition of Canaanite kings who sought to resist the Israelite advance. "Now all the kings west of the Jordan—the kings of the hill country, the foothills, and all along the coast of the Great Sea toward Lebanon—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—heard about this, and they came together to wage war against Joshua and Israel."

Theological Significance

The fear of the Canaanite kings serves as a testament to the power and sovereignty of God. It underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and His ability to orchestrate events in accordance with His divine plan. The fear that gripped the Canaanite kings was not merely a result of Israel's military might but was primarily due to the recognition of the LORD's hand in the events leading up to the conquest.

This theme also highlights the concept of divine judgment. The Canaanites' fear and subsequent defeat are portrayed as part of God's judgment against the inhabitants of the land for their iniquities, as previously mentioned in Genesis 15:16. The fear of the Canaanite kings thus serves as a prelude to the divine justice that would be executed through the Israelite conquest.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Canaanite kings ruled over city-states that were often in conflict with one another. The sudden unification of these kings against a common threat—Israel—demonstrates the extent of their fear. The Canaanites were known for their fortified cities and military prowess, yet the fear of the LORD and His people caused them to lose heart, illustrating the profound impact of God's reputation among the nations.

Conclusion

The fear of the Canaanite kings is a pivotal element in the narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises, serving as a reminder of His power to instill fear and awe among the nations.