Joshua 11
BSB1 Now when Jabin king of Hazor heard about these things, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon; to the kings of Shimron and Achshaph; 2 to the kings of the north in the mountains, in the Arabah south of Chinnereth, in the foothills, and in Naphoth-dor to the west; 3 to the Canaanites in the east and west; to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, and Jebusites in the hill country; and to the Hivites at the foot of Hermon in the land of Mizpah. 4 So these kings came out with all their armies, a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore, along with a great number of horses and chariots. 5 All these kings joined forces and encamped at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel. 6 Then 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. You are to hamstring their horses and burn up their chariots." 7 So by the waters of Merom, Joshua and his whole army came upon them suddenly and attacked them, 8 and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who struck them down and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon and Misrephoth-maim, and eastward as far as the Valley of Mizpeh. They struck them down, leaving no survivors. 9 Joshua treated them as the LORD had told him; he hamstrung their horses and burned up their chariots. 10 At that time Joshua turned back and captured Hazor and put its king to the sword, because Hazor was formerly the head of all these kingdoms. 11 The Israelites put everyone in Hazor to the sword, devoting them to destruction. Nothing that breathed remained, and Joshua burned down Hazor itself. 12 Joshua captured all these kings and their cities and put them to the sword. He devoted them to destruction, as Moses the LORD’s servant had commanded. 13 Yet Israel did not burn any of the cities built on their mounds, except Hazor, which Joshua burned. 14 The Israelites took for themselves all the plunder and livestock of these cities, but they put all the people to the sword until they had completely destroyed them, not sparing anyone who breathed. 15 As the LORD had commanded His servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua. That is what Joshua did, leaving nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses. 16 So Joshua took this entire region: the hill country, all the Negev, all the land of Goshen, the western foothills, the Arabah, and the mountains of Israel and their foothills, 17 from Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir, as far as Baal-gad in the Valley of Lebanon at the foot of Mount Hermon. He captured all their kings and struck them down, putting them to death. 18 Joshua waged war against all these kings for a long period of time. 19 No city made peace with the Israelites except the Hivites living in Gibeon; all others were taken in battle. 20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts to engage Israel in battle, so that they would be set apart for destruction and would receive no mercy, being annihilated as the LORD had commanded Moses. 21 At that time Joshua proceeded to eliminate the Anakim from the hill country of Hebron, Debir, and Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah and of Israel. Joshua devoted them to destruction, along with their cities. 22 No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive. 23 So Joshua took the entire land, in keeping with all that the LORD had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to the allotments to their tribes. Then the land had rest from war.
Study Notes — Joshua 11
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Joshua 11
- Themes from Joshua 11
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Joshua 11
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Joshua 11 begins with the gathering of various kings from the northern regions of Canaan to fight against the Israelites, but God gives Joshua a strategy to defeat them. The Israelites then conquer the cities of Hazor, Madon, Shimron, Achshaph, and many others, destroying their armies and burning their cities. The chapter concludes with a summary of the lands that Joshua and the Israelites conquered, including the hill country, the Negev, the Arabah, the mountains of Israel, and the valleys. Key verses such as Joshua 11:6 and Joshua 11:20 highlight God's role in the conquest and the Israelites' obedience to His commands.
Context for the Chapter
Joshua 11 is part of the larger narrative of the conquest of Canaan, which began in Joshua 1. The chapter follows the pattern of God's promise, the Israelites' obedience, and the resulting victory, highlighting God's faithfulness and power. The conquest of Canaan is also part of the broader biblical narrative of God's redemption of humanity, foreshadowing the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and Satan. As seen in Joshua 11:23, the conquest of Canaan is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's power and sovereignty, following His commands and obeying His will in order to overcome spiritual enemies. As Joshua was obedient to God's commands, believers are called to be obedient to Christ's teachings, participating in His victory over sin and Satan. This is evident in Joshua 11:15, where Joshua's obedience leads to the Israelites' success.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Joshua 11 describes the conquest of northern Canaan by the Israelites, highlighting God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and following His commands in order to achieve victory over spiritual enemies. As seen in Joshua 11:6, God provides Joshua with a strategy for victory, and in Joshua 11:15, Joshua's obedience leads to the Israelites' success.
Voices from the Church
“The conquest of Canaan was a type of the conquest of the soul by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the destruction of the enemy's strongholds is a symbol of the victory that Christ achieves in the believer's heart.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The history of the conquest of Canaan is a remarkable example of God's providence and His faithfulness to His promises, demonstrating His power and sovereignty over all things.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Gathering of the Kings (Joshua 11:1-5) — The kings of the northern regions of Canaan gather to fight against the Israelites, but God gives Joshua a strategy for victory.
- The Conquest of Hazor and the Northern Cities (Joshua 11:6-14) — The Israelites conquer the city of Hazor and many other cities in the northern regions, destroying their armies and burning their cities.
- The Destruction of the Enemy's Power (Joshua 11:6-9) — The Israelites hamstring the enemy's horses and burn their chariots with fire, symbolizing the complete destruction of the enemy's power.
- The Summary of the Conquest (Joshua 11:15-23) — The chapter concludes with a summary of the lands that Joshua and the Israelites conquered, including the hill country, the Negev, the Arabah, the mountains of Israel, and the valleys.
- The Fulfillment of God's Promise (Joshua 11:23) — The conquest of Canaan is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting God's faithfulness and power.
Core Doctrines
- God's Sovereignty
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power in the conquest of Canaan, demonstrating His ability to fulfill His promises and give victory to His people. This is evident in Joshua 11:6, where God provides Joshua with a strategy for victory.
- The Importance of Obedience
- Joshua's obedience to God's commands is a key factor in the Israelites' success, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's power and following His will. This is seen in Joshua 11:15, where Joshua carefully follows the commandments that Moses had given him.
- The Destruction of the Enemy
- The destruction of the enemy's armies and cities serves as a symbol of God's judgment on sin and rebellion, foreshadowing the ultimate judgment that Christ will bring upon His enemies. This is evident in Joshua 11:11, where the Israelites destroy the city of Hazor and its king.
- The Fulfillment of God's Promise
- The conquest of Canaan is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting God's faithfulness and power. As seen in Joshua 11:23, the conquest of Canaan is a demonstration of God's sovereignty and power.
Lessons from Joshua 11
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's power and sovereignty, following His commands and obeying His will in order to overcome spiritual enemies.
- The Importance of Obedience — Joshua's obedience to God's commands is a key factor in the Israelites' success, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's power and following His will.
- The Destruction of the Enemy — The destruction of the enemy's armies and cities serves as a symbol of God's judgment on sin and rebellion, foreshadowing the ultimate judgment that Christ will bring upon His enemies.
- The Fulfillment of God's Promise — The conquest of Canaan is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting God's faithfulness and power.
- Applying the Principles — Believers can apply the principles of trusting in God's sovereignty and following His commands in their own lives by obeying Christ's teachings and participating in His victory over sin and Satan.
Themes from Joshua 11
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power in the conquest of Canaan, demonstrating His ability to fulfill His promises and give victory to His people.
- Obedience and Trust — Joshua's obedience to God's commands is a key factor in the Israelites' success, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's power and following His will.
- Destruction of the Enemy — The destruction of the enemy's armies and cities serves as a symbol of God's judgment on sin and rebellion, foreshadowing the ultimate judgment that Christ will bring upon His enemies.
- Fulfillment of God's Promise — The conquest of Canaan is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting God's faithfulness and power.
- Victory over Spiritual Enemies — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's power and sovereignty, following His commands and obeying His will in order to overcome spiritual enemies.
Questions for Meditation
- How does the conquest of Canaan in Joshua 11 illustrate God's sovereignty and power?
- What role does obedience play in the Israelites' success in the conquest of Canaan?
- How does the destruction of the enemy's armies and cities in Joshua 11 symbolize God's judgment on sin and rebellion?
- What does the conquest of Canaan in Joshua 11 reveal about God's faithfulness to His promises?
- How can believers apply the principles of trusting in God's sovereignty and following His commands in their own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Gathering of the Kings (Joshua 11:1-5)
| Joshua 11:1 | The kings of the northern regions of Canaan gather to fight against the Israelites. |
| Joshua 11:2 | The kings include those of the hill country, the Arabah, the Negev, and the mountains of Israel. |
2. The Conquest of Hazor and the Northern Cities (Joshua 11:6-14)
| Joshua 11:6 | God gives Joshua a strategy for victory, telling him to hamstring the enemy's horses and burn their chariots with fire. |
| Joshua 11:10 | The Israelites conquer the city of Hazor and kill its king. |
3. The Destruction of the Enemy's Power (Joshua 11:6-9)
| Joshua 11:6 | The Israelites hamstring the enemy's horses and burn their chariots with fire, symbolizing the complete destruction of the enemy's power. |
| Joshua 11:9 | The Israelites destroy the enemy's armies and burn their cities. |
4. The Summary of the Conquest (Joshua 11:15-23)
| Joshua 11:15 | The chapter concludes with a summary of the lands that Joshua and the Israelites conquered. |
| Joshua 11:23 | The conquest of Canaan is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the conquest of Hazor in Joshua 11?
The conquest of Hazor is significant because it represents the destruction of the enemy's power and the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the Israelites. As seen in Joshua 11:10, the Israelites conquer the city of Hazor and kill its king.
How does the conquest of Canaan in Joshua 11 relate to the broader biblical narrative?
The conquest of Canaan is part of the larger narrative of God's redemption of humanity, foreshadowing the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and Satan. As seen in Joshua 11:23, the conquest of Canaan is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
What lessons can believers learn from the conquest of Canaan in Joshua 11?
Believers can learn the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and following His commands in order to overcome spiritual enemies. As seen in Joshua 11:6, God provides Joshua with a strategy for victory, and in Joshua 11:15, Joshua's obedience leads to the Israelites' success.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 11:6 → Psalm 2:1-12 | The conquest of Canaan in Joshua 11 foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and Satan, as described in Psalm 2:1-12. |
| 2 | Joshua 11:10 → Hebrews 11:30-40 | The conquest of Hazor in Joshua 11 is cited in Hebrews 11:30-40 as an example of faith and trust in God's power. |
| 3 | Joshua 11:15 → Matthew 28:18-20 | The obedience of Joshua and the Israelites in Joshua 11:15 foreshadows the great commission given by Christ to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20. |
| 4 | Joshua 11:20 → Romans 11:25-36 | The hardening of the hearts of the Canaanites in Joshua 11:20 is cited in Romans 11:25-36 as an example of God's sovereignty and the mystery of His ways. |
| 5 | Joshua 11:21 → Genesis 15:18-21 | The conquest of the Anakim in Joshua 11:21 fulfills the promise made by God to Abraham in Genesis 15:18-21. |
| 6 | Joshua 11:22 → Numbers 13:22-33 | The presence of the Anakim in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod in Joshua 11:22 is a reminder of the earlier failure of the Israelites to trust in God's power, as described in Numbers 13:22-33. |
| 7 | Joshua 11:23 → Genesis 12:7 | The conquest of Canaan in Joshua 11:23 fulfills the promise made by God to Abraham in Genesis 12:7. |
| 8 | Joshua 11:1-5 → Psalm 83:1-18 | The gathering of the kings in Joshua 11:1-5 is similar to the gathering of nations against God's people in Psalm 83:1-18. |
| 9 | Joshua 11:6-9 → Isaiah 31:1-9 | The destruction of the enemy's power in Joshua 11:6-9 foreshadows the ultimate destruction of God's enemies, as described in Isaiah 31:1-9. |
| 10 | Joshua 11:15 → 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 | The obedience of Joshua and the Israelites in Joshua 11:15 is an example of the spiritual warfare that believers must engage in, as described in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. |
Sermons on Joshua 11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Faithfulness of a Co-Worker by Theodore Andoseh | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the faithfulness of a co-worker, using Joshua 11:15 as a reference. The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's instructions a |
|
The Danger of Faltering and Failing by Michael Catt | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the danger of faltering and failing in the Christian walk. He references the military's current struggles due to not doing their job the firs |
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Finishing Our Work by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of finishing our work in his sermon 'Finishing Our Work.' He reflects on the ministry's fruitful two years, expressing gratitude for the soul |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 11
In Joshua 11, we see the mighty power of God at work in the conquest of Canaan. The chapter begins with the gathering of the kings of the northern regions to fight against the Israelites, but God gives Joshua a strategy for victory. The Israelites then conquer the city of Hazor and many other cities, destroying their armies and burning their cities. The destruction of the enemy's power serves as a symbol of God's judgment on sin and rebellion, foreshadowing the ultimate judgment that Christ will bring upon His enemies. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The conquest of Canaan was a great and glorious work, and it is a type of the conquest of the soul by the power of the Holy Spirit.' The chapter concludes with a summary of the lands that Joshua and the Israelites conquered, highlighting God's faithfulness and power. As Henry observes, 'The Lord was with Joshua, and he was with the people, and they were with the Lord, and this was the secret of their success.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power in the conquest of Canaan, demonstrating His ability to fulfill His promises and give victory to His people. This is evident in Joshua 11:6, where God provides Joshua with a strategy for victory.
Joshua's Obedience
Joshua's obedience to God's commands is a key factor in the Israelites' success, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's power and following His will. This is seen in Joshua 11:15, where Joshua carefully follows the commandments that Moses had given him.
Destruction of the Enemy
The destruction of the enemy's armies and cities serves as a symbol of God's judgment on sin and rebellion, foreshadowing the ultimate judgment that Christ will bring upon His enemies. This is evident in Joshua 11:11, where the Israelites destroy the city of Hazor and its king.