Joshua 11:5
Joshua 11:5 in Multiple Translations
All these kings joined forces and encamped at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.
And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel.
And all these kings met together; and they came and encamped together at the waters of Merom, to fight with Israel.
And all these kings came together, and put their forces in position at the waters of Merom, to make war on Israel.
All these kings joined forces and set up camp beside the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.
So all these Kings met together, and came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, for to fight against Israel.
and all these kings are met together, and they come and encamp together at the waters of Merom, to fight with Israel.
All these kings met together; and they came and encamped together at the waters of Merom, to fight with Israel.
And when all these kings were met together, they came and encamped together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel.
And all these kings assembled together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel.
All of those kings and their armies gathered together at Merom Pond, and they set up their tents there. Then they made plans to fight against the Israelis.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 11:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 11:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּוָּ֣עֲד֔וּ
כֹּ֖ל
הַ/מְּלָכִ֣ים
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
וַ/יָּבֹ֜אוּ
וַ/יַּחֲנ֤וּ
יַחְדָּו֙
אֶל
מֵ֣י
מֵר֔וֹם
לְ/הִלָּחֵ֖ם
עִם
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יִּוָּ֣עֲד֔וּ
yâʻad
H3259
to appoint
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/מְּלָכִ֣ים
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
וַ/יָּבֹ֜אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יַּחֲנ֤וּ
chânâh
H2583
to camp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
יַחְדָּו֙
yachad
H3162
unitedness
Adv
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
מֵר֔וֹם
Mêrôwm
H4792
Merom
N-proper
לְ/הִלָּחֵ֖ם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 11:5
וַ/יִּוָּ֣עֲד֔וּ
yâʻad
H3259
"to appoint"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To appoint or agree on something, like setting a time to meet or making a plan, as seen in Esther when the king appoints a new leader. It can also mean to gather or assemble people for a purpose.
Definition: 1) to fix, appoint, assemble, meet, set, betroth 1a)(Qal) to appoint, assign, designate 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to meet 1b2) to meet by appointment 1b3) to gather, assemble by appointment 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet 1d) (Hophal) to be set, be placed before, be fixed
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: agree,(maxke an) appoint(-ment, a time), assemble (selves), betroth, gather (selves, together), meet (together), set (a time). See also: Exodus 21:8; 2 Samuel 20:5; Psalms 48:5.
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/מְּלָכִ֣ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
וַ/יָּבֹ֜אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וַ/יַּחֲנ֤וּ
chânâh
H2583
"to camp"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
יַחְדָּו֙
yachad
H3162
"unitedness"
Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מֵר֔וֹם
Mêrôwm
H4792
"Merom"
N-proper
Merom is a lake in northern Palestine where Joshua led the Israelites to victory over the northern confederacy. The site is likely near the Sea of Galilee. It is mentioned in the book of Joshua.
Definition: § Merom = "high place" the lake in northern Canaan at which Joshua routed the northern confederacy headed by Jabin 1a) site uncertain; probably the lake formed by the Jordan river about 10 miles (16 km) north of the Sea of Galilee
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Merom. See also: Joshua 11:5; Joshua 11:7.
לְ/הִלָּחֵ֖ם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Joshua 11:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 11:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 11:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 11:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 11:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 11:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 11:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 11:5
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 11:5
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 11:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 11:5
- Sermons on Joshua 11:5
Context — Conquest of the Northern Cities
3to 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.
4So 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.
5All these kings joined forces and encamped at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.
6Then 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.” 7So by the waters of Merom, Joshua and his whole army came upon them suddenly and attacked them,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 118:10–12 | All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. |
| 2 | Revelation 16:14 | These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. |
| 3 | Isaiah 8:9 | Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! |
| 4 | Psalms 3:1 | O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! |
Joshua 11:5 Summary
In Joshua 11:5, we see that the kings of the Canaanites joined forces to fight against Israel, but this was not a surprise to God, as He had already promised to deliver them into the hands of the Israelites, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:24. This verse reminds us that God is always in control, even when it seems like the odds are against us, as seen in Romans 8:31 and Psalm 23:4. We can trust in God's power and provision, just like Joshua did, and know that He will deliver us from our struggles, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:10. By trusting in God, we can have peace and confidence, even in the midst of battle, as seen in Isaiah 26:3 and Philippians 4:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the location of the waters of Merom in Joshua 11:5?
The location of the waters of Merom is significant because it is where the kings of the Canaanites gathered to fight against Israel, as seen in Joshua 11:5, and it is also where God delivered them into the hands of the Israelites, as promised in Deuteronomy 7:24.
Why did the kings of the Canaanites join forces to fight against Israel?
The kings of the Canaanites joined forces to fight against Israel because they saw the Israelites as a threat to their power and way of life, as seen in Joshua 11:5, similar to how the Philistines saw the Israelites as a threat in 1 Samuel 4:3.
Is Joshua 11:5 a unique event in the Bible, or are there other instances of God's enemies gathering against Him?
Joshua 11:5 is not a unique event, as seen in Psalm 2:2, where the nations gather against God and His anointed, and in Acts 4:27, where the rulers and people of Jerusalem gathered against Jesus, but God is always in control, as seen in Psalm 33:10-11.
What can we learn from the fact that the kings of the Canaanites were numerous as the sand on the seashore, as mentioned in Joshua 11:4?
The fact that the kings of the Canaanites were numerous as the sand on the seashore emphasizes God's power and ability to deliver His people, as seen in Joshua 11:6, and reminds us of His promise to Abraham in Genesis 22:17 to make his descendants as numerous as the sand on the seashore.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the lesson of trusting in God's power, as seen in Joshua 11:5, to my own life and struggles?
- How can I, like Joshua, trust in God's promises and deliverance, even when faced with overwhelming odds, as seen in Joshua 11:6 and Deuteronomy 31:8?
- What are some areas in my life where I am facing spiritual battles, and how can I, like the Israelites, trust in God's power and provision to overcome them, as seen in Exodus 14:14 and 2 Chronicles 20:17?
- What does Joshua 11:5 teach me about the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people, and how can I apply this to my relationships with other believers, as seen in Psalm 133:1 and Acts 2:46-47?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 11:5
And when all those kings were met together,.... At some certain place, which Jabin had appointed: they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom: Josephus (a) says it was at Berotha; perhaps
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 11:5
And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 11:5
The waters of Merom; a lake made by the river Jordan in the northern part of it, which was in the territory of the king of Shimron, or Shimron-meron, and near Hazor, Jabin’ s royal city, and almost in the middle of these confederate kings.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 11:5
Joshua 11:5 And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel.Ver. 5. And when all these kings were met together.] Heb., Assembled by appointment, at a set time. Ducunt volentes fata, nolentes trahunt. See Psalms 37:12-13.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 11:5
(5) The waters of Merom.—The most northerly of the three lakes on the course of the Jordan.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 11:5
Verse 5. The waters of Merom] Where these waters were, interpreters are not agreed. Whether they were the waters of the Lake Semechon, or the waters of Megiddo, mentioned Judges 5:19, cannot be easily determined. The latter is the more probable opinion.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 11:5
5. at the waters of Merom] i.e. “the Upper Waters;” the uppermost of the three lakes in the Jordan valley, called by the Greeks “Semechonitis,” or Samochonitis (Jos. Ant. 5:5. 1), and by the Arabs “Hûleh.” The lake is formed by the expansion of the descending Jordan, about 7 miles long by 5 in breadth, of a triangular shape, the point being at the south, where the Jordan, which enters it on the north, again quits it. It is surrounded by marshes and numberless streams bordered with thickets of papyrus. For the fullest and most graphic description of this lake, and the surrounding morasses, see Macgregor’s Rob Roy on the Jordan, xii.—xvii.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 11:5
Waters of Merom - i. e. “the upper waters,” the modern Bahr el Huleh, the lake Semechonitis, or Samochonitis of Josephus.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 11:5
5. Waters of Merom — This first lake through which the Jordan flows was the Samochonitis of Josephus. Its modern name is Huleh. Its name Merom occurs nowhere else in the Bible.
Sermons on Joshua 11:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ezekiel 37 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the prophetic significance of Ezekiel 37, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the latter days and the return of Israel to its land as a sign |
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The Beauty and Strength of Zion by John Owen | In this sermon, the preacher addresses five questions regarding the protection and preservation of the church. The preacher begins by giving an illustration of how massive and impe |
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Hindrances to Prevailing Prayer by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, Pastor David encourages the congregation to seek God's touch and allow their lives to be changed. He emphasizes the importance of responding to the Holy Spirit's pr |
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Peace in the Midst of the Storm by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 3, where David laments the increase of his enemies, including his own son Absalom. David is troubled by the lack of loyalty from those |
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Psalm 32 by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by believers in a hostile world. Despite the outnumbering of believers by their foes, the speaker assures that victory is |
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"The Lord Is With Him" (1 Samuel 16:18) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of David's life as a man after God's own heart, highlighting six key attributes: his skill in worship, courage, warrior spirit, prudenc |
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A Christian on Earth, Still in Heaven by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the spiritual paradise found in the Scriptures, particularly in the book of Psalms, which offers both delight and usefulness to every Christian. He hig |