Introduction
Joshua Chapter 11 details the final major military campaign led by Joshua to conquer the northern territories of Canaan. This chapter highlights themes of divine guidance, decisive leadership, and comprehensive victory against formidable coalitions. In this blog post, we delve into the key events of Joshua Chapter 11 and explore the lessons they offer.
The coalition of Northern kings.
Hearing about the victories of the Israelites, Jabin, king of Hazor, forms a massive coalition with other northern kings to resist Israel. Joshua 11:1-5 describes this formidable alliance:
“When Jabin king of Hazor heard of this, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon, to the kings of Shimron and Akshaph, and to the northern kings who were in the mountains, in the Arabah south of Kinnereth, in the western foothills and in Naphoth Dor on the west; to the Canaanites in the east and west; to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites and Jebusites in the hill country; and to the Hivites below Hermon in the region of Mizpah. They came out with all their troops and a large number of horses and chariots—a huge army, as numerous as the sand on the seashore. All these kings joined forces and made camp together at the Waters of Merom to fight against Israel.”
This coalition represented a significant threat due to its size and the presence of horses and chariots.
Divine assurance and strategy.
God reassures Joshua, promising victory over the northern kings. Joshua 11:6 captures God’s command and assurance:
“The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them, slain, over to Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots.’”
Following God’s guidance, Joshua leads a surprise attack on the coalition at the Waters of Merom.
The battle and victory.
Joshua and the Israelite army launch a successful surprise attack, leading to a decisive victory. Joshua 11:7-8 describes the battle:
“So Joshua and his whole army came against them suddenly at the Waters of Merom and attacked them, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Israel. They defeated them and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon, to Misrephoth Maim, and to the Valley of Mizpah on the east, until no survivors were left.”
Following the victory, Joshua carries out God’s command to hamstring the horses and burn the chariots, ensuring that the enemies’ war capabilities are destroyed.
The destruction of Hazor.
Joshua then turns his attention to Hazor, the leading city of the coalition. Joshua 11:10-11 details the conquest of Hazor:
“Joshua turned back and captured Hazor and put its king to the sword. (Hazor had been the head of all these kingdoms.) Everyone in it they put to the sword. They totally destroyed them, not sparing anyone that breathed, and he burned Hazor itself.”
This complete destruction of Hazor symbolizes the comprehensive victory and the end of organized resistance in northern Canaan.
Lessons from Joshua chapter 11.
- Divine guidance and obedience: Joshua’s success was rooted in his obedience to God’s commands and his reliance on divine guidance. This underscores the importance of seeking and following God’s direction in all endeavors.
- Decisive leadership: Joshua’s leadership, marked by swift and decisive action, serves as a model for effective leadership in the face of overwhelming odds. His ability to strategize and execute plans under divine guidance was crucial to the Israelites’ success.
- Thoroughness in mission: The thorough destruction of Hazor and the disabling of the enemy’s war capabilities highlight the importance of completing tasks comprehensively. This ensures that threats are fully neutralized.
- Trust in God’s promises: God’s assurance of victory, even against a formidable coalition, demonstrates the power of trusting in divine promises. It encourages believers to have faith in God’s ability to deliver victory in challenging situations.
Conclusion.
Joshua Chapter 11 is a testament to the power of divine guidance, decisive leadership, and comprehensive victory. The conquest of the northern kings and the destruction of Hazor mark the culmination of Israel’s major military campaigns in Canaan. As we reflect on this chapter, let us be inspired to seek God’s guidance, act decisively, and trust in His promises for victory.
