Analysis of Joshua Chapter 11
Joshua Chapter 11 is a monumental chapter detailing the conquest of northern Canaan by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. This chapter provides significant insights into the Israelites’ military strategy, the fulfillment of divine promises, and the nature of divine intervention in human affairs. Let us explore each section of this chapter to delve deeper into its rich theological and historical context.
A United Coalition Against Israel (Verses 1-5)
The chapter opens with a detailed description of a formidable coalition formed by Jabin, king of Hazor, alongside multiple kings and their armies. This vast alliance congregates at the waters of Merom to confront Israel.
“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.” (Joshua 11:1-4)
This coalition’s sheer size and diversity reflect the serious threat they posed to the Israelites. The collaboration among various tribes and cities underscores the desperation and urgency felt by the Canaanite kings in the face of Israel’s advancing conquests.
Divine Assurance and Strategy (Verses 6-9)
This section highlights the divine assurance given to Joshua and the strategic military actions taken by Israel:
“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.’” (Joshua 11:6)
God’s command to “hamstring their horses and burn their chariots” demonstrates a couple of critical points:
- Dependence on Divine Power: The Israelites were to rely not on military might or captured equipment but on God’s power and guidance. Hamstringing horses rendered them unable to be used in future battles, negating the immediate tactical advantage they might provide. This action steered the focus away from human strength to divine provision.
- Deterrence and Prevention: Removing the means of future warfare from the enemy prevented their resurgence and ensured long-term security for Israel.
Joshua’s swift and decisive actions, in accordance with divine instructions, led to a resounding victory over the coalition forces at the waters of Merom (Verses 7-9).
The Fall of Hazor and Subsequent Conquests (Verses 10-15)
The next part of the narrative focuses on Joshua’s tactical decision to target Hazor, the head of all these kingdoms:
“Joshua turned back at that time and captured Hazor and put its king to the sword. Hazor had been the head of all these kingdoms.” (Joshua 11:10)
The destruction of Hazor, including the killing of its king and the burning of the city, signified the elimination of a central power hub in northern Canaan. This act was not merely a military strategy but a fulfillment of God’s commands through Moses.
“All the cities of those kings and all their kings Joshua captured and struck with the edge of the sword, devoting them to destruction, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded.” (Joshua 11:12)
These verses emphasize the continuity and obedience in leadership from Moses to Joshua. The phrase “devoting them to destruction” signifies a total dedication to God’s command, often involving the annihilation of every living thing within those cities, reflecting the concept of herem, a term denoting something devoted or banned for sacred use.
Summary of Joshua’s Conquests (Verses 16-23)
The concluding portion of the chapter provides a comprehensive summary of Joshua’s ongoing campaign:
“So Joshua took this entire land: the hill country, all the Negev, all the region of Goshen, the western foothills, the Arabah and the mountains of Israel with their foothills, from Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir, to Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon below Mount Hermon. He captured all their kings and put them to death. Joshua waged war against all these kings for a long time.” (Joshua 11:16-18)
This summary serves multiple functions:
- Praise for Divine Assistance: It recounts the vast territories conquered and, impliedly, credits these successes to divine intervention and assistance.
- Historical Record: It serves as a historical record summarizing the extensive military campaigning and territorial conquests during Joshua’s leadership, emphasizing the thorough and deliberate effort required in such an undertaking.
- Fulfillment of Promises: It underlines the fulfillment of God’s promises to the patriarchs about the land of Canaan. This expansion symbolizes the realization of those ancient covenants.
Verse 20 provides a theological reflection on the nature of these conquests:
“For it was the LORD’s doing to harden their hearts that they should come against Israel in battle, in order that they should be devoted to destruction and should receive no mercy but be destroyed, just as the LORD commanded Moses.” (Joshua 11:20)
This verse echoes the theme of divine sovereignty and judgment. It harkens back to the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart in the Exodus narrative, illustrating that God’s plans often involve complex interactions with human decisions and actions. The concept of “hardening hearts” serves to fulfill divine purposes within the historical and redemptive framework of the Bible.
Special Mention of the Anakim (Verses 21-22)
An interesting and remarkable detail is recorded concerning the Anakim, a race of giants previously mentioned in Numbers as intimidating inhabitants of Canaan:
“At that time Joshua went and destroyed the Anakites from the hill country: from Hebron, Debir, and Anab, from all the hill country of Judah, and from all the hill country of Israel. Joshua totally destroyed them and their towns. No Anakites were left in Israelite territory; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive.” (Joshua 11:21-22)
The elimination of the Anakim represents the removal of a significant threat and fear among the Israelites. It also signifies a divine reversal of fortunes, as the very giants who once struck fear into the hearts of the Israelite spies (Numbers 13:33) are now obliterated by God’s chosen people under Joshua’s command. However, a remnant remains in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod, hinting at future conflicts, most notably with Goliath of Gath during King David’s reign.
Conclusion of the Campaign and the Land’s Rest (Verse 23)
The chapter concludes with a powerful statement on the fulfillment of God’s promises and the resulting peace:
“So Joshua took the entire land, just as the LORD had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.” (Joshua 11:23)
This conclusion encapsulates several important theological and historical points:
- Fulfillment of God’s Promises: The conquest and allocation of the land to Israel as an inheritance echo the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- Covenantal Faithfulness: Joshua’s compliance with divine instructions illustrates his faithfulness and the faithfulness of the Israelites in executing God’s commands.
- Rest and Sabbath: The final remark about the land having rest from war ties into the biblical principle of rest and Sabbath, symbolizing a period of peace, stability, and divine blessing following obedience and fulfillment of God’s plans.
Conclusion
Joshua Chapter 11 is a profound reflection on divine sovereignty, human obedience, and the interplay between divine promises and human history. The sweeping conquests under Joshua’s leadership not only serve as a historical account of Israel’s establishment in Canaan but also as a testament to the faithfulness of God’s covenant promises. The chapter’s structure from immediate threats, divine strategy, subsequent battles, and eventual peace illustrates a comprehensive cycle of divine interaction in Israel’s history, providing a rich tapestry for theological reflection and spiritual edification. The overarching narrative of victory and rest is a powerful symbol of divine faithfulness and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through His people.