Joshua 11

Joshua 11 concludes the main northern military campaign of Israel, documenting the defeat of a vast Canaanite coalition, the destruction of Hazor, and the subsequent rest of the land from war. The chapter emphasizes Joshua's complete obedience to the Mosaic Law and God's sovereign role in the outcome of the campaign.

• Jabin of Hazor organizes a vast coalition of northern kings to unite against Israel.
• The Lord instructs Joshua not to fear, promising victory and commanding the destruction of the enemies' horses and chariots.
• Israel attacks the coalition suddenly at the waters of Merom, achieving a total victory.
• Joshua captures Hazor, destroys its king, and burns the city, while keeping the spoils of other cities as commanded.
• The narrative concludes by summarizing the geographic extent of the conquest, the removal of the Anakim, and the restoration of rest to the land.

• The waters of Merom
• Hazor as the head of all those kingdoms
• Houghing horses and burning chariots
• The destruction of the Anakim
• The land rested from war

This passage marks the completion of the primary offensive warfare in Canaan, demonstrating that God is faithful to His word given to Moses and that Joshua's success depended on his strict adherence to that word.

God's promises are fulfilled through the obedience of His people, even when facing overwhelming odds.

The chapter shifts from the threat of a massive, unified enemy to a swift, decisive act of obedience, resulting in the establishment of the land as an inheritance for Israel.

• For to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel (Joshua 11:6)

• Be not afraid because of them (Joshua 11:6)
• Thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire (Joshua 11:6)
• Utterly destroy them (Joshua 11:12)

• The Late Bronze Age context involves coalition warfare where city-states (like Hazor) asserted dominance over smaller regions.
• The use of chariots (רֶכֶב, H7393) was the 'high technology' of the era, providing immense mobility and shock power in battle.

• Hazor (חָצוֹר, H2674) was a major administrative and defensive hub in northern Palestine, making it a critical strategic target for total control of the region.

• This chapter concludes the major military campaigns of Joshua, acting as the counterpart to the southern campaign in Chapter 10.

• The chapter fulfills the commands given in Deuteronomy 7 and 20 regarding the treatment of the Canaanites. It also echoes the Anakim issue raised in Numbers 13, showing their final removal from the central land.
• The hardening of hearts (v. 20) parallels the language used regarding Pharaoh in Exodus, raising historic theological discussions.

• Numbers 13:28, 33: Links the Anakim in this chapter to the giants that caused fear among the original spies.
• 1 Kings 15:29: Later mentions the destruction of Hazor, implying it was a singular event of judgment.

• Jabin (יָבִין, H2985): The name means 'intelligent' or 'discerning', though he stands as an enemy of God.
• Waters of Merom (מַיִם, H4325): This location is near the Huleh Valley in the north, serving as a staging ground for the northern coalition.
• Arabah (עֲרָבָה, H6160): Refers to the deep, arid depression of the Jordan Valley.
• Chariots (רֶכֶב, H7393): Often associated with horses (סוּס, H5483), representing the military pride of the nations.

• Matthew Henry observes that the destruction of the horses and chariots prevented the Israelites from trusting in worldly military power, keeping their reliance on the Lord.
• The 'rest' mentioned in verse 23 does not imply the total elimination of all Canaanites (as shown in the book of Judges), but the end of organized military opposition against the conquest.

• Regarding verse 20: The 'hardening' of hearts is a historical point of contention. Reformed (Calvinist) theology often views this as God’s active decree to ensure judgment on the reprobate. Others argue this is 'judicial hardening,' where God confirms them in their already established rebellion, refusing to show mercy where they have refused to show repentance. Both sides point to the necessity of God's justice and His sovereign control over history.