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Joshua 11:1–9
“So Joshua and all the people of war with him came against them suddenly by the waters of Merom, and they attacked them. And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel” (Josh. 11:7–8a).
Israel’s victories over Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites on the eastern side of the Jordan, caused the Canaanites to cower as Israel entered the land. Its victories over Jericho and Ai (and its treaty with Gibeon) caused fear, too (10:2), but they also provoked a foolish military response that brought the southern kings together as sitting ducks for the Israelites and their God. Now, as the news spreads about Israel’s victory in the south, it would seem that all Canaanite leaders would understand the futility of opposing Israel in any way. But that is not the case. The kings of the north conclude that the southerners simply tried to defeat Israel without enough manpower. Even more foolishly than the southerners, who set the limited goal of punishing Gibeon and taking it back from Israelite control, the northerners gather with the stated purpose of attacking Israel.
As in the south, one northern king, Jabin of Hazor, becomes concerned about the Israelite invasion. Hazor, we are told, holds some sort of supremacy over numerous other kingdoms (11:10), so Jabin is able to call on them to assist him in war. The coalition he assembles is incredibly large and diverse, and it is equipped with the latest technology of war, horses and chariots, in great abundance. This coalition assembles at “the waters of Merom” northwest of the Sea of Galilee.
As He has done before earlier battles, God reassures Joshua, telling him that even such a large force will not prevail against Israel. Rather, “ ‘Tomorrow about this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel,’ ” God says. This timetable indicates that the Israelite armies already have moved north, for they could not reach Merom from Gilgal (10:43) in a day’s time. But God cautions Joshua not to take any of the Canaanites’ chariot teams. The horses are to be hamstrung and the chariots burned lest Israel trust in technology instead of its God. This echoes an earlier command given through Moses (Deut. 17:16).
Although God’s role is not as apparent in this battle as in the victory over the southern coalition, we are told that “the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel.” Joshua surprises the Canaanites and puts them to flight, but Israel tracks them down until none remains. God is faithful to Israel again, and Joshua, filled with trust, obeys God’s command to render the horses and chariots useless for battle.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Joshua had courage and faith, yet God frequently urged him not to fear. We can only assume that each new challenge caused him to worry. We are like Joshua in this—quick to forget God’s works on our behalf and His promises of continued benevolence. Read the passages below and pray today for faith that gains strength from ongoing grace.
For Further Study
- 1 Samuel 26:1–27:1
- 1 Kings 18:1–19:3
- Psalm 20:7
- Matthew 16:13–23