MPV Commentary
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Joshua 11
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Joshua 11
1-9. When Jabin king of Hazor heard about these events, he formed an alliance with other kings in Canaan to oppose Israel's further progress. The northern region was a key area for this confederacy, and Jabin took the lead from his capital city of Hazor, situated near Lake Merom.
2. These kings were from various regions: the Anti-libanus district north of the mountains, the plains south of Chinneroth, the valley, and the borders of Dor on the west.
3. The Canaanites occupied the western bank of the Jordan as far north as the Sea of Galilee and also the Mediterranean coast. They were a particular branch of the Canaanitish population.
4-5. Jabin summoned the chiefs of these tribes, who were probably tributary to his kingdom. Their combined forces numbered three hundred thousand infantry, ten thousand cavalry, and twenty thousand war chariots. The war chariots were likely made of wood with iron tips, a new addition to the Canaanite military.
6-8. Joshua was encouraged by a renewal of God's promise of victory (Jos 11:6). He set out to face the enemy, who were scattered along the rising grounds before they could rally on the plain. The Lord delivered them into Israel's hand, and they were defeated. Some fled westward over the mountains, while others went eastward to the plain of Mizpeh.
8. Those whom Joshua's forces caught alive were killed in battle.
9. Joshua followed God's instructions (Jos 11:6) by houghing the horses, cutting their sinews and arteries so they became lame and bled to death. This was done to teach Israel to trust in God, not military resources, and to show that there would be no need for horses in the land of promise.
11. Joshua burned Hazor with fire, following divine direction.
13. The cities that remained strong were left standing on their own foundations, a Phoenician custom.
16. So Joshua took control of all this land, dividing it into five regions: the hills, the land of Goshen, the valley, the plains, and the mountains of Israel.
17. This division was based on geographical features, including Mount Halak, which led to Seir, an irregular line of white hills crossing the Ghor, eight miles south of the Dead Sea.
23. Joshua conquered the entire region, with the battle of Merom being a decisive conflict that brought the northern area under Israel's control.