Joshua 11:1-9 | The Way of Scripture

Joshua 11:1-9

How is the northern coalition’s military strength answered?

Berean Standard Bible

1 Now when Jabin king of Hazor heard about these things, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon; to the kings of Shimron and Achshaph; 2 to the kings of the north in the mountains, in the Arabah south of Chinnereth, in the foothills, and in Naphoth-dor to the west; 3 to the Canaanites in the east and west; to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, and Jebusites in the hill country; and to the Hivites at the foot of Hermon in the land of Mizpah. 4 So these kings came out with all their armies, a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore, along with a great number of horses and chariots. 5 All these kings joined forces and encamped at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel. 6 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for by this time tomorrow I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn up their chariots.” 7 So by the waters of Merom, Joshua and his whole army came upon them suddenly and attacked them, 8 and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who struck them down and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon and Misrephoth-maim, and eastward as far as the Valley of Mizpeh. They struck them down, leaving no survivors. 9 Joshua treated them as the LORD had told him; he hamstrung their horses and burned up their chariots.

What is the context?

Jabin of Hazor gathers a broad northern coalition, with troops pictured as numerous as the sand and with many horses and chariots. They assemble at the waters of Merom against Israel.

The Lord tells Joshua not to fear and promises to deliver them over. Joshua attacks suddenly, pursues the defeated forces in several directions, and follows the command to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots.

The account includes the disabling of the horses as well as the defeat of the soldiers. The captured war equipment is not simply incorporated into Israel’s strength. The narrative’s emphasis is obedience to the stated command despite the opposing coalition’s apparent advantage.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley connects the treatment of the horses with refusing dependence on military resources in place of the Lord. The USCCB notes leave the identification of Merom uncertain. Their differing geographical proposals do not need to be resolved to follow the account of coalition, divine assurance, attack, and destruction of the war resources.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

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