Embracing God’s Victory: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Joshua 11
Executive Summary ✨
Joshua 11 recounts the resounding victory of Israel against the coalition of northern kings led by Jabin, king of Hazor. This chapter, deeply resonant with themes of divine providence and obedience, reveals God’s unwavering commitment to His promises to Israel. We explore the geographical context, the diverse enemies, and Joshua’s unwavering faith in the Lord’s command. Through examining the utter destruction of Hazor and the slaughter of its inhabitants, we discern the judgment against deep-rooted Canaanite idolatry. More significantly, we uncover the enduring spiritual lessons of trusting in God’s power over human strength, and the importance of faithfully executing God’s commands, even when they appear harsh. This commentary, rooted in Coptic Orthodox tradition, offers insights into how we, as modern Christians, can emulate Joshua’s unwavering faith and apply the principles of obedience and trust in our daily lives as we pursue spiritual growth using resources like domain registration for online presence.
Joshua 11, a pivotal chapter in the Book of Joshua, details the decisive defeat of the northern Canaanite kings. These kings, alarmed by Israel’s victories in the south, formed a formidable alliance to confront the advancing Israelites. This chapter showcases the unwavering faith and obedience of Joshua, who, guided by God’s command, led Israel to a complete triumph, ultimately securing the promised land. The destruction of Hazor, the leading city in the northern alliance, marked a significant turning point in the conquest.
Commentary Sections 📖
Joshua 11:1-3 – The Gathering Storm
Joshua 11:1-3 (KJV): And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph, And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west, And to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.
Joshua 11:1-3 (NKJV): Now it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor heard these things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, to the king of Shimron, to the king of Achshaph, and to the kings who were from the north, in the mountains, in the plain south of Chinneroth, in the lowland, and in the heights of Dor on the west, to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the Hivite below Mount Hermon in the land of Mizpah.
The news of Israel’s victories spread like wildfire, igniting fear in the hearts of the remaining Canaanite kings. Jabin, king of Hazor, a powerful city in the north, takes the lead in forming a massive coalition. The sheer diversity of the tribes listed—Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, and Hivites—underscores the depth and breadth of opposition Israel faced. Note the strategic geographical locations mentioned: “north of the mountains,” “plains south of Chinneroth,” and “borders of Dor.” This paints a picture of a widespread resistance. Hazor, archaeologically identified as Tell el-Qedah, was indeed a major Canaanite city, demonstrating the formidable threat Joshua faced.
Spiritual Application: Like Jabin, the world often unites against God’s people. We must remain vigilant, aware of the spiritual battles that surround us, and seek strength in unity within the Church. As St. Athanasius said, “Οὐ γὰρ ἔστιν ἀντιστῆναι τῷ διαβόλῳ, εἰ μὴ ᾖ τις ἐν τῇ πίστει ἐστηριγμένος” (Ou gar estin antistēnai tō diabolō, ei mē ē tis en tē pistei estērigmenos – “For it is impossible to resist the devil unless one is established in the faith”).
Joshua 11:4-5 – A Multitude Like the Sand
Joshua 11:4-5 (KJV): And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many. And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel.
Joshua 11:4-5 (NKJV): So they went out, they and all their armies with them, as many people as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude, with very many horses and chariots. And when all these kings had met together, they came and camped together at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.
The sheer size of the Canaanite army is emphasized – “as many people as the sand that is on the seashore.” This paints a daunting picture. The mention of “horses and chariots” is particularly significant. Israel, at this point, largely relied on infantry. Chariots were a significant military advantage, representing the advanced technology and power of the Canaanites. The “waters of Merom” (modern-day Lake Hula area) served as the gathering point for this formidable force. The phrase echoes the promise made to Abraham, that his descendants would be as numerous as the sands on the seashore, but here it is used to describe the enemy. The irony is not lost.
Spiritual Application: Overwhelming odds can make us feel insignificant and vulnerable. Yet, like Joshua, we must remember God’s promise to be with us, regardless of the apparent strength of our adversaries. St. Macarius the Great reminds us: “Πᾶσαν λύπην καὶ στενοχωρίαν φέρετε μετὰ μακροθυμίας, πιστεύοντες ὅτι ὁ Θεὸς οὐκ ἐγκαταλείψει ὑμᾶς.” (Pasan lypēn kai stenochōrian pherete meta makrothymias, pisteuontes hoti ho Theos ouk egkataleipsei hymas – “Bear every grief and distress with patience, believing that God will not forsake you”).
Joshua 11:6 – God’s Encouragement and Strategy
Joshua 11:6 (KJV): And the Lord said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.
Joshua 11:6 (NKJV): But the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid because of them, for tomorrow about this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.”
God directly intervenes, reassuring Joshua: “Be not afraid.” This is a recurring theme throughout the Book of Joshua. God not only promises victory but also provides a specific strategy: “hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.” This instruction is significant. God is not simply gifting them victory; He is directing them to dismantle the enemy’s power structure. By destroying the chariots, Israel is symbolically rejecting reliance on worldly strength and embracing God’s power.
Spiritual Application: God often provides specific guidance and strategies to overcome our personal challenges. We must listen attentively to His voice and act decisively, trusting in His wisdom rather than our own. This also encourages us to destroy the worldly things that are idols in our lives. St. Anthony the Great advises: “Ἄνθρωπος ταπεινόφρων οὐκ ἐγκαταλείπεται ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ.” (Anthrōpos tapeinophrōn ouk egkataleipetai hypo tou Theou – “A humble person is not forsaken by God”).
Joshua 11:7-9 – The Swift and Complete Victory
Joshua 11:7-9 (KJV): So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them. And the Lord delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining. And Joshua did unto them as the Lord bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.
Joshua 11:7-9 (NKJV): 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, who defeated them and chased them to Greater Sidon, to Misrephoth Maim, and to the Valley of Mizpah eastward; they attacked them until they left none remaining. So Joshua did to them as the Lord had commanded him: he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire.
Joshua, in unwavering obedience, launches a surprise attack at the waters of Merom. The Lord grants Israel a decisive victory. The Canaanites are routed, chased as far as “Great Sidon” (a major Phoenician port city), “Misrephoth Maim,” and the “Valley of Mizpeh.” The complete annihilation – “they left them none remaining” – underscores the totality of God’s judgment. Significantly, Joshua follows God’s instructions precisely, hamstringing the horses and burning the chariots. This act of obedience reinforces Israel’s reliance on God and dismantles the symbols of Canaanite power.
Spiritual Application: Obedience to God’s commands, even when they seem difficult or counterintuitive, is essential for spiritual victory. When we rely on God and follow His instructions, we experience His power in our lives. Just as Joshua completely obeyed God, we should seek to apply His teachings completely in our lives, seeking opportunities like reliable web hosting to share His Word online. St. Cyril of Alexandria teaches: “Ἡ γὰρ ὑπακοὴ μητέρα ἐστὶ τῆς σωτηρίας.” (Hē gar hypakoē mētera esti tēs sōtērias – “For obedience is the mother of salvation”).
Joshua 11:10-14 – The Destruction of Hazor
Joshua 11:10-14 (KJV): And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms. And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire. And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the Lord commanded. But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.
Joshua 11:10-14 (NKJV): Joshua turned back at that time and took Hazor, and struck its king with the sword; for Hazor was formerly the head of all those kingdoms. And they struck all the people who were in it with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them. There was none left breathing. Then he burned Hazor with fire. So all the cities of those kings, and all their kings, Joshua took and struck with the edge of the sword. He utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded. But as for the cities that stood on their mounds, Israel burned none of them, except Hazor only, which Joshua burned.
Hazor, identified as “the head of all those kingdoms,” is singled out for complete destruction. The inhabitants are slain, and the city is burned. This is a fulfillment of God’s command to utterly destroy the Canaanites, whose idolatry and wickedness threatened to corrupt Israel. The archaeological evidence supports the violent destruction of Hazor around this time. The distinction made between Hazor and “the cities that stood still in their strength” suggests a specific reason for Hazor’s unique fate: its role as the leader and center of Canaanite resistance and idolatry.
Spiritual Application: Sin, like Hazor, must be utterly destroyed in our lives. We cannot compromise with evil. We must root out the sources of temptation and resist the allure of worldly pleasures. St. Isaac the Syrian writes: “Πόνος ἀρετῆς, ἀσφάλεια ζωῆς.” (Ponos aretēs, asphaleia zōēs – “The labor of virtue is the security of life”). This illustrates the importance of continual effort towards spiritual growth and purification.
Joshua 11:15 – Obedience Fulfilled
Joshua 11:15 (KJV): As the Lord commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua: he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.
Joshua 11:15 (NKJV): As the Lord had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses.
This verse serves as a powerful summary of Joshua’s unwavering obedience. He executed all of God’s commands, leaving “nothing undone.” This obedience is presented as a key factor in Israel’s success and a testament to Joshua’s faithfulness. It also highlights the importance of continuity and faithfulness in leadership, as Joshua faithfully carries out the commands given to Moses.
Spiritual Application: We are called to emulate Joshua’s complete obedience to God’s word. This requires a deep commitment to studying scripture, understanding God’s will, and acting accordingly. True discipleship involves more than just hearing God’s word; it requires actively obeying it. St. Basil the Great reminds us, “Ἡ ἀρχὴ τῆς σοφίας, φόβος Κυρίου” (Hē archē tēs sophias, phobos Kyriou – “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord”).
Joshua 11:16-23 – Consolidating the Conquest
Joshua 11:16-23 (KJV): So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same; Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them. Joshua made war a long time with all those kings. There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle. For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the Lord commanded Moses. And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities. There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained. So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
Joshua 11:16-23 (NKJV): So Joshua took all this land: the mountain country, all the South, all the land of Goshen, the lowland, and the plain, and the mountains of Israel and its lowland—from Mount Halak that ascends to Seir, as far as Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon below Mount Hermon. He captured all their kings, and struck them down and killed them. Joshua made war a long time with all those kings. There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, except the Hivites, the inhabitants of Gibeon. All the others they took in battle. For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that He might utterly destroy them, and that they might receive no mercy, but that He might destroy them, as the Lord had commanded Moses. And at that time Joshua came and cut off the Anakim from the mountains: from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel; Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities. None of the Anakim were left in the land of the children of Israel; they remained only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod. So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had said to Moses; and Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. Then the land rested from war.
This section summarizes the extent of Joshua’s conquest, encompassing a vast swathe of territory from Mount Halak to Baal Gad. The Anakim, a race of giants that had previously instilled fear in the Israelites (Numbers 13:33), are decisively defeated. The mention of the Hivites of Gibeon who made peace highlights the exception to the rule of complete destruction. The hardening of the Canaanites’ hearts, attributed to God, is a complex theological point. It does not imply that God forced them to sin, but rather that He allowed their existing wickedness to manifest itself, leading to their destruction. The phrase “the land rested from war” marks a significant milestone, indicating a period of peace and stability. Joshua fulfilled God’s promise and provided an inheritance for each tribe.
Spiritual Application: The battle against sin is a long and arduous one. We must persevere in our efforts to overcome temptation and establish God’s kingdom in our hearts. Even when we experience periods of peace and stability, we must remain vigilant, guarding against the re-emergence of old habits and sinful patterns. The complete destruction of evil, although difficult, is necessary for the establishment of righteousness in our lives. As Abba Dorotheos said, “Πολλὴ ἀνάγκη φυλάττειν τὴν καρδίαν ἡμῶν ἀπὸ παντὸς λογισμοῦ πονηροῦ” (Pollē anankē phylattein tēn kardian hēmōn apo pantos logismou ponērou – “It is very necessary to guard our heart from every evil thought”).
Subtopic Sections ✨
Reflecting on Joshua 11, several key teachings emerge:
- Divine Sovereignty: God’s ultimate control over history and events is evident throughout the chapter. He directs the outcome of battles and fulfills His promises to His people.
- Obedience as a Prerequisite: Joshua’s unwavering obedience to God’s commands is the key to Israel’s success. We are called to emulate this obedience in our own lives.
- Spiritual Warfare: The battles against the Canaanites are symbolic of the spiritual battles we face against sin and temptation. We must rely on God’s power to overcome these challenges.
- Judgment and Justice: The destruction of the Canaanites represents God’s judgment against wickedness and idolatry. God’s justice will ultimately prevail.
- Inheritance and Promise: The division of the land among the tribes of Israel symbolizes the fulfillment of God’s promises and the inheritance we have in Christ.
- Rest and Peace: “The land rested from war” reminds us of the ultimate peace and rest we find in God’s presence.
FAQ ❓
Here are some frequently asked questions about Joshua 11:
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Q: Why did God command the Israelites to utterly destroy the Canaanites?
A: The Canaanites were deeply immersed in idolatry and wickedness. God’s command was an act of judgment against their sin and a means of preventing Israel from being corrupted by their practices. Deuteronomy 20:16-18 clarifies that this was to prevent Israel from adopting their detestable customs.
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Q: Is it ethical for God to command such violence?
A: This is a complex theological question. From a Coptic Orthodox perspective, God is the ultimate source of life and has the authority to judge and execute justice. His actions, though difficult to understand, are always just and righteous. We trust in His wisdom and mercy, even when we do not fully comprehend His ways.
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Q: How can we apply the lessons of Joshua 11 to our modern lives?
A: We can learn from Joshua’s example of unwavering faith and obedience to God. We can also recognize the spiritual battles we face and rely on God’s power to overcome them. Just as Joshua removed the Canaanites, we must strive to remove sin from our lives. This means being proactive in our faith and actively pursuing righteousness.
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Q: What is the significance of the destruction of Hazor?
A: Hazor was the leading city in the northern coalition, and its destruction symbolized the defeat of the entire Canaanite resistance. It was a pivotal moment in the conquest of the promised land and a clear demonstration of God’s power and faithfulness. It also represents the utter destruction of the source and head of evil in our lives.
Conclusion ✨
Joshua 11 offers a powerful testament to God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and justice. It highlights the importance of obedience, trust, and unwavering commitment to God’s commands. While the chapter contains challenging themes of violence and judgment, it also provides valuable spiritual lessons for modern Christians. Just as Joshua led Israel to victory, we too can experience God’s triumph in our lives by embracing His power, obeying His word, and seeking to establish His kingdom in our hearts. Let us strive to emulate Joshua’s unwavering faith, knowing that God is with us, guiding us, and empowering us to overcome any obstacle we face. As we navigate the complexities of life, may we always remember the promise of divine presence and unwavering support, much like the ease of finding the right tool or service online, such as efficient website builder options for sharing our spiritual insights. The victory is already won, it is up to us to claim it through faith and obedience.
God Servant