College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Joshua 11 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 11
The defeat of Jabin. Jabin was the king of Hazor. He formed an alliance with the kings in his area, and they attempted to hold the northern part of Canaan against the on-rushing Israelites. Joshua attacked them near the waters of Merom and completely routed them.
The destruction of Hazor. Joshua was careful to follow the commandments of the Lord explicitly. He completely destroyed the city of Hazor and burned it with fire. He also wiped out the inhabitants so that there would be no remaining cesspool of sin in the land. As for the other kings, he completely overthrew them; but he did not destroy their cities which were walled. The people of Israel were allowed to take spoils in this northern campaign, but they did utterly annihilate the wicked inhabitants.
A summary of Joshua's campaigns. Joshua took all of the land. Every division is mentionedthe hills, the negeb, the Jordan River Valley, the Mediterranean plains, and the mountain ranges. In all these areas there was not a single city which sued for peace except the Hivites, the inhabitants of Gibeon. All the rest were destroyed.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
It is foolish to fight God. The kings of the North should have been able to see that it was foolish to fight against the Israelites. All their neighbors to the souththe king of Jebus, the king of Hebron and the king of Jerichohad been utterly overthrown. A man blinded by sin, however, cannot see what is happening around him. He moves blindly on to his own destruction. Such was the case of the kings of the North.
2.
Rightousness will triumph. Joshua was fighting a just war. He was wielding the sword of God's wrath because he was involved in fulfilling the Lord's promise to give land to the Israelites. Joshua was invincible. Such will be the ultimate triumph of truth. Jesus said that the gates of Hades could not prevail against His church (Matthew 16:18-20).
3.
No enemy is strong enough to overcome God's people. Joshua overcame the kings of the South and the kings of the North. There were some very unusual enemies, the Anakims, who lived in the mountains. These people have sometimes been understood to be giants. Even these people fell before the terrible, swift sword of Joshua and the Israelites. It is amazing to see what God's people can do when they are following His leading.
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 11
1.
What king led in the northern coalition?
2.
What was the capital of the leader of the northern coalition?
3.
What unusual equipment of war did the Canaanites in the north use against the Israelites?
4.
Near what body of water was the battle fought in the North?
5.
How far west did Joshua chase the defeated Canaanites?
6.
How far east did Joshua chase the enemy?
7.
What city did Joshua burn with fire?
8.
What mountain on the south marked the extent of Joshua's conquest?
9.
What mountain on the north marked the extent of Joshua's conquest?
10.
What mighty men did Joshua drive out of the mountains of Judah and Israel?