Bible Commentaries
Joshua 11

Verses 1-15

The scene is removed to the waters of Merom, near the sources of the Jordan. Hazor was the capital of the region; Jabin, like Pharaoh, was an hereditary title, Judges 4:2 . All the northern nations combined. Joshua’s heart might well have failed, had it not been for the divine promise on the night before the battle, Joshua 11:6 .

His attack under cover of night was like the falling of a thunderbolt. The effect was immediate. The huge host dissolved. The hocking of the horses disabled them, so that Israel was not tempted to trust in chariots and horses, Deuteronomy 17:16 ; Isaiah 31:1 . God’s will was literally carried out. But what a noble record is given of this simple-minded soldier! “He left nothing undone,” Joshua 11:15 . It is only as we literally obey that we can count on such success as his. See 2 Timothy 4:7 .

Verses 16-23

Joshua 11:16-23 ; Joshua 13:1-7

We do not know how long the war lasted. Probably about seven years, Joshua 14:10 (forty-five less thirty-eight). It was only in David’s reign that the Canaanites were finally subdued. Note that Joshua took the land and then gave it to Israel. So Christ received the fullness of the Spirit and all spiritual blessings as the Trustee of those who believe; but we must claim and appropriate our heritage. So at last there will be rest, Joshua 11:23 .

With Joshua 13:1 begins the second division of this book. A Doomsday Book! How significant is the sentence, “Much land to be possessed.” This is true of tracts of the Bible, seldom read by ordinary Christians; of regions of experience, such as those alluded to in Colossians 3:1-4 ; and of countries in the world which have never been trodden by the feet of the missionary!

Read also Joshua 13:13 . What pathos it contains! Either they did not believe in God’s assurances, or were too indolent to claim them!