Josué 11
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
Josué 11
Utley - “for it was of the LORD to harden their hearts” This is a biblical metaphor of God’s control over human events to accomplish His purpose. This has nothing to do with the issue of “free will.” The thrust of this context is YHWH’s control of history and events (particularly redemptive events, cf. Acts 2:23; 3:18; 4:28). This is similar to God’s actions with Pharaoh (cf. Exod. 4:21; 7:3, 13; 8:15, 32; 9:12, 34; 10:20, 27; 14:4, 17).
Josué 11
Utley - Baal-gad” Baal was the male fertility god of Canaan. Every town had its own worship altar. Many of the towns of Canaan had the male god Ba’al or the female Asherah or Ashtarte in their names (cf. 12:4). The term “gad” (BDB 151) apparently meant “good fortune” (cf. Gen. 30:11, BDB 151 II) and was used of a Canaanite deity (cf. Isa. 65:11). (See note by Kitto, Holman Bible Dictionary, Watson on Baal) Related Resource: See study of all Hebrew words translated Baal And he captured all their kings and struck (nāḵāh) them down and put them to death - All the leaders were executed so they might not later lead a rebellion. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 17. From the Mount Halak. That is, Heb. ההר החלק hâhâr hëhâlâk, the bare, smooth, or bald mountain, so called from its being destitute of trees. The writer’s design seems to be to specify the extreme southern and northern limits of the promised land. Joshua’s conquests extended from the borders of Seir or Edom, where Mount Halak was situated, northward to Baal-gad, which lies at the foot of Mount Lebanon. Joshua 11:18 Joshua waged war a long time with all these kings. a long time: Jos 11:23 14:7-10 Joshua 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries APPROXIMATELY SEVEN YEARS OF WAR Joshua waged war a long time with all these kings - The best estimates are that war lasted for about 7 years. Clearly this chapter is like a Reader's Digest Condensed Book version of the warfare Joshua undertook to take the land. Donald Campbell - Victory did not come easily or quickly; it rarely does. (BORROW The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) 🙏 THOUGHT - Are you involved in war with the "Canaanites" in your life? That's clearly rhetorical! Of course you are. Every believer is daily in war against the world, the flesh and the devil. One of these may dominate in a given day but they are all continually on the offensive against our soul. Personally, I hate my flesh. It is crafty and deceptive and continually trips me up, so I choose (and it is a choice) to fall into and "enjoy" sin, each time forgetting those words in Hebrews "the passing pleasures of sin!" (Heb 11:25+) Peter focuses on our flesh warring against our soul exhorting us "Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain (apecho - present tense = continually - Why? because the flesh is continually on a seek and destroy mission!) from fleshly lusts (strong desires that emanate from our fallen flesh) which wage war (strateuomai - present tense = continually strategizing- our fallen flesh is crafty and if a frontal assault does not work, it will try a more subtle sneak attack!) against the soul." (1Pe 2:11+) Here is the point we need to remember so that we do not become discouraged -- victory does not come easily or quickly in the Christian life. So do not grow weary and lose heart dear soldier of the Cross. TSK - Caleb was forty years old when sent from Kadesh-barnea to spy the land, and he was eighty-five at the conclusion of this war. (Josh 14:10.) Almost thirty-nine years of this time were spent before Israel passed Jordan; which leaves between six and seven for the term of Joshua's wars.
Josué 11
Utley- “Hazor” This was the largest walled city of Canaan. It covered over 200 acres. Apparently the Israelis did not occupy this site because in Judges 4 it is a powerful Canaanite stronghold again. Davis - We can appreciate Adoni-zedek’s dismay (Josh 10:1–2) once we observe the strategic location of the Gibeonite ‘tetrapolis’ (Josh 9:17). The four towns, Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim, constituted a confederation of which Gibeon was apparently the dominant participant (Joshua: No Falling Words) Cyril
Josué 11
Utley on Dor - This refers to the coastal mountain ridge of which Mt. Carmel is the last rise before the Great or Upper Sea (Mediterranean). Arabah (see map) - In twenty-five of its twenty-eight occurrences in the OT עֲרָבָה, Arabah, is a geographical name referring to that portion of the Rift Valley that stretches from the Sea of Galilee down to the southern tip of the Dead Sea. This section of the Rift Valley is sixty-five miles in length, varying in width from 3.5 to 14 miles. It is referred to in the Septuagint as “wasteland.” Believer's Study Bible - Chinneroth (12:3) or Chinnereth (13:27) is the O.T. name for the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1), so named because it resembled a harp. It was later called the Sea of Galilee or Tiberias (John 6:1). There was a village and a surrounding plain named Chinnereth on the northwestern shore (Deut. 3:17; Josh. 19:35; 1 Kin. 15:20; Matt. 14:34). GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 3. The Canaanite on the east, &c. The Canaanites, properly so called, dwelt part of them in the east near Jordan, and part on the west near the sea; both are here united. The Hivite under Hermon. At the foot of mount Hermon; of which mountain see on Deut. 3:9. They are designated in this way to distinguish them from another portion of the same race dwelling at Gibeon, of whom we have already spoken. In the land of Mizpeh. That is, the land of watching or espial, so called from its commanding an extensive prospect of the surrounding country, from which the approach or movements of an enemy might be discovered. There were several places of this name, but reference is here undoubtedly had to that lying in the northern quarter of Gilead, where Laban and Jacob made their covenant, as related Gen. 31:48, 49. Joshua 11:3 to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and the Amorite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Jebusite in the hill country, and the Hivite at the foot of Hermon in the land of Mizpeh. the Jebusite: Jos 15:63 Nu 13:29 2Sa 24:16 Hivite: Jdg 3:3 Hermon: Jos 13:11 De 4:48 Ps 89:12 133:3 Song 4:8 land: Jos 18:26 Ge 31:49 Jdg 20:1 21:5,8 1Sa 7:5-7 10:17 1Ki 15:22 Jer 40:6,10 41:3,14 Joshua 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Mount Hermon in the North JABIN'S "S.O.S." TO ALL THE "ITE'S" to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and the Amorite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Jebusite in the hill country, and the Hivite at the foot of Hermon in the land of Mizpeh ("watchtower," "lookout"). - Jabin has managed to gather a confederacy from north to south and east to west. This was undoubtedly the largest enemy force Joshua had yet encountered. Matthews - After the naming of the kings and the geography, the inhabitants are named, numbering six prominent nations (9:1; 12:8) whose defeat God has promised (3:10). That such diverse groups unite for war indicates their desperation. The Jebusites are better known from their kin in Jerusalem (15:63; 2 Sam. 5:7). (Joshua Teach the Text Commentary) Joshua 11:4 And they came out, they and all their armies with them, as many people as the sand that is on the seashore, with very many horses and chariots. as the sand: Ge 22:17 Ge 32:12 Jdg 7:12 1Sa 13:5 2Sa 17:11 1Ki 4:20 Joshua 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Genesis 22:17 indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. Genesis 32:12 “For You said, ‘I will surely prosper you and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which is too great to be numbered.’” Judges 7:12 Now the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the sons of the east were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand on the seashore. 1 Samuel 13:5 Now the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel, 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, and people like the sand which is on the seashore in abundance; and they came up and camped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven. 2 Samuel 17:11 “But I counsel that all Israel be surely gathered to you, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea in abundance, and that you personally go into battle. A PLENTITUDE OF PAGANS RESPOND TO THE PLEA And they came out, they and all their armies with them, as many people as the sand that is on the seashore, with very many horses and chariots - Now the plot is thickening as they say! The "numerical phrase", as many people as the sand that is on the seashore grabs your attention. Not only did they have many men but very many horses and chariots. This is the first time Joshua would have faced horses and chariots. The central and southern sections were more hilly and not conducive to chariots. But in the northern region, there were plains that were flat and very good turf for chariots. This clearly is IM-possible, but as Joshua soon discovers it is imminently HIM-possible! The same principle applies to our life beloved. Supernatural enemies need supernatural strength! Madvig makes an interesting observation that "“The northern coalition was Israel’s most formidable foe in terms of both numbers and weaponry. Each successive battle that Israel fought was more difficult than the last.” (The Expositor's Bible Commentary) Matthews - The coalition is at full force, as shown from the word kol (“all”) and the term rab/rob (“large/huge/numerous”) repeated three times. This is the first time the Hebrews face chariots. Their mobility and platform make them adept for battle in the plains, although flooding of the Kishon will make Hazor’s chariots immobile in Barak’s battle (Judg. 5:21). Only the most powerful armies are equipped with chariotry (17:16–18; Exod. 14:7). (Joshua Teach the Text Commentary) Donald Campbell - Josephus, a Jewish historian of the first century A.D., speculated that this northern confederacy included 300,000 infantry soldiers, 10,000 cavalry troops, and 20,000 chariots (ED: Antiquities of the Jews, V:1:18. His figures cannot be corroborated.). The odds against the Israelites seemed overwhelming. How could Joshua hope to win this battle? (ED: GOD FREQUENTLY STACKS THE ODDS AGAINST PEOPLE SO THAT THEY MUST DEPEND ON HIM AND ONLY HE GETS THE GLORY!) (BORROW The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Utley - “as the sand that is on the sea shore” This is a Semitic idiom for a large military force (cf. Jdgs. 7:12; 1Sa. 13:5; 2Sam. 17:11). It was used in Genesis (cf. Ge 22:17; 32:12) to describe God’s promises of many descendants to the Patriarchs. THOUGHT - Someone has said that they further you progress in Christ-likeness, the greater and more difficult are the battles. Jesus' greatest battle certainly came at the end of His life. Utley's TOPIC: Chariots The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery notes that chariots were used in three distinct ways (p. 138). 1.Royal transportation a. Egypt—Gen. 41:43; 50:9 b. Israel—2 Sam. 15:1; 1 Kgs. 1:5; Song of Songs 3:9 2 Divine transportation—2 Kgs. 2:11; 6:17; Ps. 68:17; 104:3; Isa. 66:15; Jer. 17:25; Hab. 3:8 3. Military weapon (selected examples) a. Egypt—Exod. 14:6, 7, 9, 17, 18, 23, 26, 28; 15:4, 9; Deut. 11:4; Josh. 24:6 b. Canaanite—Deut. 20:1; Josh. 11:4; 17:16, 18; Judg. 1:19; 4–5 c. Philistine—Judg. 1:19; 1 Sam. 13:5; 2 Sam. 1:6; 8:4 d. Israelite—1 Sam. 8:11–12; 2 Sam. 15:1; 1 Kgs. 10:26–29; Ps. 20:7; Isa. 31:1 The iron may have been around the chariot wheels or simply ornamental. It represented a superior technology! GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 4. And they went out. Took the field; a phrase frequently employed by the sacred writers for going forth upon a military expedition. Thus 2 Sam. 11:1, ‘And it came to pass—at the time when kings go forth,’ i. e. to battle, as our version rightly understands it. Comp. Num. 21:23; Job 39:21. As the sand that is upon the sea-shore. A proverbial expression used to denote a vast but indefinite number—a number of which no accurate estimate could be formed. Josephus, upon what authority we know not, is more particular. He states the number at 300,000 foot, 10,000 horse, and 20,000 chariots of war. Whether this be correct or not, the words of the text lead us to infer that a vast population now occupied the land of promise, and that the soil must have been of exuberant fertility to sustain it. The immense multitude, moreover, of the enemy went to heighten the glory of Joshua’s victory. With horses and chariots very many. Heb. סוס ורכב רב מאד sūs vâ-rëkeb rab meōd, horse and chariot very much. The horses were probably brought out of Egypt or Armenia, and not bred in Canaan, which was not a country favorable to their production or use. Deut. 17:16; 1 Kings 10:28, 29. The war chariots of the Canaanites are supposed to have been armed with iron scythes fastened to the poles and to the ends of the axletrees. When furiously driven they would make fearful havoc in the ranks of infantry—of which only were the forces of Israel composed—mowing them down like grass. In view therefore of such a formidable armament mustered against him, Joshua receives from the Lord a special encouragement and promise of success. Joshua 11:5 So all of these kings having agreed to meet, came and encamped together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. So all of these kings: Ps 3:1 118:10-12 Isa 8:9 Rev 16:14 Joshua 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A MEETING OF MINDS AT MEROM So all of these kings having agreed to meet - Hebrew means "assembled by appointment." Came and encamped together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel - The location of the are uncertain (see map of possible location - note Shimeron-Merom is the city noted on the map). Although the text does not state specifically, undoubtedly these kings normally were not "buddy, buddy," but now that they were faced with annihilation, they came together. In short, they were proving true an ancient proverb that says "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." TSK - waters of Meron - This is what Josephus calls the lake Semechon, now called Bahr-el-Houle (Lake Julius) between the head of the Jordan and the lake of Tiberias. According to Josephus it was seven miles long; and according to modern authorities, it is not above two miles broad, except at the north end, where it may be four.
Josué 11
Utley- Chariots were the ultimate military weapon of this period and area. Their origin and exact design are uncertain (Hyksos or Hittites). The different chariots could hold the driver and a soldier or the driver and two soldiers. They were usually pulled by two horses. The term “iron” could refer to the sides being reinforced or the wheels, rims, or axles. They were effective only on relatively flat ground. QUESTION - . Why did God sometimes order the Israelites to hamstring horses? ANSWER - To hamstring an animal means to cripple it by severing the large tendon at the back of the knee on the hind legs. These tendons are unable to heal or reunite. To hamstring a horse would render the animal incapable of any useful work after that. God sometimes ordered the Israelites to hamstring horses that had been captured in war. Hamstringing an enemy’s horses captured in war was a customary strategy throughout history. A hamstrung horse was disabled to the extent that it was ineffective for further military action. When a band of warriors captured an enemy’s horses, they would hamstring any excess animals to prevent those horses from being used against them at a later time. Before Joshua entered into battle with King Jabin of Hazor, God ordered him to hamstring all the horses that he would capture and burn their chariots with fire (Joshua 11:6–9). There are a few possible reasons why Joshua was given such a command. One is the reason just cited: to prevent the Canaanites from ever using those horses and chariots against Israel in the future. Another potential reason God commanded the hamstringing of horses and the burning of chariots is that the Israelites were not yet trained to use horses and chariots, and therefore God required the destruction of those engines of war. And another possible reason is that God wanted to prevent Israel from relying on their own military strength and prowess. Without horses and chariots for future battles, Israel learned to depend on the Lord and give credit to Him alone for their success in combat: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7; see also Isaiah 31:1). By the time King David led his troops into war, the Israelites were well-trained in military conflict. David knew how to use horses and hamstrung only those he couldn’t use: “David captured a thousand of [Hadadezer’s] chariots, seven thousand charioteers and twenty thousand foot soldiers. He hamstrung all but a hundred of the chariot horses” (2 Samuel 8:4; see also 1 Chronicles 18:4). The hamstringing of oxen is mentioned in Genesis 49:6: “Let me not enter [Simeon and Levi’s] council, let me not join their assembly, for they have killed men in their anger and hamstrung oxen as they pleased” (Genesis 49:6). This act of crippling oxen was done purely out of spite, a reference to Simeon and Levi’s plunder of Shechem’s city because he had defiled their sister, Dinah (Genesis 34). Horses and chariots were ancient weapons of war. The age-old practice of hamstringing enemy horses and burning their chariots is based on the same principle of modern warfare. Any guns, ammunition, and provisions of captured enemy troops that cannot be carried off or converted to good use are destroyed. GotQuestions.org Related Resource Hamstring their horses GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 6. Shall hough their horses. That is, hamstring them, cut the sinews of their legs. On the effects of such a treatment of these animals, Michael is remarks, that ‘irom ignorance of military affairs, most expositors have understood this command, as if it meant, not that the horses should be killed, but merely lamed in their hind legs, and then let go. But a horse so treated, must, instead of running off, fall instantly backwards, and writhe about miserably till he die, which generally happens from loss of blood, by the stroke of the sabre cutting the artery of the thigh. This is still, as military people have since informed me, the plan adopted to make those horses that are taken, but cannot be easily brought away, unserviceable to the enemy again. They hamstring them, which can be done in an instant; and they generally die of the wound by bleeding to death; but though they should not, the wound never heals; so that even if the enemy recover them alive, he is forced to dispatch them; and every compassionate friend of horses who has ever seen one in that situation, will do so in order to terminate his misery. There is no foundation for Kimchi’s opinion, that mere laming was enjoined, because it would be wrong to put an animal unnecessarily to death. For thus to lame a horse that would still live, in my opinion, would rather have been extreme cruelty; because, being then useless, nobody would be likely to give him any food.’ (Comment. on Laws of Moses, Art. LXIV.) The reasons for prescribing such a treatment probably were (1) Because God would have his people act upon the resolution expressed by the Psalmist, Ps. 20:7, ‘some trust in chariots and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.’ If horses had been in common use among them, they would have been apt to rely upon them instead of trusting to the aid of omnipotence in achieving their conquests. But God’s design was to cut them off from human resources, and by enabling a company of raw and inexperienced footmen to rout bodies of cavalry, to secure the glory of the victory to his own right arm, to which only it was due. (2) Because horses were a kind of useless plunder to the Israelites. From the nature of the country they could not well be employed for purposes of agriculture. In that rough and mountainous land, oxen and asses could be employed to much greater advantage; and as to travelling, it was never designed that the Israelites should be a travelling people. They were to be an agricultural and not a commercial race. They were to live apart from other nations as a religious community. Their stated journeys to Jerusalem to attend upon the religious festivals would be about all the travelling that would be necessary, and this on their rough roads could be better performed on foot or on asses than on horses. Such of these animals therefore as they took in war could be of no use to them, unless they sold them, and this would not be wise, as they might finally have come round again into the hands of their enemies. The true policy accordingly was to diminish as far as possible this race of animals, which might give their enemies a signal advantage, and in this policy we suppose the present order to have originated. Joshua 11:7 So Joshua and all the people of war with him came upon them suddenly by the waters of Merom, and attacked them. suddenly: Jos 10:9 1Th 5:2-3 Joshua 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ANOTHER SURPRISE ATTACK! So - The battle begins and other then the fact that it was a sudden attack, we are given no details. Joshua and all the people of war with him came upon them suddenly by the waters of Merom, and attacked them - NET = "Joshua and his whole army caught them by surprise at the Waters of Merom and attacked them." This surprise attack was undoubtedly based on Joshua's hearing from Yahweh. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 7. Suddenly. The great feature of Joshua’s military operations appears to have been dispatch. In the celerity of his movements he seems to have equalled the most renowned generals whether of ancient or modern times. Being now apprised of this grand combination of the northern kings, he loses no time, but by a forced march, and before they could have supposed him at hand, comes suddenly upon them and puts them to the rout. Joshua 11:8 And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, so that they defeated them, and pursued them as far as Great Sidon and Misrephoth-maim and the valley of Mizpeh to the east; and they struck them until no survivor was left to them. And the LORD delivered them: Jos 21:44 great Zidon: or, Zidon-rabbah, Jos 19:28 Ge 10:15 49:13 Zec 9:2 Misrephoth maim: or, salt pits, Heb. burning of waters, Jos 13:6 Joshua 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries YAWHEH DELIVERS MASSIVE ENEMY TO ISRAEL And the LORD delivered (Lxx = paradidomi) them into the hand (yad = power) of Israel - We are reminded that "The LORD is a warrior; The LORD is His name." (Ex 15:3) But exactly how the LORD delivered the enemy is not stated. The fact is however clear that God delivered this seemingly powerful force into the power of Israel so that Israel's power was unquestionably superior. So that they defeated (nāḵāh) them - This "power encounter" was clearly in favor of Israel (and Yahweh of course). Once again note God's deliverance and Israel's defeat of the enemy (God's part/man's part). Defeated (nāḵāh) is translated in Lxx with katakopto which means to cut to pieces, cut in a rough manner (Mk 5:5+) And pursued them as far as Great Sidon and Misrephoth-maim and the valley of Mizpeh to the east - Israel pursued the enemy toward the Mediterranean Sea. Sidon (map) was the contemporary capital of Phoenicia (map), later known as Tyre. See map for Misrephoth-maim. And they struck them until no survivor was left to them - This is an amazing declaration, for as noted above there may have been well over 300,000 soldiers and here we see that zero survive! Defeated (struck)(05221) nāḵāh meaning to beat, to strike, to wound. The meaning of the vb. ranges from hitting to killing. ni. be hit, be struck down; pu. be battered, ruined, destroyed; hi. strike, hit, beat, strike dead, wound, batter, destroy; ho. be struck down (dead), be taken, be hit (#5782); nom. מַכָּה (makkâ), blow, stroke, wound, plague. Defeat, conquer, i.e., have a military victory over an opponent or enemy (Jos 10:10) Uses of nakah in Joshua - Jos. 7:5; Jos. 8:21; Jos. 8:22; Jos. 8:24; Jos. 9:18; Jos. 10:4; Jos. 10:10; Jos. 10:20; Jos. 10:26; Jos. 10:28; Jos. 10:30; Jos. 10:32; Jos. 10:33; Jos. 10:35; Jos. 10:37; Jos. 10:39; Jos. 10:40; Jos. 10:41; Jos. 11:8; Jos. 11:10; Jos. 11:11; Jos. 11:12; Jos. 11:14; Jos. 11:17; Jos. 12:1; Jos. 12:6; Jos. 12:7; Jos. 13:12; Jos. 13:21; Jos. 15:16; Jos. 19:47; Jos. 20:3; Jos. 20:5; Jos. 20:9; GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 8. Unto great Zidon. A well known city of Ancient Phenicia, situated on the east coast of the Mediterranean, about twenty-five miles north of Tyre, fifty south of Berytus (Beyroot), and sixty-six west of Damascus. Its modern name is Said. The epithet רבה rabbâh, great, here affixed to it, is expressive of number rather than of size, and implies not only its populousness, but the extent and variety of its resources of every kind. Misrephoth-maim. Or, Heb. משרפות מים Misrepoth of the waters; i. e. the turning of the waters; but whether so called from its being noted for hot springs, or the manufacture of glass, or of salt, each of which has been conjectured, or from some other cause, it is not possible to determine. It is supposed to have been a place on the sea coast, about three miles north of Sidon. Valley of Mizpeh. Under mount Hermon, as appears by comparing this with v. 5 and 17, in the latter of which it appears to be called the valley of Lebanon. This place lay on the east, as Sidon did on the west, so that the vanquished enemy fled in two different directions, in both of which they were pursued by the conquerors. Until they left them none remaining. From other portions of the history, it is plain that this language here and elsewhere, is not to be construed in its most literal import. Numbers of the Canaanites did undoubtedly escape the sword of the Israelites, and fled to Zidon, Tyre and other maritime cities; and even here it appears that Jabin escaped with his life from the battle. But the drift of the words is to intimate, that they left none alive who fell into their hands, whomsoever they encountered or overtook they slew. Joshua 11:9 And Joshua did to them as the LORD had told him; he hamstrung their horses, and burned their chariots with fire. Jos 11:6 Eze 39:9,10 Joshua 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries And Joshua did to them as the LORD had told him; he hamstrung their horses, and burned their chariots with fire - " In this way the temptation for Israel to use these things in future battles was removed. The Lord was their surest defense, and as long as their eyes were on Him, and they lived in obedience to His revealed will, He would give them success." (Cyril Barber See Joshua: A Devotional Exposition - Page 135) Joshua 11:10 Then Joshua turned back at that time, and captured Hazor and struck its king with the sword; for Hazor formerly was the head of all these kingdoms. Hazor: Jos 11:1 Jdg 4:2 Joshua 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries HAZOR THE HEAD KINGDOM "CUT OFF! Then Joshua turned back at that time, and captured Hazor and struck (nāḵāh) its king with the sword; for Hazor formerly was the head of all these kingdoms - After pursuing and slaying the enemy forces, now Joshua returns to the key Canaanite town. Note that this Jabin is killed and clearly is not the same as the one in Jdg 4:2. Campbell - In the second phase of the conflict in northern Canaan Joshua returned after routing the enemy army and captured all the cities of the defeated kings. Hazor, however, was singled out for special treatment, probably because it was by far the largest city of ancient Palestine (200 acres in size, compared with Megiddo at 14 and Jericho at 8). Occupying a position of immense strategic importance Hazor dominated several branches of an ancient highway which led from Egypt to Syria and on to Assyria and Babylon. This location on the trade routes contributed to the city’s wealth. (BORROW The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 10-14. The Canaanites filled up the measure of their iniquity, and were, as a judgment, left to the pride, obstinacy, and enmity of their hearts, and to the power of Satan; all restraints being withdrawn, while the dispensations of Providence tended to drive them to despair. They brought on themselves the vengeance they justly merited, of which the Israelites were to be executioners, by the command the Lord gave to Moses. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 10. Hazor—was the head, &c. Not of all Canaan, but of those northern principalities which were combined in this expedition against Israel. This city, however, afterwards recovered itself, and grievously oppressed the people of Israel, Judges 4:2. Joshua 11:11 And they struck every person who was in it with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them; there was no one left who breathed. And he burned Hazor with fire. breathed: Heb. any breath, Jos 10:40 Joshua 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Deuteronomy 20:16 “Only in the cities of these peoples that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you shall not leave alive anything that breathes. A FIERY END TO HAZOR And they struck (nāḵāh)every person who was in it with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying (charam; Lxx = exolethreuo) them; there was no one left who breathed - NET = "They annihilated everyone who lived there with the sword– no one who breathed remained– and burned Hazor." And he burned Hazor with fire - This was apparently the only city that was burned at this time, presumably to make an example to others for it was the lead city of all the city states. As Campbell explains "If great Hazor could not escape, the Canaanites would be forced to acknowledge that any city could be burned if Joshua so decreed." (BORROW The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Utterly destroy (destroy completely, devote)(02763) charam means to destroy, to doom, to devote. This word is most commonly associated with the Israelites destroying the Canaanites upon their entry into the Promised Land (Deut. 7:2; Josh. 11:20). This word is used regarding almost all the cities which Joshua's troops destroyed [e.g. Jericho, Jos 6:21; Ai, Jos8:26; Makkedah, Jos 10:28; Hazor, Jos 11:11] thus indicating the rationale for their destruction.Surrendering something irrevocably to God = devoting to service of God, excluding it from use or abuse of man &/or putting it under a ban for utter destruction. [Dt 7:2, 20:17] Usually haram meant a ban for utter destruction, compulsory dedication of thing impeding or resisting God's work which is considered to be accursed before God. Thus the basic idea = setting something aside strictly for God's use. Whatever was set aside was considered most holy by God & could not be sold or redeemed by any substitutionary measure. Once invoked it was absolutely compulsory. Charam - 47v - annihilate(1), covet(1), destroy them utterly(1), destroy utterly(1), destroyed them utterly(1), destroying(1), destroying them completely(2), destruction(2), devote(2), forfeited(1), set apart(1), sets apart(1), utterly destroy(11), utterly destroyed(22), utterly destroying(3). Exod. 22:20; Lev. 27:28; Lev. 27:29; Num. 21:2; Num. 21:3; Deut. 2:34; Deut. 3:6; Deut. 7:2; Deut. 13:15; Deut. 20:17; Jos. 2:10; Jos. 6:18; Jos. 6:21; Jos. 8:26; Jos. 10:1; Jos. 10:28; Jos. 10:35; Jos. 10:37; Jos. 10:39; Jos. 10:40; Jos. 11:11; Jos. 11:12; Jos. 11:20; Jos. 11:21; Jdg. 1:17; Jdg. 21:11; 1 Sam. 15:3; 1 Sam. 15:8; 1 Sam. 15:9; 1 Sam. 15:15; 1 Sam. 15:18; 1 Sam. 15:20; 1 Ki. 9:21; 2 Ki. 19:11; 1 Chr. 4:41; 2 Chr. 20:23; 2 Chr. 32:14; Ezr. 10:8; Isa. 11:15; Isa. 34:2; Isa. 37:11; Jer. 25:9; Jer. 50:21; Jer. 50:26; Jer. 51:3; Dan. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 11. Not any left to breathe. Heb. נשמה nishmâh, any breath, i. e. not any human being. He burnt Hazor with fire. Comp. v. 13. It is not said expressly of the Israelites, in this part of the narrative, that they burnt any city whatever, as such a statement might give rise to the impression that, in the ardor of military zeal, they were guilty of excesses, and in the spirit of a licentious soldiery, were eager to apply the torch to the devoted cities. On the contrary, the act is attributed to Joshua, implying that it was done calmly and deliberately, and in all likelihood by Divine direction. The phraseology is so constructed as to give a striking testimony to the moderation and self control of the armies of the Most High. Joshua 11:12 And Joshua captured all the cities of these kings, and all their kings, and he struck them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed them; just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded. all the: Jos 10:28,30,32,35,37,39,40 as Moses: Jos 11:15 8:8,31 9:24 10:40 Nu 33:52,53 De 7:2 20:16,17 Joshua 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JOSHUA DID JUST AS YAHWEH COMMANDED And Joshua captured all the cities of these kings, and all their kings, and he struck (nāḵāh) them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed (charam; Lxx = exolethreuo) them; just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded - Once again we see Joshua's unerring obedience to Yahweh. Utley - “Moses the servant of the LORD” This honorific title for Moses is found often in Joshua (cf. 1:7, 13, 15; 8:31, 33; 9:24; 11:12, 15; 12:6; 13:8; 18:7; 22:2, 4, 5). Moses is first called by this title in Exod. 14:31 and Num. 12:7. It is reaffirmed in Deut. 34:5 just before his death, so too, Joshua received this title close to his death in 24:17 (also in Jdgs. 2:8).Joshua, like Moses, represents YHWH before the people of Israel. They act on instructions from Him (cf. v. 20). GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 12. Utterly destroyed them. That is, the persons, the inhabitants; for many of the cities themselves, as well as the spoils which they contained, were preserved, as we learn in the ensuing verse. Joshua 11:13 However, Israel did not burn any cities that stood on their mounds, except Hazor alone, which Joshua burned. in their: Heb. on their heap, The Vulgate, Syriac, Onkelos and Waterland render {al tillom,} "on their hills." As the cities of the plain might be easily attacked and carried, Joshua destroyed them; but as those on mountains, hills, or other eminences, might be retained by him with little trouble, prudence would dictate their preservation. Jer 30:18 Joshua 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CITIES BUILT ON MOUNDS WERE AN EXCEPTION However - An exception. Israel did not burn any cities that stood on their mounds, except Hazor alone, which Joshua burned - Why? The text does not tell us. Archaeologically this burning of Hazor has been confirmed. "Hazor’s fiery destruction took place in the days of Joshua. It’s the only city he burned to the ground. Archaeologists have found over 36 inches of charcoal and ash that confirm the biblical narrative." (Hazor-Land of the Bible) Paul P. Enns - Ancient Hazor has been identified through excavations as Tell el-Qedah in the plain of Huleh, five miles southwest of Lake Huleh and nine or ten miles north of the Sea of Galilee. The site was identified by John Garstang in 1926 . Hazor was a uniquely fortified enclosure. It consisted of the city proper on a mound of 25 acres rising 165 feet above the road running past it. The camp area, a level plateau, occupied a total of 170 acres-- very large for that day. It was protected on two sides and partially on a third by steep watercourses. In addition, the city was surrounded on three sides by great ramparts of earth. (Joshua) George Bush - “It would be difficult to point out any single expression in the whole book of Joshua, perhaps in the whole Scriptures, more difficult of explanation than this.” Utley on mounds” This is the Hebrew term “tel” or ruin (BDB 1068). Each successive rebuilding used the same site; thus, a mound was formed or at least heightened. Mound (08510)(tel) masculine noun meaning a mound, a heap, ruins, the ruins left after a city has been destroyed. It refers to what signs may remain of a devastated and destroyed city. An apostate city was to be completely destroyed and left a heap of ruins, never to be rebuilt (Deut. 13:16; Josh. 8:28; Jer. 49:2). The word also means mounds, small or large man-made hills on which cities were repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt.An apostate city was to be completely destroyed and left a heap of ruins, never to be rebuilt (Deut. 13:16). Tel - 5x - Deut. 13:16; Jos. 8:28; Jos. 11:13; Jer. 30:18; Jer. 49:2 GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 13. The cities that stood still in their strength. Heb. עמדות על תלם ōmeedeth al lillâm, standing upon, or by, their heaps. It would be difficult to point out any single expression in the whole book of Joshua, perhaps in the whole Scriptures, more difficult of explanation than this. The exact literal version of the words we have given above; but our common translation has followed the Chaldee paraphrase in rendering the Heb. תל tal, by ‘strength,’ a sense which it has in no other instance, that we can discover, in the compass of the sacred writings. Its prevailing and legitimate import is a ‘heap of ruins.’ Thus Deut. 13:16, in reference to the city which had become the seat of idolatry; ‘Thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof for the Lord thy God; and it shall be an heap (תל) for ever; it shall not be built again.’ Josh. 8:28, ‘And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap (תל) for ever, even a desolation unto this day.’ Jer. 49:2, ‘I will cause an alarm of war to be heard in Rabbah of the Ammonites, and it shall be a desolate heap (תל שממה tal shemâmâh), and her daughters shall be burned with fire.’ Jer. 30:18, ‘The city shall be builded upon her own heap (תלה tillâh);’ i. e. upon its own ruins. These examples show the genuine force of the word. The mass of expositors, however, from the affinity of the ideas of a heap of ruins and an eminence, or elevation of any kind, and not knowing what to understand by cities ‘standing upon their ruinous heaps,’ have been led to interpret it of cities standing upon hills, or rocky heights, forming natural fortresses of great strength, and such as the Israelites chose to retain for their own use. To this solution we should have nothing to object were it warranted by the native import of the term; but we are persuaded it is not. The true rendering is unquestionably that which we have given, and a consistent sense is to be sought for the phrase. From an attentive comparison of the context, it appears that the kings and the inhabitants of these cities were all put to the sword, while the cattle and the spoil generally went into the hands of the captors. During the time, therefore, of the actual occurrence of these events, the cities in question must have presented a fearful scene of carnage and desolation. Heaps of lifeless bodies and of gathered spoil would be accumulated in the streets, and wherever such a complete conquest and pillage could be easily effected without demolishing the walls, buildings, or fortifications of the cities, those cities might, be said to ‘stand still, or continue to stand upon, over, or by their ruinous heaps,’ i. e. heaps of the slain and heaps of spoil. This doubtless was the case in numerous instances. It was not absolutely necessary to raze and burn all the cities, and so many of them were spared; but Hazor being the head of the confederacy and more guilty than the rest, was properly made an exception and utterly destroyed. Save Hazor only. As this city had begun the war, and from its being a royal residence and strongly fortified might, if it should fall back into the hands of the Canaanites, possess peculiar facilities for renewing and carrying it on afresh, Joshua deemed it prudent to guard against all danger from that quarter by demolishing it altogether.—So the Christian, if he finds his spiritual enemies likely to entrench themselves in any particular corruption or infirmity of his nature, and thence to make violent inroads upon his peace, is bound at all hazards, by crucifying such a lust, to deprive them of this advantage. If they can be dislodged from their stronghold in no other way, let him destroy the stronghold itself. Joshua 11:14 And all the spoil of these cities and the cattle, the sons of Israel took as their plunder; but they struck every man with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them. They left no one who breathed. spoil: Jos 8:27 Nu 31:9 De 6:10,11 20:14 neither: Jos 11:11 10:40 Joshua 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TO THE VICTOR GO THE SPOILS And all the spoil of these cities and the cattle, the sons of Israel took as their plunder; but they struck (nāḵāh) every man with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed (shamad; Lxx = exolethreuo) them. They left no one who breathed - This refers to human beings. Livestock, sheep, cattle, goats, would have been plunder. Destroyed (demolished, exterminated) (08045) shamad is a verb meaning "be destroyed, decimated, perished, overthrown, exterminated, i.e., pertaining to being in a totally ruined state, which can include death of a person or extinction of an entity." The destruction depicted by shamad usually involves a rather sudden catastrophe such as warfare or a mass killing. For example in Dt 6:15 God says He will "wipe" Israel off the face of the earth, so great was His anger against them! It is worth noting that the last OT use of shamad is one of the greatest for the nation of Israel, the prophet Zechariah recording "And in that day (WHAT DAY? - Read Zechariah 12:1-14+) I (JEHOVAH/YAHWEH HIMSELF) will set about to destroy all (HOW MANY?) the nations that come against Jerusalem." (Zechariah 12:9+) Anti-Semitism will be obliterated! The prophet Isaiah gives a prophecy that should startle every person who is not a believer in the Messiah - "Behold, the day of the LORD is coming, Cruel, with fury and burning anger, To make the land a desolation; And He will exterminate its sinners from it." (Isa. 13:9+) GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 14. All the spoils of these cities—Israel took. With the exception of such things as had been employed for idolatrous purposes, Deut. 7:25. Joshua 11:15 Just 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. Just as the LORD had commanded: Jos 11:12 Ex 34:11-13 so Moses: De 7:2 31:7 Joshua: Jos 1:7 Ex 39:42,43 De 4:5 2Ch 30:12 he left nothing: Heb. removed nothing, De 4:2 12:32 1Sa 15:1-3,8,9,11,19-22 Mt 23:23 Lu 11:42 Ac 20:20,27 Joshua 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE POWER OF AN OBEDIENT LEADER O, how we need to hear and heed these words in America! Just 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 - Note the same phrase repeats the LORD had commanded and “Commanded” appears three times for emphasis. What an incredible testimony. He was not just a hearer but a doer of the word (James 1:22)! This passage emphasizes the key to Israel's victory was the obedience of their leader Joshua. THOUGHT - Here is the key to victory over our powerful enemies, the world, the flesh and the devil. Ponder the words "Joshua DID...left NOTHING UNDONE...ALL the LORD had COMMANDED." This is a powerful testimony to the faithfulness of Joshua and is without doubt a key to victory in the Christian life. And what is the key word? It is the word obedience, unhesitating and complete! Do you have some "Canaanites" that you have spared, so that they are still able to steal, kill and destroy your abundant life, a life of victory in Christ? Do not procrastinate! KILL THEM! TODAY! May God so direct our steps and our stops that we would willingly obey (enabled by His Spirit - Ro 8:13+) His Word, so that when we come to the end of all our battles in this short time on earth, it could be said of us he or she left nothing undone! Amen (cf Ps 90:12)! Believer's Study Bible - Note the repeated testimony to Joshua's obedience (cf. v. 9). The verse also makes clear that Israel's destructiveness was not their idea but God's. Utley - “Moses the servant of the LORD” This honorific title for Moses is found often in Joshua (cf. 1:7, 13, 15; 8:31, 33; 9:24; 11:12, 15; 12:6; 13:8; 18:7; 22:2, 4, 5). Moses is first called by this title in Exod. 14:31 and Num. 12:7. It is reaffirmed in Deut. 34:5 just before his death, so too, Joshua received this title close to his death in 24:17 (also in Jdgs. 2:8).Joshua, like Moses, represents YHWH before the people of Israel. They act on instructions from Him (cf. v. 20). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 15-23. Never let the sons of Anak be a terror to the Israel of God, for their day to fall will come. The land rested from war. It ended not in a peace with the Canaanites, that was forbidden, but in a peace from them. There is a rest, a rest from war, remaining for the people of God, into which they shall enter, when their warfare is accomplished. That which was now done, is compared with what had been said to Moses. God's word and his works, if viewed together, will be found mutually to set each other forth. If we make conscience of our duty, we need not question the performance of the promise. But the believer must never put off his armour, or expect lasting peace, till he closes his eyes in death; nay, as his strength and usefulness increase, he may expect more heavy trials; yet the Lord will not permit any enemies to assault the believer till he has prepared him for the battle. Christ Jesus ever lives to plead for his people, and their faith shall not fail, however Satan may be permitted to assault them. And however tedious, sharp, and difficult the believer's warfare, his patience in tribulation may be encouraged by the joyfulness of hope; for he will, ere long, rest from sin and from sorrow in the Canaan above. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 15. As the Lord commanded Moses, &c. A virtual vindication of the Israelites from the charge of cruelty which might possibly be brought against them in view of the severities exercised towards these vanquished kings and people of Canaan. He left nothing undone. Or, Heb. לא הסיר דבר lō hësir dâbâr, removed, rejected, diminished nothing. Joshua 11:16 Thus Joshua took all that land: the hill country and all the Negev, all that land of Goshen, the lowland, the Arabah (see map), the hill country of Israel and its lowland all that land: Ge 15:18-21 Nu 34:2-13 De 34:2,3 hill: Jos 9:1 12:8 land: Jos 10:41 the hill country of Israel: Jos 11:21 Eze 17:23 36:1-3,8 Joshua 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SUMMARY OF THE LAND CONQUERED FROM SOUTH TO NORTH In Joshua 11:16-23 the writer gives us a summary of the scope of Israel's victories in the Promised Land. This description begins with the geography areas conquered (v16-23) and then continues in Joshua 12:1-24 to give a list of the kings that Israel conquered. Cyril
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Utley - “land of Goshen” This refers to an area in the hill country of Judah (cf. Joshua 10:41; 11:16; 15:51). Campbell - “The Negev” (see map) is the desert area southwest of the Dead Sea (ED: and south of Judea) and the Arabah (see map) is the depression of the Jordan Valley north and south of the Dead Sea. (BORROW The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Cyril
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Utley - “the land had rest from war” This VERB (shaqat Qal PERFECT) describes the results of Joshua’s conquest here and in Joshua 14:15. It also describes the temporary peace brought by the different judges (cf. Jdgs 3:11, 30; 5:31; 8:28). It is not used in Deuteronomy. YHWH desired His covenant people (after the conquest and occupation of Canaan) to be in a restful, happy, fulfilled, covenant state of obedience and abundant peace (cf. Deuteronomy 27–28; 1 Chr. 22:9–10; Isa. 32:17). Keil and Delitzsch explain that “The taking of the whole land does not imply that all the towns and villages to the very last had been conquered, or that all the Canaanites were rooted out from every corner of the land, but simply that the conquest was of such a character that the power of the Canaanites was broken, their dominion overthrown, and their whole land so thoroughly given into the hands of the Israelites, that those who still remained here and there were crushed into powerless fugitives, who could neither offer any further opposition to the Israelites, nor dispute the possession of the land with them, if they would only strive to fulfil the commandments of their God and persevere in the gradual extermination of the scattered remnants.” Matthews - “Rest” (shaqat) means “to be quiet, have peace,” showing that the wilderness wandering is over and the people are free from the sounds of battle (Josh 14:15; Judg. 3:11). Disengagement from their enemies enables them to have a stable and prosperous everyday life. “Resting place” (nuah) is common in Joshua (e.g., 1:13; NIV: “rest”). And the promise of security is being fulfilled (1:13, 15; Deut. 12:9–10). (Joshua Teach the Text Commentary) Alan Redpath reminds us that "“Much territory was yet to be possessed, but it was left to each tribe to possess what potentially it had received through the conquest of the whole people in which it had taken part. Each tribe was to apply individually the lessons it had learned in united war if it was to possess its inheritance. That the tribes failed to do so was not a reflection on the power of God, but on the failure to take for themselves what Joshua had given and allotted to each one of them.” (BORROW Victorious Christian Living) William Blaikie - “The annals of peace are always more brief than the records of war; and when we reach this short but welcome clause we might wish that it were so expanded as to fill our eyes and our hearts with the blessings which peace scatters with her kindly hand.”
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Utley - “So Joshua took the whole land” The book of Judges seems to tell a different story. There were two parts to an effective conquest of Canaan. 1. Joshua defeated the main military forces of the Canaanites and captured or destroyed the major walled cities. 2. Each individual tribe had to possess its allotted land by faith. The later problems developed because (1) Israel did not kill all of the Canaanites and they reasserted themselves and recaptured some of their old fortresses or (2) the individual tribes never fully finished the task of conquest. There are hints of this failure in Joshua 13 and Judges 1.