Joshua Chapter 11
The Bible tells us that the northern kingdoms of the promised land had heard about the victories of the Israelite armies, and they formed a coalition to bring a great army against Israel. These armies combined created what seemed an impossible force. The Bible says that there were so many of them it seemed like they numbered as “the sand that is on the seashore.” And making them even more fierce was the fact that they had many horses with chariots. But they lacked one important thing – the LORD God!
God told Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will give over all of them, slain, to Israel…” Joshua 11:6 We do not read about any supernatural interventions of the LORD this time such as city walls miraculously falling, large hail dropping on the enemy, nor the sun standing still for a long time. What we do read about is God causing a smaller army empowered by Him to wipe out this northern coalition. God gave them victory in what was their most difficult battle yet.
Let's Reflect
1. At what location did the northern armies come together to form a coalition?
2. These northern armies had probably just begun talking strategy and planning their attack on Israel when what happened?
3. Joshua and his army did just exactly what God and Moses had instructed them to do. This included disabling their horses, burning their chariots and killing all. The Bible said that some tried to escape but according to verse 8 what happened?
4. Verse 10 tells us that Joshua captured the king responsible for this northern coalition, and he killed him with his sword and burned his city. What was the man’s name? See verse 1.
5. Verses 10-18 is a summary of Joshua and the army of Israel then going to all of the respective cities of the coalition and conquering all the people. This was God’s judgement on the inhabitants of the land. According to verse 14 what did the Israelites save for themselves?
6. In all the battles that Israel fought there was only one group that made peace with the Israelites. Who were they?
7. Verse 20 tells us that all of this was God’s purpose. God was passing His righteous judgement on the peoples of the land. What do we know about the people’s hearts?
8. In verse 21 we read that Joshua and his men took out the dreaded Anakim, giants. But there were some of the Anakim alive still in another region. Where were they located?
9. After a long time of fighting we see the promises of God fulfilled. The days of conquering the land were over and what does the last verse tell us about their reward?
