Joshua 11 and 12

 Read Joshua 11 and 12 (Be sure to have a map handy as you read.)  As you read, remember that 2 Timothy 3:16-17 applies to every word of Scripture, “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Who? The northern kings and their people, Joshua and the people of Israel

What? The battle in the north, the summary of the conquest so far

Where? The northern part of the Promised Land, the same general latitude of the Sea of Galilee

When? The battles were long - probably a year or more (11:18).  These happened after the kings of the South were defeated.

Why? Joshua is leading the people to finish the work.

How? The Lord fights for Israel and defeats these kings using battle strategies.

Notes:

(11:1-5) “Jabin” is probably a title meaning “wise one” rather than a name.  Even after the defeat of the southern alliance, this northern alliance of kings believes they can defeat Israel.  This could have been because of Israel’s defeat at the first battle of Ai or simply because God hardened their hearts.  It also could be because of their sin.  Our sin blinds us to truth - that God is sovereign.  They have more soldiers than can be counted.  The odds were overwhelmingly in their favor, but only in human terms (See also Judges 7:12 and 2 Chronicles 20:12ff).  They also had the new technology of chariots.  These would be hard to face for foot soldiers.  (A side note - Mizpeh or Mizpah is mentioned in Genesis 31:49 with another stone heap.)

(11:6-9) Even though the odds are overwhelmingly against them, once again God tells Joshua and the Israelites not to be afraid because it is already a “done deal” that they will win.  They still have to be obedient and fight, but they can fight knowing that victory is certain.  We too can fight our battle against sin and this world knowing that victory is certain.  We know the end of the story - God wins.  Therefore, we don’t have to be afraid, either.  Joshua uses good battle strategy here with a surprise attack in the mountains where their chariots will be difficult or impossible to use.  God tells them to disable the chariots by hamstringing the horses so there is nothing to pull the chariots.  This also keeps Israel from being reliant on the horses and new technology themselves rather than being reliant on God (see also Deuteronomy 17:16).  Then they can burn the chariots.  Joshua does everything exactly as the Lord has commanded.

(11:10-15) Joshua continues to obey what has been the decree all along.  These people are being punished for their iniquity and are feeling the wrath of the Lord.  Joshua and Israel are simply part of the way God is dealing with this punishment.  The Reformation Study Bible notes, “Faith and obedience cannot be separated, for obedience is the necessary fruit of faith, although the obedience of sinners is never meritorious for salvation.” and “Faith is confidence based on God’s promise.”  Joshua obeys Moses and, therefore, God, in everything he was told to do.

(11:16-20) Joshua fights these northern cities for a long time, some say around a year.  One source I looked at said that, by this time, it has been five to seven years since they crossed the Jordan and defeated Jericho.  These chapters are greatly condensed in their telling of the events.  Israel has had victory in the North and in the South, so they “possess” the land, but there is still much to do to fully occupy it and drive out all the inhabitants (See Joshua 13:1).  Verse 20 points us to God’s sovereignty (see also Exodus 10:1,2; Mark 6:51-52; John 6:44 and 12:39-40; Romans 9:14-29 and 11:7-10; 1 Peter 3:20).  

(11:21-23) The Anakim are the giants who frightened the previous generation of Israelites into disobedience (Deuteronomy 1:28 and 2:10-12).  Gath and Ashdod are Philistine cities, which fight with King David, beginning with Goliath of Gath, another giant.  Joshua divides the country up as an inheritance in chapters 13-21.  Joshua has finished the job and led the people into rest, just as Jesus finished His job on the cross and leads us to an even greater rest (see also Hebrews 4:8-10 and Revelation 14:13).

(12:1-6) This is a summary chapter of all the lands conquered by Moses and Joshua.  Note that even the battles attributed to Moses were led by Joshua as the captain of the army.  God is faithful and powerful.  He kept His promise to Abraham to bring his descendants into the Promised Land to possess it and He has made it possible for many cities much more powerful than the Israelites to be defeated.  (A side note - the Jabobok is the location where Jacob wrestled with God in Genesis 32:22ff.)

(12:7-24) The names of these kings are not important.  The cities are what is important because the promise was about the land, not about the people defeated (Deuteronomy 7:24).  

Question 1: Did it matter that the number of the enemy was as many as the sand on the seashore?  Why or why not?  How does God encourage Joshua in the face of such a large enemy?

No, God can defeat any enemy, no matter how large.  He encourages Joshua by telling him that the battle is already won.  (How often do I forget that God is greater than any enemy of my life?  Philippians 1:6 is a promise - He will finish His work in us.)

Question 2:  Why was is necessary for Israel to completely wipe out the Canaanites?  Use previous lessons and Scripture from the New Testament to support your thoughts.  

They needed to be separate and not be influenced by idol worshipers.  They needed to make sure that they were not joined with those who would pull them away.  See 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 for example.  

Applications:  We need to obediently finish the work that God has set before us, knowing that victory is already assured. The battle is already won.  We just need to fix our eyes on God, follow Him, and obey each step of the way and He will handle everything else.