and to the kings who were in the northern hill country, and in the Arabah south of Chinneroth, and in the lowland, and in Naphoth-dor on the west,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just listing geography; it's painting a picture of a widespread alliance united against Israel. Notice how "the valley" follows the description of the plains south of Chinneroth – it subtly highlights the diverse terrains these kings controlled, showing the breadth of the opposition Israel faced.
and to the kings who were in the northern hill country, and in the Arabah south of Chinneroth, and in the lowland, and in Naphoth-dor on the west,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Joshua's decisive victory over the southern kings, a massive coalition of northern rulers, fearing the Israelites' advance, forms to confront them. This verse lists the diverse geographical locations and the kings leading these united forces, setting the stage for Joshua's swift and divinely-aided campaign against this formidable alliance. After this, Joshua will utterly defeat them, securing more territory for Israel.
Joshua's victories in the south were legendary, but the battle wasn't over. This verse reveals a new, broader coalition of enemies gathering.
The initial conquest of Canaan focused on the southern kingdoms, culminating in the victory at Makkedah (Joshua 10). However, this verse shows that the threat was far from eliminated. A new confederacy of kings formed in the northern territories, stretching from the mountainous regions to the coastal plains.
This indicates God's strategic unfolding of the conquest. He didn't expose Israel to all their enemies at once. Instead, He allowed them to gain victories, build confidence, and then revealed the next stage of the challenge. This approach demonstrates God's care for His people, pacing the difficulties to strengthen their faith rather than overwhelming them.
Think of it like a video game: God doesn't throw the final boss at you in the first level. He gives you intermediate challenges to equip you for the greater ones ahead. This northern coalition was the next level for Israel.
The northern kings brought a formidable arsenal. Why did Joshua destroy their horses and chariots instead of using them?
This northern coalition was equipped with horses and chariots, a significant military advantage that Israel lacked. The texts mention their shock at this array, as horses and chariots were used in sophisticated warfare.
However, God's command to Joshua was explicit: 'Be not afraid because of them, for tomorrow about this time I will deliver them up all slain before Israel. You shall hough their horses and burn their chariots with fire' (Joshua 11:6, 9). This wasn't just about winning a battle; it was about ensuring Israel's complete dependence on God.
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By destroying this military hardware, God stripped Israel of any temptation to rely on their own strength or the enemy's tactics. It reinforced the principle that their victories came from God alone, not from superior weaponry or strategy. This kept their focus on divine power, a crucial lesson for continued faithfulness.
This verse marks the formation of a formidable northern Canaanite alliance, demonstrating that the conquest was not a single event but a protracted series of military engagements against increasingly consolidated opposition.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites enter Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt and 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, cross the Jordan River and begin the conquest of the land of Canaan.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Southern Canaan
Joshua leads initial campaigns against the southern city-states, famously defeating a coalition of kings at Gibeon and capturing key cities like Jerusalem, Hebron, and Lachish.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Coalition of Northern Kings Forms
In response to the successful Israelite advance, numerous Canaanite kings in the northern regions of the land form a powerful alliance, amassing a large army with chariots and horses.
c. 1400 BC
Battle of Merom Waters
Joshua, empowered by God's promise, launches a surprise attack on the allied northern kings at the Waters of Merom, decisively defeating them and scattering their forces.
c. 1400 BC
Destruction of Hazor
The main stronghold of the northern coalition, Hazor, is captured and destroyed by Joshua. Its king is executed, and the city is burned.
c. 1400 BC
Continued Conquest
Following the victory at Merom, Joshua continues his campaigns, systematically conquering the remaining northern territories and subduing other kings and their cities.
This passage shows that the Israelites didn't fully drive out the Canaanites from cities like Beth-shean and its villages, Taanach and its villages, and the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, mirroring the ongoing resistance Joshua faced.
Psalm 83:3-5This psalm echoes the sentiment of the northern kings forming a confederacy against God's people, listing similar regions and peoples that Joshua encountered in his northern campaign.
1 Kings 4:11This verse mentions 'all the land of Dor the daughter of Solomon,' linking the region of Dor, mentioned in Joshua's conquest, to a later period and highlighting its strategic importance.
Exodus 23:27-28This passage is a promise from God that He would send His terror before the Israelites and drive out the inhabitants before them, which is precisely what happened to these northern kings and their armies.
Deuteronomy 7:1-2This passage outlines God's command to Joshua and Israel to utterly destroy the nations in the land, providing the divine mandate and context for the complete conquest Joshua was executing against these kings.
calvinJoshua 11:1-15: "And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,"
And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shall hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.
Dixit autem Jehova ad Josuam, Ne timeas a facie eorum: cras enim hoc tempore tradam omnes istos occisos…
bensonJoshua 11:2: "And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,"
Joshua 11:2 . On the north of the mountains — Rather, according to the Hebrew, On the north in the mountain. That is, either mount Lebanon, called the mountain by way of eminence, or in the mountainous country. This seems to be the general designation of all the particular places following: they were in the northern parts of Ca…
This verse isn't just listing geography; it's painting a picture of a widespread alliance united against Israel. Notice how "the valley" follows the description of the plains south of Chinneroth – it subtly highlights the diverse terrains these kings controlled, showing the breadth of the opposition Israel faced.
Following Joshua's decisive victory over the southern kings, a massive coalition of northern rulers, fearing the Israelites' advance, forms to confront them. This verse lists the diverse geographical locations and the kings leading these united forces, setting the stage for Joshua's swift and divinely-aided campaign against this formidable alliance. After this, Joshua will utterly defeat them, securing more territory for Israel.
Following Joshua's decisive victory over the southern kings, a massive coalition of northern rulers, fearing the Israelites' advance, forms to confront them. This verse lists the diverse geographical locations and the kings leading these united forces, setting the stage for Joshua's swift and divinely-aided campaign against this formidable alliance. After this, Joshua will utterly defeat them, securing more territory for Israel.
"and to the kings who were in the northern hill country, and in the Arabah south of Chinneroth, and in the lowland, and in Naphoth-dor on the west," — This verse isn't just listing geography; it's painting a picture of a widespread alliance united against Israel. Notice how "the valley" follows the description of the plains south of Chinneroth – it…
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Last reviewed October 2026