to the Canaanites in the east and the west, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, and the Jebusites in the hill country, and the Hivites under Hermon in the land of Mizpah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice how the verse lists specific locations and groups like "Jebusites in the mountains" and "Hivites under Hermon." This isn't just a roll call of enemies; it highlights that God's promised land was already occupied, and conquering it meant dislodging diverse peoples from their specific strongholds. It underscores that God's promise wasn't to an empty land, but to a land filled with His people's future, even in the face of existing inhabitants.
to the Canaanites in the east and the west, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, and the Jebusites in the hill country, and the Hivites under Hermon in the land of Mizpah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After significant victories in the south, Joshua now faces a massive coalition of northern kings, led by Jabin of Hazor, who have gathered their forces near the waters of Merom. This verse details the extensive reach of this alliance, listing various Canaanite groups and their locations, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean coast and as far north as Mount Hermon, highlighting the formidable opposition Israel was up against. God assures Joshua of victory, commanding him to cripple the enemy's military strength by destroying their horses and chariots, thereby forcing reliance solely on divine power.
Ever feel like you're facing an overwhelming force? This verse reveals a massive, coordinated opposition.
Joshua 11:3 lists an impressive roster of nations – Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, and Hivites. This isn't just a random collection of tribes; it's a united front, a formidable alliance assembled by Jabin, the king of Hazor, to crush Israel.
The Scope of the Threat
This grand coalition highlights the intense spiritual warfare at play. It wasn't just a territorial dispute; it was a battle for the very presence of God in the land.
Where exactly were these people, and what made them so distinct yet united?
Joshua 11:3 doesn't just list names; it gives us clues about their locations and identities, painting a vivid picture of the land and its inhabitants.
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Key Players and Places
Understanding these distinct groups and their locations helps us grasp the complexity of the conquest and the comprehensive nature of the alliance arrayed against Israel.
Understand the original words
kena'ani · Hebrew Noun
A collective term for the inhabitants of the land of Canaan, often representing the various idolatrous nations that occupied the Promised Land before the Israelite conquest. They were noted for their polytheistic religion and moral corruption.
'emori · Hebrew Noun
One of the major ethnic groups inhabiting Canaan; the term is often used as a general designation for the inhabitants of the mountainous regions of Canaan or as a representative of the pre-Israelite peoples.
chitti · Hebrew Noun
A people group of Indo-European origin who settled in parts of the Near East; they were a significant political and military power in the ancient world and one of the nations Israel was instructed to dispossess.
perizzi · Hebrew Noun
One of the various indigenous nations of Canaan listed as enemies of Israel; their name appears frequently in the biblical lists of nations that were to be driven out of the Promised Land.
yebusi · Hebrew Noun
A specific group of people inhabiting the region of Jerusalem prior to its conquest by David; they were part of the coalition of nations identified as obstacles to Israel's occupation of the land.
chivvi · Hebrew Noun
An ethnic or social group listed among the inhabitants of Canaan, often associated with the region near the base of Mount Hermon or in the central hill country.
This verse lists the diverse peoples and regions that formed a formidable northern alliance against Israel, highlighting the strategic complexity and widespread opposition Joshua faced after his initial southern victories.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Enter Promised Land
Following their exodus from Egypt and 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, begin their conquest of Canaan.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Southern Canaan
Joshua and the Israelites achieve initial victories, conquering key cities and defeating armies in the southern regions of Canaan.
c. 1400 BC
Formation of Northern Canaanite Alliance
Alarmed by Israel's rapid advance, numerous northern Canaanite kings, led by Jabin of Hazor, form a large confederacy to confront Joshua.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Battle of the Waters of Merom
Joshua, encouraged by God, launches a surprise attack on the allied Canaanite forces by the Waters of Merom, decisively defeating them.
c. 1400 BC
Destruction of Hazor
Following the battle, Joshua captures and utterly destroys Hazor, the strategic capital of the northern Canaanite coalition, burning it to the ground.
c. 1400 BC
Continued Conquest of Northern Canaan
Joshua systematically campaigns against the remaining cities and kings in the north, securing significant portions of the land.
This passage lists the same Canaanite tribes that Joshua is now confronting, highlighting the long-standing presence and divine judgment against them.
Deuteronomy 7:1-2God explicitly commands Israel to drive out these nations, setting the stage for the conquest Joshua is now executing and the reasons behind it.
Judges 1:27-33This passage shows how Israel failed to fully dispossess some of these same tribes, illustrating the consequences of incomplete obedience compared to Joshua's thorough conquest in this chapter.
Psalm 20:7This verse reflects on trusting in God rather than military might, paralleling Joshua's command to destroy horses and chariots, emphasizing reliance on the Lord.
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…
clarkeJoshua 11:3: "And to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh."
The Canaanite on the east, etc. - Those who dwelt on the borders of Jordan, south of the sea of Tiberias. On the west - Those were the Phoenicians who dwelt on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, from Dor northwards, on the way to Mount Libanus. - Calmet. The Hivite under Hermon - Mount H…
Notice how the verse lists specific locations and groups like "Jebusites in the mountains" and "Hivites under Hermon." This isn't just a roll call of enemies; it highlights that God's promised land was already occupied, and conquering it meant dislodging diverse peoples from their specific strongholds. It underscores that God's promise wasn't to an empty land, but to a land filled with His people's future, even in the face of existing inhabitants.
After significant victories in the south, Joshua now faces a massive coalition of northern kings, led by Jabin of Hazor, who have gathered their forces near the waters of Merom. This verse details the extensive reach of this alliance, listing various Canaanite groups and their locations, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean coast and as far north as Mount Hermon, highlighting the formidable opposition Israel was up against. God assures Joshua of victory, commanding him to cripple the enemy's military strength by destroying their horses and chariots, thereby forcing reliance solely on divine power.
After significant victories in the south, Joshua now faces a massive coalition of northern kings, led by Jabin of Hazor, who have gathered their forces near the waters of Merom. This verse details the extensive reach of this alliance, listing various Canaanite groups and their locations, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean coast and as far north as Mount Hermon, highlighting the formidable opposition Israel was up against. God assures Joshua of victory, commanding him to cripple the enemy's military strength by destroying their horses and chariots, thereby forcing reliance solely on divine power.
"to the Canaanites in the east and the west, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, and the Jebusites in the hill country, and the Hivites under Hermon in the land of Mizpah." — Notice how the verse lists specific locations and groups like "Jebusites in the mountains" and "Hivites under Hermon." This isn't just a roll call of enemies; it highlights that God's promised land w…
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Last reviewed October 2026