Lessons on unity from Joshua 11:3?
What can we learn about unity from the coalition against Israel in Joshua 11:3?

Setting the Scene

• Israel, under Joshua’s leadership, has seen repeated victories (Joshua 10).

• News of these triumphs terrifies Canaan’s remaining kings.

• Jabin of Hazor gathers a vast alliance to confront Israel.


A Closer Look at Joshua 11:3

“to the Canaanites in the east and in the west, to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, and Jebusites in the hill country, and to the Hivites below Hermon in the land of Mizpah.”

• Six distinct people groups answer Jabin’s summons.

• Geography spans east, west, hill country, and northern heights—an unprecedented breadth of cooperation.

• Common ground: not shared culture, language, or religion, but a mutual desire to stop God’s covenant people.


Unity on the Wrong Side

• Alignment can be driven by fear rather than conviction.

• A shared enemy often produces quicker cohesion than shared values.

• Temporary success: armies gather (v. 4) like “sand on the seashore,” yet fall in one day (v. 8–11).

Psalm 2:1–4 echoes this pattern: nations rage together, but the Lord “sits in the heavens and laughs.”


Lessons for God’s People Today

• Unity is powerful, even for those opposed to God—how much more when believers unite under truth (John 17:20–23).

• Size and diversity of an opposition do not unsettle God’s plans (Isaiah 8:9–10).

• Spiritual battles are rarely one-on-one; expect coalitions against obedience (Ephesians 6:12).

• Evaluate alliances: Are we drawn together by truth or by a shared dislike of someone/something?


Practical Takeaways

• Guard motives—true unity flows from love and obedience, not reactionary fear.

• Stand firm—opposition’s scope does not predict outcome; God’s word does (Romans 8:31).

• Foster godly unity—rally around Christ, not merely against cultural trends (Philippians 1:27).

• Remember the end—coalitions opposing God collapse, but those who trust Him endure (Revelation 17:14).

How does Joshua 11:3 demonstrate God's sovereignty over diverse nations and peoples?
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