What is the meaning of Joshua 11:3? To the Canaanites in the east and west “to the Canaanites in the east and west” (Joshua 11:3) • “East and west” stretches from the Jordan Valley to the Mediterranean coast (Joshua 5:1; Deuteronomy 1:7). The phrase shows the attempted encirclement of Israel—an enemy front on both flanks. • The Canaanites are the namesake inhabitants of the land (Genesis 12:6). Their inclusion reminds readers that God is now fulfilling His centuries-old promise to dispossess them (Genesis 15:18-21; Exodus 23:27). • Israel had already defeated eastern Canaanite kings at Jericho and Ai (Joshua 6–8) and had heard the coastal kings’ hearts melt (Joshua 5:1). This verse therefore previews another complete triumph that only God could secure (Joshua 10:42). Takeaway: Even when opposition rises on every side, God’s prior promises guarantee the outcome for His people (Romans 8:31). To the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, and Jebusites in the hill country “to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, and Jebusites in the hill country” • Amorites – dominant highland dwellers already beaten in the south (Joshua 10:5-11). Their renewed presence shows sin’s resilience, yet also God’s consistent victory (Genesis 15:16). • Hittites – pockets of a once-mighty empire (Genesis 23:10). Their mention testifies that no worldly prestige can stand before the Lord (Psalm 33:10-11). • Perizzites – rural highlanders (Genesis 34:30) who illustrate that both city and countryside oppose Israel—but neither is exempt from judgment (Deuteronomy 20:17). • Jebusites – guardians of Jerusalem (Judges 1:8, 21). Though they will linger until David’s day (2 Samuel 5:6-7), their name here signals that their defeat is already on God’s timetable. Bullet-pointed geography: – The “hill country” runs north-south through central Canaan (Numbers 13:29). – Its ridges offered natural fortresses, yet God repeatedly overturned those advantages (Joshua 10:11; 1 Samuel 17:45-47). Takeaway: A multi-ethnic, strategically positioned force cannot overturn the Lord’s decree (Psalm 2:1-6). To the Hivites at the foot of Hermon in the land of Mizpah “and to the Hivites at the foot of Hermon in the land of Mizpah” • Location – Mount Hermon anchors the far north of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 3:8-9). Mizpah (“watchtower”) likely refers to a broad plateau where armies could rally. • The Hivites had earlier used deception at Gibeon (Joshua 9:3-15). Their northern kinsmen now join open warfare, showing that deceit and open hostility alike oppose God’s plan. • By spanning from Hermon to the coast, the coalition covers the entire length of Canaan (Joshua 11:17). The text highlights how comprehensive the threat—and therefore how comprehensive the coming victory—will be (Judges 3:3). Takeaway: God’s promises extend to the borders He sets; no distant stronghold lies beyond His reach (Psalm 139:7-10). summary Joshua 11:3 catalogs a vast coalition—from coastal Canaanites to northern Hivites and every strategic tribe between—gathered to crush Israel. The verse’s sweeping geography stresses that Israel faced simultaneous, region-wide hostility. Yet, set between God’s earlier victories (Joshua 6–10) and His forthcoming triumph (Joshua 11:6-15), the list ultimately showcases the Lord’s sovereignty. Every foe, famous or obscure, highland or lowland, must bow to the covenant promise first spoken to Abraham and now realized under Joshua. |
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