The Conquest of the Hill Country, Negev, and Western Foothills is a significant event in the biblical narrative of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land, as recorded in the Book of Joshua. This conquest is part of the larger campaign led by Joshua, the successor of Moses, to claim the land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Biblical Context

Following the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho, the Israelites embarked on a series of military campaigns to take possession of Canaan. The conquest of the Hill Country, Negev, and Western Foothills is detailed in Joshua 10 and 11, where Joshua leads the Israelites in a divinely sanctioned campaign against the Canaanite kings and their cities.

The Hill Country

The Hill Country, often referred to as the "hill country of Judah," is a region characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic importance. It includes key cities such as Hebron and Debir. In Joshua 10:36-39 , the narrative describes how Joshua and the Israelites captured Hebron, Debir, and other cities, utterly destroying them as commanded by God. The text emphasizes the totality of the conquest: "He left no survivors. He utterly destroyed all who breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded" (Joshua 10:40).

The Negev

The Negev is a desert region in the southern part of Canaan. Its conquest is briefly mentioned in the context of the broader southern campaign. Joshua 10:40 states, "So Joshua conquered the whole region—the hill country, the Negev, the foothills, and the slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors. He utterly destroyed all who breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded." The Negev's inclusion in the conquest highlights the comprehensive nature of Joshua's campaign.

The Western Foothills

The Western Foothills, also known as the Shephelah, is a region of rolling hills between the coastal plain and the central highlands. This area was home to several Canaanite cities and was strategically important for controlling access to the interior of the land. Joshua 10:41 notes the extent of the conquest: "Joshua conquered them from Kadesh-barnea to Gaza, and from the whole region of Goshen to Gibeon."

Divine Assistance and Fulfillment of Promises

Throughout the conquest, the biblical narrative emphasizes the role of divine assistance. The LORD fought for Israel, as seen in the miraculous events such as the sun standing still at Gibeon (Joshua 10:12-14). The successful conquest of these regions is portrayed as the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, demonstrating His faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His commands.

Significance in Israelite History

The conquest of the Hill Country, Negev, and Western Foothills was crucial for establishing Israelite control over Canaan. It allowed the tribes of Israel to settle in their allotted territories, as described in the subsequent chapters of Joshua. This event set the stage for the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's covenant, with the land serving as a tangible sign of His promises.