The biblical account of Joshua leading the Israelites against the Amorites is a significant event that showcases the disciplined and divinely guided military strategy of the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. This event is recorded in the Book of Joshua, primarily in chapters 10 and 11, where the Israelites engage in a series of battles against the Amorite kings.

Background and Context

The Amorites were a formidable group of Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land west of the Jordan River. As the Israelites, under Joshua's command, entered the Promised Land, they encountered various Canaanite coalitions, including the Amorites, who opposed their advance. The campaign against the Amorites is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The March in Ranks

Joshua's military strategy was characterized by obedience to God's commands and a well-organized approach to warfare. The Israelites marched in ranks, demonstrating discipline and unity as they advanced against their enemies. This orderly formation was crucial for maintaining cohesion and effectiveness in battle.

In Joshua 10, the narrative describes how five Amorite kings formed an alliance to attack Gibeon, a city that had made peace with Israel. In response, Joshua led the Israelite army on an all-night march from Gilgal to Gibeon, covering a significant distance to surprise the Amorite coalition. The text emphasizes the swiftness and determination of the Israelite forces: "So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his whole army, including all the mighty men of valor" (Joshua 10:7).

Divine Intervention and Victory

The battle against the Amorites is marked by divine intervention, underscoring the belief that the Israelites' success was due to God's direct involvement. As the Israelites engaged the Amorites, the Lord threw the enemy into confusion, allowing Joshua's forces to gain the upper hand. The text records a miraculous event where God hurled large hailstones from the sky, causing more casualties among the Amorites than the Israelites did with the sword (Joshua 10:11).

Furthermore, Joshua's famous command for the sun to stand still over Gibeon and the moon over the Valley of Aijalon is a pivotal moment in the battle. The Lord heeded Joshua's request, prolonging the daylight to ensure a complete victory: "So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies" (Joshua 10:13).

Aftermath and Continued Campaigns

Following the decisive victory at Gibeon, Joshua continued to lead the Israelites in a series of successful campaigns against the Amorite cities. The disciplined march in ranks and reliance on divine guidance remained central to their strategy. The conquest of the Amorite territories was part of the broader campaign to secure the land of Canaan for the Israelites, as commanded by God.

The account of Joshua's campaigns against the Amorites serves as a powerful example of faith, obedience, and the importance of divine support in achieving victory. The Israelites' ability to march in ranks and execute God's commands with precision highlights the significance of order and unity in fulfilling God's purposes.Joshua 10:6,9
And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not your hand from your servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us.
Nave's Topical Index

The Reaction against Egypt
... continued, in spite of them, to march southward, and ... Lycians, Mysians, Dardanians,
were the national armies of these ... first year of Seti, among the ranks of the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... river, the river Kishon."O my soul, march on with ... the head of his own contingent.*
Their armies were made ... migration, which is given summarily in Joshua 19:47 ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... A day's march beyond Kabr Abu-Atish brings us ... Their armies were modelled on similar
lines, and ... became henceforth the centre of operations against the mountain ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... He could either continue his march westwards, and, penetrating ... meeting on equal terms
the armies of Damascus ... Joshua's Song of Victory over the Amorites (Joshua ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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