These united Canaanite efforts starkly contrast with the unstoppable progress of God’s plan.
Joshua 11:1 states, “Then it came about, when Jabin king of Hazor heard of it, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon and to the king of Shimron and to the king of Achshaph,” (v.1). Here, we see Jabin, who reigned in Hazor, an influential city in northern Canaan located strategically north of the Sea of Galilee. During the late Bronze Age (around 1400-1390 BC), Hazor was considered a dominant regional power. Jabin’s action of summoning other kings shows his intent to form an alliance against Israel, illustrating the ever-escalating resistance that Joshua and the Israelites encountered after their prior victories. This passage highlights the united front of Canaanite kings aiming to halt Israel’s advance, a continued theme of opposition that resonates with the earlier events recorded in the book of Joshua.
When the text says, “Then it came about, when Jabin king of Hazor heard of it,” (v.1), the phrase “heard of it” points back to the Israelites’ recent conquests, including their notable victory over the southern coalition chronicled in the preceding chapter. By sending word to Jobab of Madon, and the kings of Shimron and Achshaph, Jabin clearly hoped to strengthen regional bonds against Israel. Achshaph lay in the northern region as well, and Shimron’s territory was likely nestled among or near the hills of Lower Galilee, reinforcing the historical reality that these city-states banded together for survival. Jabin’s proactive approach reveals both his fear and his determination to stop what he believed to be a growing threat, consistent with a broader scriptural pattern where earthly rulers often unite against God’s chosen people (see Psalm 2:1-2).
“Then it came about…” also underscores a divinely orchestrated sequence, reminding us that none of these events occurred randomly. God continued to guide Israel’s conquests, as He had promised from the time of Moses (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). In linking God’s sovereignty in the Old Testament to the New Testament, we remember that all power ultimately finds its source in the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18). Regardless of how imposing these earthly alliances might appear, Scripture consistently shows that God’s purpose for His people stands firm.
Joshua demonstrates faithfulness and confidence in God’s promises despite formidable coalitions, foreshadowing Jesus’s words that His followers should not fear great opposition (John 16:33).
Set to dark mode
Joshua 11:1 meaning
Joshua 11:1 states, “Then it came about, when Jabin king of Hazor heard of it, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon and to the king of Shimron and to the king of Achshaph,” (v.1). Here, we see Jabin, who reigned in Hazor, an influential city in northern Canaan located strategically north of the Sea of Galilee. During the late Bronze Age (around 1400-1390 BC), Hazor was considered a dominant regional power. Jabin’s action of summoning other kings shows his intent to form an alliance against Israel, illustrating the ever-escalating resistance that Joshua and the Israelites encountered after their prior victories. This passage highlights the united front of Canaanite kings aiming to halt Israel’s advance, a continued theme of opposition that resonates with the earlier events recorded in the book of Joshua.
When the text says, “Then it came about, when Jabin king of Hazor heard of it,” (v.1), the phrase “heard of it” points back to the Israelites’ recent conquests, including their notable victory over the southern coalition chronicled in the preceding chapter. By sending word to Jobab of Madon, and the kings of Shimron and Achshaph, Jabin clearly hoped to strengthen regional bonds against Israel. Achshaph lay in the northern region as well, and Shimron’s territory was likely nestled among or near the hills of Lower Galilee, reinforcing the historical reality that these city-states banded together for survival. Jabin’s proactive approach reveals both his fear and his determination to stop what he believed to be a growing threat, consistent with a broader scriptural pattern where earthly rulers often unite against God’s chosen people (see Psalm 2:1-2).
“Then it came about…” also underscores a divinely orchestrated sequence, reminding us that none of these events occurred randomly. God continued to guide Israel’s conquests, as He had promised from the time of Moses (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). In linking God’s sovereignty in the Old Testament to the New Testament, we remember that all power ultimately finds its source in the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18). Regardless of how imposing these earthly alliances might appear, Scripture consistently shows that God’s purpose for His people stands firm.
Joshua demonstrates faithfulness and confidence in God’s promises despite formidable coalitions, foreshadowing Jesus’s words that His followers should not fear great opposition (John 16:33).