Joshua 11:3 serves to show the widespread coalition of enemies against Israel and God’s plan.
“To the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite and the Hittite, and the Perizzite and the Jebusite in the hill country, and the Hivite at the foot of Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.” (v.3) This verse in Joshua sets the scene by describing multiple tribal groups that inhabited the land during the time of Israel’s conquest. The Canaanite often refers to the general population living in the broad region known as Canaan, a territory stretching from the Mediterranean coast inland across the Jordan River in the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1550-1200 BC). The Amorite people are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament; throughout the patriarchal period (roughly 2000-1500 BC), they were considered a significant people group in the hill country. This listing of peoples underlines the vast array of communities Joshua and the Israelites would encounter.
Next, the Hittite is mentioned. Although well-known for the powerful Hittite Empire that peaked around the 14th century BC in the regions of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), small groups of Hittites also occupied portions of Canaan. The Perizzites are believed to have been rural settlers scattered within Canaan’s interior. The inclusion of the Jebusites, who inhabited Jerusalem during this period, points to the strategic central highlands. When Joshua eventually conquered much of southern Canaan, Jerusalem still remained under Jebusite control until King David took it many years later, around 1003 BC (2 Samuel 5:6-7). The Hivite at the foot of Hermon in the land of Mizpeh indicates the northern region near Mount Hermon. Mount Hermon towers in the far north of the land, and the reference to Mizpeh pinpoints an elevated vantage point that was often used for watchtowers or boundary markers.
“…and the Hivite at the foot of Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.” (v.3) also reveals the breadth of Joshua’s campaign. The foot of Hermon is a fertile but mountainous area, presenting both geographical and military challenges. Moses anticipated these varied inhabitants back in Deuteronomy, and he promised the Lord’s victory (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). This Old Testament conquest echoes the sovereignty of God fulfilled through His agent Joshua: it foreshadows the more comprehensive redemption found in Jesus, whose own mission was not just to establish physical territory but to bring spiritual freedom (Ephesians 6:12).
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Joshua 11:3 meaning
“To the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite and the Hittite, and the Perizzite and the Jebusite in the hill country, and the Hivite at the foot of Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.” (v.3) This verse in Joshua sets the scene by describing multiple tribal groups that inhabited the land during the time of Israel’s conquest. The Canaanite often refers to the general population living in the broad region known as Canaan, a territory stretching from the Mediterranean coast inland across the Jordan River in the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1550-1200 BC). The Amorite people are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament; throughout the patriarchal period (roughly 2000-1500 BC), they were considered a significant people group in the hill country. This listing of peoples underlines the vast array of communities Joshua and the Israelites would encounter.
Next, the Hittite is mentioned. Although well-known for the powerful Hittite Empire that peaked around the 14th century BC in the regions of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), small groups of Hittites also occupied portions of Canaan. The Perizzites are believed to have been rural settlers scattered within Canaan’s interior. The inclusion of the Jebusites, who inhabited Jerusalem during this period, points to the strategic central highlands. When Joshua eventually conquered much of southern Canaan, Jerusalem still remained under Jebusite control until King David took it many years later, around 1003 BC (2 Samuel 5:6-7). The Hivite at the foot of Hermon in the land of Mizpeh indicates the northern region near Mount Hermon. Mount Hermon towers in the far north of the land, and the reference to Mizpeh pinpoints an elevated vantage point that was often used for watchtowers or boundary markers.
“…and the Hivite at the foot of Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.” (v.3) also reveals the breadth of Joshua’s campaign. The foot of Hermon is a fertile but mountainous area, presenting both geographical and military challenges. Moses anticipated these varied inhabitants back in Deuteronomy, and he promised the Lord’s victory (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). This Old Testament conquest echoes the sovereignty of God fulfilled through His agent Joshua: it foreshadows the more comprehensive redemption found in Jesus, whose own mission was not just to establish physical territory but to bring spiritual freedom (Ephesians 6:12).