God empowered Israel to conquer the land against all odds.
As the LORD recounts the nation’s journey, He declares: “And you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho; and the citizens of Jericho fought against you, and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Girgashite, the Hivite and the Jebusite. Thus I gave them into your hand.” (v.11) In this verse, Joshua reminds the Israelites that their crossing of the Jordan River, which took place around 1406 BC, was accomplished by God’s hand and not by their own might. Jericho, an ancient city near the lower portion of the Jordan, served as Israel’s first military challenge upon entering the land. The people who fought against them—the Amorite, Perizzite, Canaanite, Hittite, Girgashite, Hivite, and Jebusite—were significant tribes that inhabited Canaan, many of whom occupied strategic locations including mountain regions, fertile plains, and fortified cities. The Jebusites, for instance, would later remain in the fortified city of Jerusalem until the time of King David.By highlighting this historical moment, “Thus I gave them into your hand” (v.11), the LORD stresses that He is the one who granted the Israelites victory over these nations. Although Joshua led the military efforts, God’s presence and promise were always the decisive factors determining Israel’s success. The account of Jericho’s walls collapsing further underscores the supernatural intervention at work (Joshua 6:20). From the perspective of the Israelites, the crossing of the Jordan was more than merely traversing a boundary—it was a covenantal event that connected their obedience to God’s Word with His tangible blessing and protection.This verse also serves as a reminder of the LORD’s fulfillment of earlier promises made to the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that their descendants would inhabit the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7; 15:18-21). Despite the formidable opposition from multiple nations, God’s faithfulness remained evident. In the broader book of Joshua, the same unwavering support from the LORD would continue as the Israelites established themselves in the Promised Land, so long as they held fast to His covenant and commandments.
Set to dark mode
Joshua 24:11 meaning
As the LORD recounts the nation’s journey, He declares: “And you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho; and the citizens of Jericho fought against you, and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Girgashite, the Hivite and the Jebusite. Thus I gave them into your hand.” (v.11) In this verse, Joshua reminds the Israelites that their crossing of the Jordan River, which took place around 1406 BC, was accomplished by God’s hand and not by their own might. Jericho, an ancient city near the lower portion of the Jordan, served as Israel’s first military challenge upon entering the land. The people who fought against them—the Amorite, Perizzite, Canaanite, Hittite, Girgashite, Hivite, and Jebusite—were significant tribes that inhabited Canaan, many of whom occupied strategic locations including mountain regions, fertile plains, and fortified cities. The Jebusites, for instance, would later remain in the fortified city of Jerusalem until the time of King David.By highlighting this historical moment, “Thus I gave them into your hand” (v.11), the LORD stresses that He is the one who granted the Israelites victory over these nations. Although Joshua led the military efforts, God’s presence and promise were always the decisive factors determining Israel’s success. The account of Jericho’s walls collapsing further underscores the supernatural intervention at work (Joshua 6:20). From the perspective of the Israelites, the crossing of the Jordan was more than merely traversing a boundary—it was a covenantal event that connected their obedience to God’s Word with His tangible blessing and protection.This verse also serves as a reminder of the LORD’s fulfillment of earlier promises made to the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that their descendants would inhabit the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7; 15:18-21). Despite the formidable opposition from multiple nations, God’s faithfulness remained evident. In the broader book of Joshua, the same unwavering support from the LORD would continue as the Israelites established themselves in the Promised Land, so long as they held fast to His covenant and commandments.