GATHERING OPPOSITION

As the people of Israel continued their march across the land, their successes brought a unity of desperation to the groups of people, tribes, and nations that were being displaced. Five kings in the south united their armies (see Joshua 10:5).

Then the nations of the north brought together “all their troops and a large number of horses and chariots—a huge army, as numerous as the sand on the seashore” (Joshua 11:4). Whatever conflicts existed between these diverse peoples and their kings, they were put aside in their common opposition to the advance of the people of Israel.

If the Israelites had been confronted by these large armies when they first crossed the Jordan River, they might well have melted away themselves.

But their courage grew with successive smaller victories and their growing experience, as did their trust in God. Facing these increasing numbers and increasing desperation, God’s message was the same: “Do not be afraid of them” (see also Joshua 11:6).

Against the southern armies, God caused confusion among these armies, then sent a severe hailstorm and caused the sun to stand still to allow the battle to continue. In the north, the battle was summarized: “The LORD gave them into the hand of Israel” (Joshua 11:8). Although these were daunting armies, Israel’s two victories were decisive in bringing an end to the military campaign sooner than might have otherwise been possible.

While the kings conspired in fierce opposition to the Israelites, their unity meant they were all defeated together, and the plan that God had outlined to both Moses and Joshua was completed. This was a significant milestone in the Bible story.

The land was given to the people as had been promised to their ancestors centuries before, and “then the land had rest from war” (Joshua 11:23).