Joshua 10:16-12:24

               Continued from the last section, with the five kings. They were hiding in the cave at Makkedah. Instead of taking the time to execute the kings, Joshua ordered for the kings to remained guarded in the cave, even rolling a big rock to keep them from escape. The Israelites continued their attack on the army. They almost got everyone, but some were able to reach their fortified cities, so they had to stop their advance and returned to their camp in Makkedah. Joshua said to the Israelites, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.” This has been their phrase for this who campaign. “Strong and Courageous” This was what God told Joshua at the beginning of the Book three time within the first nine verse. Before Joshua had these kings executed, he instructed for the chiefs to put their feet on the necks of the defeated kings. This was the sign of complete defeat of the army.

               With the defeat of these five kings, it sealed the deal for southern kings. The Israelites continued to take over the rest of Southern Canaan. Joshua’s plan was to cut off the north and the south, and take over each city. Jabin, King of Hazor, heard of what Joshua and the Israelites were doing and how they were conquering all of the southern kings, he sent word to neighboring cities to band together and destroy Israel. In verse 11:4-5, we see there are more than just a few infantry. “And they came out with all their troops, a great horde, in number like the sand that is on the seashore, with very many horses and chariots. And all these kings joined their forces and came and encamped together at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.” Josephus, a Jewish Historian, suspects that there could have been 300,000 infantry, 10,000 Calvary, and 20,000 chariots. This is a powerhouse military. Mostly likely, these kings did not like each other. But they wanted to defeat Israel. So, they came together for this battle. But even with the great military, Israel defeated them, and in verse 8 it talks about how Israel chased them away.

               Seven years for the land be conquered. Yes, there were some hiccups at the beginning with the battle of Ai and the treaty with Gibeon, but we see that Israel was faithful to God. He was with them and He gave the enemies into their hands.