1. Joshua 11:1–15 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

How is Joshua 11:1–15 similar to and different from Joshua 10:1–27?

Joshua 11:1–15 (ESV)

1 When Jabin, king of Hazor, heard of this, he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,

Joshua 11:1–15 bears many similarities with Joshua 10:1–27. We learn of a coalition of Canaanite forces gathering together in order to fight against Israel (Joshua 10:1–5; Joshua 11:1–5). After this gathering a battle takes place (Joshua 10:6–15; Joshua 11:6–9), and the Israelites then destroy numerous cities as well as the remainder of the enemy forces (Joshua 10:16–27; Joshua 11:10–15). One difference between the two chapters is that Joshua 11:1–23 places a greater emphasis on the numerical and military superiority of the Canaanite forces (Joshua 11:4). The battle in Joshua 11 is thus the greatest and most significant battle that takes place in the book of Joshua. As with previous chapters, Joshua 11 also contains dialogue and historical narrative.