Joshua 11 2

Joshua 11:2 kjv

And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,

Joshua 11:2 nkjv

and to the kings who were from the north, in the mountains, in the plain south of Chinneroth, in the lowland, and in the heights of Dor on the west,

Joshua 11:2 niv

and to the northern kings who were in the mountains, in the Arabah south of Kinnereth, in the western foothills and in Naphoth Dor on the west;

Joshua 11:2 esv

and to the kings who were in the northern hill country, and in the Arabah south of Chinneroth, and in the lowland, and in Naphoth-dor on the west,

Joshua 11:2 nlt

all the kings of the northern hill country; the kings in the Jordan Valley south of Galilee ; the kings in the Galilean foothills ; the kings of Naphoth-dor on the west;

Joshua 11 verses

Joshua 11 2 Meaning

Joshua 11:2 describes the diverse geographical regions from which a vast coalition of kings gathered to wage war against Israel during their northern campaign. It highlights that the unified opposition came from across the strategic highlands, the Jordan Valley, the Shephelah, and the western coastal plains, emphasizing the widespread and formidable nature of the enemy.

Joshua 11 2 Context

Joshua chapter 11 details the decisive Northern Campaign of Israel against a formidable alliance of Canaanite city-states. This verse, Joshua 11:2, specifies the broad geographical representation of the enemy kings who responded to the call of Jabin, king of Hazor. This coalition represented the most extensive and coordinated resistance Israel had encountered up to this point in their conquest. Coming after the successful southern campaigns, this phase marked Israel's final major military engagement to secure the promised land's core territories. The meticulous listing of geographical areas underscores the immense scale of the threat and, by extension, magnifies the power of the LORD in granting Israel a comprehensive victory over such diverse and widespread opposition. Historically, Canaan at this time was a collection of independent city-states, and forming regional alliances against external threats was a common strategic response.

Joshua 11 2 Word analysis

• to the kings: The Hebrew term is el ha-melakim (אֶל־הַמְּלָכִים), literally "to the kings." These "kings" were typically rulers of specific city-states, not necessarily large empires, but powerful within their localized domains. Their collective unity here highlights the widespread concern over Israel's advancing conquests and their attempt at a consolidated stand.

• who were on the north: Hebrew asher mi-tzaphon (אֲשֶׁר מִצָּפוֹן). This specifies the geographical direction of these particular kings in relation to Israel's current position and previous conquests. It sets the scene for a new phase of the conquest, focusing on the northern parts of Canaan.

• in the hill country: Hebrew ba-har (בָּהָר). This refers to the central highlands of Canaan, a rugged, mountainous region. Occupying this territory was strategically important, offering natural defenses and commanding views. The inhabitants were known for their military prowess.

• and in the Arabah: Hebrew u-va-`aravah (וּבָעֲרָבָה). This denotes the great rift valley running along the eastern side of Canaan, encompassing the Jordan River valley and extending southward. It contrasts sharply with the "hill country" and indicates that the coalition spanned various types of terrain and settlements.

• south of Kinnereth: Hebrew negev Kinnaroth (נֶגֶב כִּנֲּרוֹת). Kinnereth refers to the Sea of Galilee, a prominent body of water in the northern Arabah. This specification precisely defines a section of the rift valley, showing the meticulous detail with which the geographical scope of the enemy was recorded.

• and in the Lowland: Hebrew u-va-shephelah (וּבַשְּׁפֵלָה). The "Shephelah" is the transitional region of low hills and plains situated between the coastal plain (Philistine plain) and the central hill country. This fertile area was highly contested due to its agricultural potential and its control over key routes connecting the coast to the interior.

• and in Naphoth-dor on the west: Hebrew u-ve-nafōt Dōr mi-yyam (וּבְנָפוֹת דּוֹר מִיָּם). "Naphoth Dor" likely refers to the "heights" or "districts" around the important coastal city of Dor, a strategic port on the Mediterranean Sea. The phrase "mi-yyam" (מִיָּם) literally means "from the sea" but idiomatically signifies "on the west," affirming its coastal location and highlighting the reach of the coalition to the significant maritime territories.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • Geographical Comprehensive List: The precise detailing of "north...hill country...Arabah south of Kinnereth...Lowland...Naphoth-dor on the west" offers a sweeping geographical description. This comprehensive enumeration demonstrates that the coalition was not merely a localized threat but a broad alliance encompassing the entire spectrum of northern Canaanite territory. This expansive opposition served to magnify God's subsequent victory, proving His supremacy over every region and their respective deities.
  • Strategic Military Gathering: The assembly of kings from such diverse and often contrasting geographical zones (mountains, valleys, foothills, coast) indicates a desperate, unified strategic effort to contain the Israelite advance. It reflects their understanding of the existential threat and their pooling of military resources, which ultimately became a demonstration of the Lord's power to defeat even the most organized and widespread human resistance.

Joshua 11 2 Bonus section

• The emphasis on geographical names throughout Joshua, including in this verse, serves as a meticulous record not only of the conquered territories but also of the land inheritance apportioned to each Israelite tribe. This detailed cartography underpins the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, which included the precise land grant.
• The sheer number and widespread nature of the kings gathered against Israel reflect the depth of fear that had fallen upon the Canaanite inhabitants, as previously recounted in Rahab's testimony (Josh 2:9-11). Their unity, though militarily sound, was ultimately insufficient against the God of Israel.
• Hazor's position as "head of all these kingdoms" (Joshua 11:10) suggests a powerful regional hegemony that could effectively summon such a broad coalition, indicating a high level of political organization and military capacity among the Canaanites at this time, which the LORD entirely shattered.

Joshua 11 2 Commentary

Joshua 11:2 vividly outlines the extensive and diverse confederation of kings who marshaled against Israel. The painstaking geographical description, moving from the northern mountains down through the Jordan Valley to the western lowlands and coastal regions, underscores the overwhelming nature of the opposition. This was not a small skirmish but a pan-Canaanite resistance, meticulously detailing that all major strategic areas united under Hazor's leadership. This comprehensive alliance serves a profound theological purpose: to demonstrate that the imminent victory would be entirely the LORD's. No human military prowess or strategic advantage on Israel's part could have defeated such a widespread and unified force. The listing prepares the reader to witness the divine power at work, as God delivers victory over formidable enemies spanning the entire length and breadth of northern Canaan, fulfilling His covenant promises and securing the land.