The Book of Joshua continues to narrate the story of the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan, their God-given Promised Land, under the leadership of Joshua. Chapters 11 to 15 focus on the completion of the conquests, the establishment of peace, and the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. These chapters highlight God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob by giving the land of Canaan to their descendants.
Joshua 11: The Northern Campaign and Total Conquest
Joshua 11 describes Israel’s conquest of the northern regions of Canaan. Following the victories in the southern part of the land, the kings of the northern territories, led by Jabin, the king of Hazor, form a large coalition to oppose Israel. Jabin, along with numerous other kings and their armies, prepares for battle against Joshua and the Israelites. The text emphasizes the overwhelming size and strength of the enemy, with many horses and chariots.
Despite the formidable forces, God reassures Joshua: “Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel” (Joshua 11:6 KJV). With God’s promise, Joshua leads a surprise attack on the enemy by the waters of Merom, resulting in a decisive victory. Joshua obeys God’s command to hamstring the horses and burn the chariots, preventing the Israelites from relying on military power and reminding them of their dependence on God.
Joshua then proceeds to capture Hazor, the leading city of the coalition, and destroys it completely. The chapter concludes by summarizing the total conquest of Canaan. Joshua leads the Israelites in taking all the land from north to south, leaving no survivors among the Canaanite kings and peoples who oppose them. The land finally has rest from war, signaling that the period of conquest is over.
Joshua 12: List of Defeated Kings
Joshua 12 provides a summary of the kings defeated by Moses and Joshua. The chapter is essentially a record of Israel’s victories in battle, showcasing the extent of the conquest.
The first part lists the two kings defeated by Moses on the eastern side of the Jordan River: Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan.
The second part lists the thirty-one kings defeated by Joshua on the western side of the Jordan, including the kings of Jericho, Ai, and Hazor, among others.
This catalog of conquests serves as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the completeness of Israel’s victory in Canaan. Each defeat is evidence of God’s hand in giving Israel control over the land.
Joshua 13: The Land Yet to Be Conquered and the Division of the Land
Although Israel has secured significant victories, Joshua 13 notes that there is still land left to be possessed, particularly in the regions occupied by the Philistines and other coastal peoples. Despite this, Joshua, now advanced in years, is instructed by God to begin dividing the land among the tribes of Israel.
The eastern tribes—Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh—had already received their inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan, as granted by Moses. Joshua formalizes this division, detailing the boundaries of their territories. The Levites, however, do not receive a specific territorial inheritance, as “the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance” (Joshua 13:33 KJV), meaning they would receive cities and provision through the offerings made by the other tribes.
Joshua 14: Caleb’s Inheritance
Joshua 14 focuses on the story of Caleb, one of the two faithful spies (along with Joshua) who believed that God could lead Israel to victory over the Canaanites, even when the other spies doubted. Now, forty-five years after the original scouting of the land, Caleb approaches Joshua to claim the inheritance promised to him by Moses.
Caleb, despite being eighty-five years old, remains as strong as he was during the days of Moses. He requests the land of Hebron, a mountainous region inhabited by the Anakims, a race of giants. Caleb’s faith and confidence in God’s power remain unshaken: “If so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said” (Joshua 14:12 KJV). Joshua grants Caleb his request, and Hebron becomes Caleb’s inheritance.
Caleb’s story is an inspiring example of faithfulness and perseverance. He stands as a testament to the truth that God rewards those who trust in Him wholeheartedly, even in the face of daunting challenges.
Joshua 15: The Inheritance of Judah
Joshua 15 details the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, the first tribe to receive its allotted land. Judah’s territory is expansive, encompassing cities, valleys, and mountains from the southern desert up to the Mediterranean coast. The chapter provides a detailed description of the borders of Judah’s land, along with a list of the cities included in its inheritance.
A notable event in this chapter involves Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, who captures the city of Debir (formerly Kirjath-sepher) and is rewarded with Caleb’s daughter, Achsah, as his wife. Achsah then boldly requests and receives additional land with springs of water from her father.
Despite Judah’s success, the chapter notes that they are unable to drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem, a task that will later be accomplished by David. This incomplete conquest serves as a reminder that the full possession of the land will take time and continued faithfulness.
Conclusion
Joshua 11 to 15 marks a turning point in Israel’s journey, as the conquest phase winds down and the division of the land among the tribes begins. These chapters highlight God’s unwavering faithfulness in giving Israel the land He promised to their forefathers. The stories of Caleb’s faith, the victories over mighty armies, and the detailed division of the land all point to the fulfillment of God’s covenant with His people. Through obedience to God’s instructions and reliance on His power, Israel continues to experience victory and blessing, securing a place in the Promised Land for future generations.
