Joshua 11:1

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard [those things], that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when Jabin {H2985} king {H4428} of Hazor {H2674} had heard {H8085} those things, that he sent {H7971} to Jobab {H3103} king {H4428} of Madon {H4068}, and to the king {H4428} of Shimron {H8110}, and to the king {H4428} of Achshaph {H407},

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yavin king of Hatzor heard of it, he informed Yovav king of Madon; the king of Shimron; the king of Akhshaf;

Berean Standard Bible

Now when Jabin king of Hazor heard about these things, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon; to the kings of Shimron and Achshaph;

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor heard thereof, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 11:1 marks a pivotal moment in the Israelite conquest of Canaan, signaling a strategic shift from the southern campaigns to the formidable challenge posed by the northern kingdoms. This verse introduces Jabin, the powerful king of Hazor, who, upon receiving intelligence about Israel's decisive victories, proactively forms a massive confederacy with other northern rulers. His aim is to mount a unified and overwhelming resistance against Joshua and the advancing Israelites, thereby setting the stage for the climactic battles that would determine the ultimate fate of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 11:1 serves as a crucial narrative bridge, immediately following the detailed account of Joshua's successful southern campaigns. The preceding chapter, [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - Conquest of the Southern Kings"), meticulously recounts the defeat of the southern confederacy, culminating in the complete destruction of key cities like Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir, as summarized in [Joshua 10:40-43](/joshua/10-40-43 "Joshua 10:40-43 - Summary of Southern Conquests"). The news of these overwhelming victories, particularly the divine intervention and the complete devotion of the inhabitants to destruction (herem), would have spread rapidly throughout Canaan, instilling widespread fear and prompting a strong, organized reaction from the remaining independent city-states. Thus, this verse signals a geographical and strategic shift from the relatively scattered resistance of the south to the more powerful and organized kingdoms of the north, establishing the narrative tension for the climactic battles described in the remainder of [Joshua 11](/joshua/11 "Joshua 11 - Conquest of the North").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hazor was indisputably the largest and most significant city-state in northern Canaan during the Late Bronze Age, often referred to as "the head of all those kingdoms" in [Joshua 11:10](/joshua/11-10 "Joshua 11:10 - Hazor, Head of All Kingdoms"). Its strategic location on a major trade route connecting Egypt and Mesopotamia made its control vital for regional dominance and prosperity. Archaeological evidence, including extensive ruins and fortifications, confirms Hazor's immense size and military prowess, establishing it as a formidable power. The Canaanite political landscape was characterized by numerous independent city-states, each governed by its own king, who frequently formed temporary alliances for mutual defense or offense when facing a common threat. Jabin's initiative to forge a grand coalition reflects this common practice of the era, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of regional politics and the existential threat posed by Israel's relentless advance. The kings mentioned—Jobab of Madon, and the kings of Shimron and Achshaph—were significant regional players, indicating the broad scope and perceived urgency of this northern alliance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Joshua. Firstly, it highlights the **consolidation of opposition** against God's divine plan for Israel to inherit the land. The previously scattered and localized resistance now coalesces into a unified, formidable front, underscoring the intensity and scale of the spiritual and physical warfare. Secondly, it marks a significant **escalation of conflict**, demonstrating that Israel's mission was not a series of minor skirmishes but a full-scale, divinely ordained conquest against deeply entrenched and powerful regional entities. This grand alliance represents the strongest human resistance Israel would face in the conquest narrative. Thirdly, and most profoundly, it sets the stage for a grand display of **God's sovereignty amidst overwhelming odds**. Despite the formidable nature of this coalition, the broader narrative of Joshua consistently emphasizes that Israel's ultimate victory would not be achieved by human might or strategic brilliance, but by the miraculous intervention and unwavering faithfulness of Yahweh, who had promised the land to His people (e.g., [Joshua 1:3-9](/joshua/1-3-9 "Joshua 1:3-9 - God's Promise to Joshua and the Land")). The very strength and organization of the opposition serve to magnify God's power in their eventual, decisive defeat, as explicitly stated in [Joshua 11:6-8](/joshua/11-6-8 "Joshua 11:6-8 - God's Assurance and Victory Over the Northern Kings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jabin (Hebrew, _Yâbîyn'_):** From the root meaning "to understand" or "intelligent," this name is significant not merely as a personal identifier but potentially as a dynastic title for the kings of Hazor, akin to "Pharaoh" for Egyptian rulers. The recurrence of a Jabin as king of Hazor in [Judges 4:2](/judges/4-2 "Judges 4:2 - Jabin, King of Canaan") suggests either a persistent dynastic name or a deliberate literary connection emphasizing the enduring threat from this powerful city. In Joshua 11:1, Jabin is portrayed as a shrewd and proactive leader, demonstrating intelligence in recognizing the existential threat posed by Israel and strategically organizing a comprehensive counter-response.
* **Hazor (Hebrew, _Châtsôwr'_):** Meaning "enclosure" or "village" (in a collective sense of a fortified settlement), Hazor was indeed a massive, heavily fortified city. As highlighted in [Joshua 11:10](/joshua/11-10 "Joshua 11:10 - Hazor, Head of All Kingdoms"), it was considered "the head of all those kingdoms," signifying its unparalleled political, military, and economic preeminence among the northern Canaanite city-states. Its strategic location and immense size made it the natural leader of any regional coalition, underscoring the gravity of the threat it posed to the advancing Israelites.
* **heard (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies not just passive hearing, but often implies intelligent listening, attention, and even obedience. In this context, Jabin "heard" with a keen understanding of the implications of Israel's southern victories. This was not mere gossip but a strategic assessment of a dire situation. His intelligent hearing prompted immediate and decisive action, demonstrating his leadership and the perceived urgency of the threat to the remaining Canaanite strongholds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard [those things],"**: This opening phrase functions as a crucial narrative transition, linking the preceding accounts of Israel's successful southern campaigns with the new development in the north. The "¶" in the KJV indicates a new paragraph or section, signaling a shift in focus. "Those things" refers to the widely disseminated reports of Israel's decisive victories, the complete destruction of the southern kings and their cities, and the divine backing evident in their conquests. Jabin, as the preeminent northern king, is depicted as the first to react decisively and strategically to this existential threat, recognizing the pattern of Israel's advance.
* **"that he sent to Jobab king of Madon,"**: Jabin's immediate and strategic action is to dispatch envoys, indicating his leadership and the urgency of the situation. Madon was another significant Canaanite city-state, though its precise location remains a subject of scholarly debate. The act of "sending" (shâlach) implies a diplomatic initiative to forge a powerful military alliance, demonstrating Jabin's foresight and his capacity to mobilize regional powers.
* **"and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,"**: These are additional prominent city-states in the northern region, further illustrating the breadth and scale of the formidable coalition Jabin is assembling. Shimron is generally identified with Khirbet Shimron, situated southwest of Nazareth, and Achshaph with Tell Kisan, located near Acco. The inclusion of these kings signifies a widespread and coordinated effort to repel the Israelite invasion, uniting disparate city-states under Jabin's strategic leadership in a desperate attempt to preserve their autonomy and existence.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several potent literary devices in [Joshua 11:1](/joshua/11-1 "Joshua 11:1 - Jabin Forms a Coalition") to effectively set the scene and build narrative tension. **Anticipation** is a primary device, as the verse immediately builds suspense by introducing a powerful new antagonist and the rapid formation of a formidable coalition. This signals to the reader that the conflict is far from over and is about to escalate significantly. The **Geographical Listing** of kings and their respective cities (Madon, Shimron, Achshaph) serves to underscore the widespread nature of the opposition, emphasizing the sheer number and combined strength of the forces Israel is about to face. This detailed listing also grounds the narrative firmly in historical and geographical reality, enhancing its verisimilitude. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the great battle to come, preparing the reader for a climactic confrontation that will test Israel's faith and demonstrate God's power on an even grander scale than the preceding southern campaigns.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 11:1 vividly illustrates the persistent reality of organized opposition to God's redemptive purposes. Just as the Canaanite kings united in a desperate attempt to resist Israel's divinely ordained inheritance of the land, so too does spiritual opposition frequently coalesce against the advancement of God's kingdom in every age. This verse underscores that the path of obedience and faith often leads into direct confrontation with entrenched powers—whether political, cultural, ideological, or spiritual—that stand against God's sovereign will. It highlights the profound principle that God's people, in fulfilling their divine mandate, will inevitably encounter formidable, organized resistance, which ultimately serves to magnify God's power and faithfulness when He grants victory. The strength of the enemy is never a measure of God's capacity to deliver.

* [Psalm 2:1-2](/psalm/2-1-2 "Psalm 2:1-2 - Kings Conspire Against the Lord")
* [Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - Rulers Conspire Against Jesus")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare Against Rulers and Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The formation of the northern coalition in Joshua 11:1 serves as a profound reminder that following God's call and pursuing His kingdom purposes often invites significant, organized opposition. Just as Jabin and his allies recognized the existential threat Israel posed to their established order and way of life, so too does the world system, often energized by unseen spiritual forces, resist the transformative power of the Gospel and the advance of God's kingdom in our lives and in society. This verse encourages us to be neither surprised nor disheartened by such resistance, but rather to recognize it as an indicator that we are indeed on God's path. It calls us to remember that the magnitude or apparent invincibility of the opposition does not determine the outcome, for God's power is infinitely greater than any human or spiritual confederacy. Our reliance must remain firmly on Him, trusting that He will fight our battles and ensure the ultimate triumph of His will, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "things" have you "heard" in your life—whether news, challenges, or spiritual insights—that have prompted you to either resist or embrace God's moving in a significant way?**
* **How does the formation of this formidable coalition in Joshua 11:1 parallel the challenges or organized opposition you face when seeking to live out your faith or pursue God's will in your personal life, family, or community?**
* **In what specific ways might we be tempted to rely on our own limited strength, wisdom, or strategies when faced with overwhelming opposition, rather than fully trusting in God's omnipotent power, as Israel was called to do?**

### FAQ
**Why was Hazor so important, and why did Jabin take the lead in forming this coalition?**

Answer: Hazor was of paramount importance due to its unparalleled strategic geographical location and immense size, making it the most powerful and influential city-state in northern Canaan during the Late Bronze Age. It controlled vital trade routes connecting Mesopotamia, Syria, and Egypt, giving it significant economic, political, and military influence throughout the region. Archaeological excavations have revealed its vastness and strong fortifications, confirming its status as "the head of all those kingdoms" ([Joshua 11:10](/joshua/11-10 "Joshua 11:10 - Hazor, Head of All Kingdoms")). Jabin, as Hazor's king, naturally took the lead because he was the most powerful and strategically positioned ruler in the region. He recognized the existential threat posed by Israel's successful southern campaigns and understood that a unified front was the only viable way to resist such a formidable and divinely backed force. His initiative to form the coalition demonstrates his astute leadership, strategic foresight, and the desperate need for a consolidated defense against the advancing Israelites.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 11:1, by introducing the greatest human opposition to God's people in the Old Testament, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual conflict and the triumph of God's Anointed King. Just as Jabin and his allied kings conspired to prevent Israel from inheriting their promised land, so too did the "kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed" ([Psalm 2:2](/psalm/2-2 "Psalm 2:2 - Kings Conspire Against the Lord")). This finds its ultimate fulfillment in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who faced the consolidated opposition of religious and political powers (e.g., [Matthew 27:1-2](/matthew/27-1-2 "Matthew 27:1-2 - Jesus Delivered to Pilate")). Yet, just as God delivered Hazor and its formidable confederacy into Israel's hands, demonstrating His sovereign power, so too did God raise Jesus from the dead, demonstrating His supreme authority over all earthly and spiritual powers ([Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20-23 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ's Supremacy")). The victory over Jabin's coalition prefigures Christ's decisive triumph over sin, death, and the forces of darkness, establishing His eternal kingdom and securing the true spiritual inheritance for all who believe in Him ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Ultimately, the narrative of Joshua's conquest points to Jesus, the greater Joshua, who leads His people into their eternal rest and defeats every enemy of God's kingdom, ensuring their ultimate and glorious inheritance.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 11:10

¶ And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms.

Joshua 10:3

Wherefore Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying,

Joshua 10:4

Come up unto me, and help me, that we may smite Gibeon: for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.

Psalms 2:1

¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Psalms 2:4

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

Isaiah 43:5

Fear not: for I [am] with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

Isaiah 43:7

[Even] every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.