Joshua 11:16

KJV

So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same;

KJV (with Strong's)

So Joshua {H3091} took {H3947} all that land {H776}, the hills {H2022}, and all the south country {H5045}, and all the land {H776} of Goshen {H1657}, and the valley {H8219}, and the plain {H6160}, and the mountain {H2022} of Israel {H3478}, and the valley {H8219} of the same;

Complete Jewish Bible

So Y'hoshua captured all that land, the hills, the Negev, all the land of Goshen, the Sh'felah, the 'Aravah and the Isra'el hills and Sh'felah,

Berean Standard Bible

So Joshua took this entire region: the hill country, all the Negev, all the land of Goshen, the western foothills, the Arabah, and the mountains of Israel and their foothills,

American Standard Version

So Joshua took all that land, the hill-country, and all the South, and all the land of Goshen, and the lowland, and the Arabah, and the hill-country of Israel, and the lowland of the same;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 11:16 stands as a pivotal summary statement within the Book of Joshua, encapsulating the extensive and decisive success of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. Following detailed accounts of specific military campaigns in both the southern and northern regions, this verse provides a sweeping geographical overview of the vast territory that had been brought under Israelite control, signifying the substantial fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises regarding the land. It underscores the thoroughness of the conquest, setting the stage for the subsequent division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 11:16 functions as a grand summary following the climactic northern campaign described in [Joshua 11:1-15](/joshua/11-1 "Joshua 11:1-15 - The Northern Conquest"). Prior to this, [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Southern Conquest") detailed the conquest of the southern kings, culminating in the complete defeat of their coalition. This verse, therefore, serves as a comprehensive overview of the entire land-taking phase, bridging the narrative from active warfare to the subsequent phase of land distribution and settlement, which begins in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land Yet to Be Conquered and Initial Allotments"). It marks a significant transition, signaling that the primary military objectives of securing the land have been achieved, even as pockets of resistance remained. The detailed geographical listing not only summarizes what has been conquered but also emphasizes the vastness of the inheritance God was providing.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest described in Joshua must be understood within the broader historical and cultural context of the Late Bronze Age in the ancient Near East. This period was characterized by frequent military campaigns, shifting alliances, and the rise and fall of various city-states. The Israelite conquest, however, was unique in its divine mandate, often referred to as "holy war" or "herem" (devotion to destruction), where God commanded the complete dispossessing of the Canaanite inhabitants due to their pervasive idolatry and moral corruption (cf. [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Dispossess Canaanites")). The geographical terms listed—"hills," "south country," "Goshen," "valley," "plain," "mountain of Israel"—refer to specific, identifiable regions within Canaan, from the central highlands to the Negev desert, illustrating the diverse topography and strategic importance of the land. "Goshen" here refers to a region in southern Judah, distinct from the Egyptian Goshen. The thoroughness implied by the listing of these diverse regions reflects the comprehensive nature of the divinely ordained task.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the **Fulfillment of Divine Promise**, as God's ancient covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning the land (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram")) is seen coming to fruition. The detailed geographical enumeration highlights the **Thoroughness of Conquest**, emphasizing that Israel did not merely occupy a small portion but took substantial possession of diverse and strategically important regions, from the central highlands to the southern plains. This thoroughness was crucial for establishing their national identity and religious distinctiveness. Furthermore, the success is presented as a direct result of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Obedience**. While Joshua's leadership was instrumental, the ultimate victory is attributed to God's power and faithfulness, contingent upon Joshua's unwavering obedience to God's commands, a principle stressed from the very beginning of the book (e.g., [Joshua 1:7-9](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7-9 - Joshua's Call to Obedience")). Finally, the verse serves as a **Foundation for Inheritance**, setting the stage for the detailed division of the land among the tribes, confirming their rightful possession of the promised inheritance (cf. [Joshua 14:1-5](/joshua/14-1 "Joshua 14:1-5 - Division of the Land by Lot")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Took (Hebrew, _laqach'_):** The verb "took" (לקח, _laqach_) is a strong, active verb implying seizure, acquisition, or taking possession by force. In this context, it signifies a decisive and complete act of conquest, not merely a casual occupation. It emphasizes Joshua's active role as the military leader, executing God's will to dispossess the Canaanites and establish Israel's dominion over the land. This word choice underscores the intentional and successful nature of the military campaigns.
* **All that land (Hebrew, _kol ha'aretz'_):** The phrase "all that land" (כל הארץ, _kol ha'aretz_) is crucial for understanding the scope of the conquest. While not implying every square inch was immediately settled or every single inhabitant eradicated (as later chapters like [Joshua 13:1](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1 - Land Yet to Be Conquered") will clarify), it signifies that the major strategic territories and strongholds had been subdued. It conveys the idea of comprehensive military victory and the establishment of Israelite hegemony over the vast majority of the promised territory, making it available for tribal allotment.
* **Hills (Hebrew, _ha-har'_):** The term "hills" (ההר, _ha-har_) refers specifically to the central mountain range or highlands of Canaan. This region, running north to south, was strategically vital and often heavily fortified. Its inclusion signifies the conquest of the rugged, elevated terrain that formed the backbone of the land, demonstrating that even the most challenging geographical areas had been brought under Israelite control. This contrasts with the "valley" and "plain," indicating a comprehensive taking of diverse topographies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Joshua took all that land":** This opening clause provides the overarching summary, attributing the comprehensive conquest directly to Joshua's leadership. It signifies the successful execution of God's command to possess the land.
* **"the hills":** Refers to the central mountain range, encompassing areas like the hill country of Judah and Ephraim, which were often difficult to conquer due to their natural defenses. Its inclusion shows the depth of the conquest.
* **"and all the south country":** This designates the Negev desert region, the semi-arid southern part of Canaan, indicating that Israel's dominion extended to the southern borders of the promised land.
* **"and all the land of Goshen":** This specifies a fertile region within southern Judah, distinct from the Goshen in Egypt. Its mention highlights the acquisition of specific, agriculturally valuable areas within the broader southern conquest.
* **"and the valley, and the plain":** These terms refer to the low-lying areas, including river valleys (like the Jordan Valley) and broad plains (like the coastal plain or the Jezreel Valley). Their inclusion alongside the "hills" and "mountain" demonstrates the conquest of diverse topographical features, from elevated to low-lying regions.
* **"and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same;":** "The mountain of Israel" likely refers to the central highlands of Ephraim and Manasseh, the heartland of Israel. The repetition of "and the valley of the same" emphasizes that the surrounding valleys and lower areas associated with this central mountain range were also taken, reinforcing the thoroughness and completeness of the conquest in the most vital areas.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 11:16 employs several literary devices to convey its message of comprehensive conquest. The most prominent is **Merism**, where contrasting or complementary parts are listed to represent a totality. By listing "the hills," "the south country," "the land of Goshen," "the valley," "the plain," and "the mountain of Israel," the text uses diverse geographical features to signify that the *entirety* of the land, from its highest points to its lowest, from north to south, was taken. This creates a sense of completeness and thoroughness. **Repetition** is also evident, particularly with the word "all" ("all that land," "all the south country," "all the land of Goshen") and the pairing of "valley" with "mountain," which reinforces the idea of comprehensive dominion. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful **Summary Statement**, providing a concise and definitive overview of the military phase of the conquest, effectively closing one major narrative section and preparing the reader for the next.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 11:16 stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering faithfulness of God in fulfilling His ancient promises. For centuries, the descendants of Abraham had awaited the inheritance of the land promised to their patriarch (cf. [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram"), [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - Covenant with Abram")). This verse declares that, through Joshua's obedient leadership, God had indeed delivered on His word, establishing Israel as a nation in their own sovereign territory. It highlights the divine initiative behind the conquest, emphasizing that Israel's success was not merely a result of military prowess but a miraculous act of God's power and commitment to His covenant. The comprehensive nature of the conquest, encompassing diverse geographical regions, underscores the magnitude of God's provision and the thoroughness of His work.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abram")
* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Command to Dispossess Nations")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "God's Faithfulness in Fulfilling Promises")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 11:16 offers profound lessons for believers today, primarily centered on the faithfulness of God and the importance of obedience. Just as God meticulously fulfilled His ancient promises to Israel concerning the physical land, we can trust in His unchanging character and His unwavering commitment to His promises in our lives. This verse reminds us that God is a promise-keeping God, and His word is utterly reliable. Furthermore, Joshua's success was directly tied to his diligent obedience to God's commands. Similarly, our spiritual progress, our ability to "take possession" of the spiritual blessings and callings God has for us, is often contingent upon our willingness to listen to and obey His Word. While we do not inherit a physical land, believers have a rich spiritual inheritance in Christ—salvation, peace, purpose, and eternal life. This verse encourages us to actively appropriate these spiritual realities, living out our faith boldly and confidently in the knowledge that God has already secured our victory in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel regarding the land strengthen your faith in God's promises to you today?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "take possession" of a spiritual truth or blessing through obedience?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the relationship between divine sovereignty (God's power) and human responsibility (Joshua's actions)?**
* **How can you apply the principle of thoroughness seen in Joshua's conquest to your own spiritual growth and pursuit of holiness?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the detailed geographical list in Joshua 11:16?**

Answer: The detailed geographical list ("the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same") is highly significant. It serves as a literary device (merism) to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the conquest. By naming diverse topographical regions, from rugged mountains to fertile valleys and arid plains, the text conveys that the Israelites had established dominion over the vast majority of the promised land. It is not an exhaustive list of every single territory, but it powerfully communicates that the main strategic and populated areas were under Israelite control, fulfilling God's promise to give them the land (cf. [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abram")). This thoroughness was crucial for the subsequent tribal allotments and the establishment of Israel as a nation.

**Was the conquest truly 'complete' at this point, given later passages in Joshua?**

Answer: Joshua 11:16 describes a comprehensive military victory, signifying that the major strategic strongholds and coalitions of kings had been defeated, and the land was largely brought under Israelite hegemony. However, it does not mean every single Canaanite inhabitant was expelled or every square inch of territory was fully settled. [Joshua 13:1](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1 - Land Yet to Be Conquered") explicitly states, "Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed." This indicates that while the *military phase* of the conquest was largely complete, and the land was now available for inheritance, the *settlement phase* and the complete dispossessing of all inhabitants would be an ongoing process for the individual tribes. Joshua 11:16 serves as a summary of the *primary* military success, making the land available for inheritance, rather than a declaration of absolute, immediate, and total occupation of every last village.

**How does 'the land of Goshen' mentioned here relate to the Goshen in Egypt?**

Answer: The "land of Goshen" in [Joshua 11:16](/joshua/11-16 "Joshua 11:16 - Joshua Takes All the Land") refers to a specific, fertile region located in the southern part of the land of Judah, within Canaan. This is distinct from the "land of Goshen" in Egypt, where the Israelites settled during their time there before the Exodus (cf. [Genesis 47:6](/genesis/47-6 "Genesis 47:6 - Joseph Settles His Family in Goshen")). While both share the same name, they are geographically separate and historically unrelated. The mention of Goshen in Joshua 11:16 simply identifies another specific area within the conquered territory of Canaan, highlighting the breadth of the Israelite conquest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 11:16, a powerful declaration of a physical conquest and the fulfillment of a land promise, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose name (Yeshua) is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus, foreshadows Christ as the greater leader who leads His people into their true inheritance. Just as Joshua led Israel to conquer and possess the promised land, Jesus, through His death and resurrection, has conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness, leading His people into a far greater spiritual inheritance. The "all that land" taken by Joshua prefigures the comprehensive spiritual dominion Christ has secured for believers. Our inheritance is not a physical territory but "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Through Christ, we are brought into the "kingdom of his dear Son" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness into Christ's Kingdom")), a spiritual realm of peace, righteousness, and joy. The thoroughness of Joshua's conquest points to the absolute and complete victory of Christ, who "made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Believers are called to "take possession" of this spiritual inheritance by faith, living out the reality of Christ's victory in their lives, knowing that our true rest and eternal dwelling place are found not in an earthly land but in Him, our ultimate [Sabbath rest](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The True Sabbath Rest").

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.