TRV
Translation
King James Version
There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.
Complete Jewish Bible
No 'Anakim were left in the land of the people of Isra'el - only in 'Azah, Gat and Ashdod did some remain.
Berean Standard Bible
No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive.
American Standard Version
There was none of the Anakim left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, did some remain.
World English Bible Messianic
There were none of the Anakim left in the land of the children of Israel. Only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, did some remain.
Geneva Bible (1599)
There was no Anakim left in the lande of the children of Israel: onely in Azzah, in Gath, and in Ashdod were they left.
Young's Literal Translation
There hath not been left Anakim in the land of the sons of Israel; only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, were they left.
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In the KJVVerse 6,130 of 31,102
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Commentary on Joshua 11 verses 15–23
15 ¶ As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.
16 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;
17 Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them.
18 Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.
19 There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.
20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
21 And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.
22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.
23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
We have here the conclusion of this whole matter.
I. A short account is here given of what was done in four things: - 1. The obstinacy of the Canaanites in their opposition to the Israelites. It was strange that though it appeared so manifestly that God fought for Israel, and in every engagement the Canaanites had the worst of it, yet they stood it out to the last; not one city made peace with Israel, but the Gibeonites only, who understood the things that belonged to their peace better than their neighbours, Jos 11:19. It is intimated that other cities might have made as good terms for themselves, without ragged clothes and clouted shoes, if they would have humbled themselves, but they never so much as desired conditions of peace. We here are told whence this unaccountable infatuation came: It was of the Lord to harden their hearts, Jos 11:20. As Pharaoh's heart was hardened by his own pride and wilfulness first, and afterwards by the righteous judgment of God, to his destruction, so were the hearts of these Canaanites. To punish them for all their other follies, God left them to this, to make those their enemies whom they might have made their friends. This was it that ruined them: they came against Israel in battle, and gave the first blow, and therefore might have no favour shown them. Those know not what they do who give the provocation to divine justice, or the authorized instruments of it. Are we stronger than God? Observe here, That hardness of heart is the ruin of sinners. Those that are stupid and secure, and heedless of divine warnings, are already marked for destruction. What hope is there of those concerning whom God has said, Go, make their hearts fat? 2. The constancy of the Israelites in prosecuting this war (Jos 11:18): Joshua made war a long time; some reckon it five years, others seven, that were spent in subduing this land: so long God would train up Israel to war, and give them repeated instances of his power and goodness in every new victory that he gave them. 3. The conquest of the Anakim at last, Jos 11:21, Jos 11:22. Either this was done as they met with them where they were dispersed, as some think, or rather it should seem the Anakim had retired to their fastnesses, and so were hunted out and cut off at last, after all the rest of Israel's enemies. The mountains of Judah and Israel were the habitations of those mountains of men; but not their height, nor the strength of their caves, nor the difficulty of the passes to them, could secure, no, not these mighty men, from the sword of Joshua. The cutting off of the sons of Anak is particularly mentioned because these had been such a terror to the spies forty years before, and their bulk and strength had been thought an insuperable difficulty in the way of the reducing of Canaan, Num 13:28, Num 13:33. Even that opposition which seemed invincible was got over. Never let the sons of Anak be a terror to the Israel of God, for even their day will come to fall. Giants are dwarfs to Omnipotence; yet this struggle with the Anakim was reserved for the latter end of the war, when the Israelites had become more expert in the arts of war, and had had more experience of the power and goodness of God. Note, God sometimes reserves the sharpest trials of his people by affliction and temptation for the latter end of their days. Therefore let not him that girds on the harness boast as he that puts it off. Death, that tremendous son of Anak, is the last enemy that is to be encountered; but it is to be destroyed, Co1 15:26. Thanks be to God, who will give us the victory. 4. The end and issue of this long war. The Canaanites were rooted out, not perfectly (as we shall find after in the book of Judges), but in a good measure; they were not able to make any head either, (1.) So as to keep the Israelites out of possession of the land: Joshua took all that land, Jos 11:16, Jos 11:17. And we may suppose the people dispersed themselves and their families into the countries they had conquered, at least those that lay nearest to the head-quarters at Gilgal, until an orderly distribution should be made by lot, that every man might know his own. Or, (2.) So as to keep them in action, or give them any molestation (Jos 11:23): The land rested from war. It ended not in a peace with the Canaanites (that was forbidden), but in a peace from them. There is a rest, a rest from war, remaining for the people of God, into which they shall enter when their warfare is accomplished.
II. That which was now done is here compared with that which had been said to Moses. God's word and his works, if viewed and considered together, will mutually illustrate each other. It is here observed in the close, 1. That all the precepts God had given to Moses relating to the conquest of Canaan were obeyed on the people's part, at least while Joshua lived. See how solemnly this is remarked (Jos 11:15): As the Lord commanded Moses his servant, by whose hand the law was given, so did Moses command Joshua, for Moses was faithful, as a law-giver, to him that appointed him; he did his part, and then he died: but were the commands of Moses observed when he was in his grave? Yes, they were: So did Joshua, who was, in his place, as faithful as Moses in his. He left nothing undone (Heb. he removed nothing) of all that the Lord commanded Moses. Those that leave their duty undone do what they can to remove or make void the command of God, by which they are bound to do it; but Joshua, by performing the precept, confirmed it, as the expression is, Deu 27:26. Joshua was himself a great commander, and yet nothing was more his praise than his obedience. Those that rule others at their will must themselves be ruled by the divine will; then their power is indeed their honour, and not otherwise. The pious obedience for which Joshua is here commended respects especially the command to destroy the Canaanites, and to break down their altars and burn their images, Deu 7:2-5; Exo 23:24; Exo 34:13. Joshua, in his zeal for the Lord of hosts, spared neither the idols nor the idolaters. Saul's disobedience, or rather his partial obedience, to the command of God, for the utter destruction of the Amalekites, cost him his kingdom. It should seem Joshua himself gives this account of his most careful and punctual observance of his orders in the execution of his commission, that in all respects he had done as Moses commanded him; and then it intimates that he had more pleasure and satisfaction in reflecting upon his obedience to the commands of God in all this war, and valued himself more upon that, than upon all the gains and triumphs with which he was enriched and advanced. 2. That all the promises God had given to Moses relating to this conquest were accomplished on his part, Jos 11:23. Joshua took the whole land, conquered it, and took possession of it, according to all that the Lord said unto Moses. God had promised to drive out the nations before them (Exo 33:2; Exo 34:11), and to bring them down, Deu 9:3. And now it was done. There failed not one word of the promise. Our successes and enjoyments are then doubly sweet and comfortable to us when we see them flowing to us from the promise (this is according to what the Lord said), as our obedience is then acceptable to God when it has an eye to the precept. And, if we make conscience of our duty, we need not question the performance of the promise.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–23. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 11:22 serves as a pivotal summary statement at the conclusion of Israel's northern conquest, declaring the near-total eradication of the formidable Anakim from the land designated for the Israelites. This verse powerfully underscores God's faithfulness in empowering His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, thereby fulfilling His ancient covenant promises. However, it also critically notes the enduring presence of Anakim in the Philistine strongholds of Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod, a detail that subtly foreshadows future challenges and emphasizes the ongoing nature of the conquest, highlighting the necessity of complete obedience and vigilance.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 11:22 masterfully employs several significant literary devices. Emphasis is achieved through the stark contrast presented: the general statement of complete eradication ("none of the Anakims left") is immediately followed by the specific, critical exceptions ("only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod"). This juxtaposition highlights both the immense magnitude of Israel's victory and the crucial nature of the remaining pockets of resistance. The use of contrast underscores the partial nature of the conquest, drawing a clear distinction between the land Israel had secured and the strategic areas that remained unconquered. This creates a powerful sense of foreshadowing, subtly hinting at future conflicts and challenges that Israel would inevitably face, particularly from the Philistines and their giant inhabitants (most notably Goliath from Gath, as recounted in 1 Samuel 17). Furthermore, the verse functions as a concise summary statement, providing a definitive conclusion to the campaign against the Anakim, thereby wrapping up a significant and challenging phase of the conquest narrative.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 11:22 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and omnipotence, demonstrating His ability to fulfill His promises even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The Anakim, representing the ultimate human threat and a source of paralyzing fear for Israel (as seen in Numbers 13:33), were systematically removed from the land under Joshua's leadership, a direct and powerful fulfillment of God's earlier commands and assurances (e.g., Deuteronomy 9:2). This victory underscores that God actively fights for His people, enabling them to overcome what is humanly impossible. However, the verse's crucial caveat—the remaining Anakim in Philistine cities—introduces a vital theological tension: the reality of an incomplete conquest. This incompleteness serves as a sober reminder that while God provides the victory, human obedience and perseverance are continually required to fully possess His promises. It also highlights God's sovereign plan, which often involves a process of gradual sanctification and ongoing spiritual warfare rather than an immediate, absolute eradication of all challenges, a theme further explored in Judges 1:19.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 11:22 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers navigating their spiritual journeys. Just as the Anakim represented formidable "giants" for ancient Israel, we too encounter spiritual "giants" in our lives—deep-seated sins, overwhelming anxieties, relational conflicts, or seemingly insurmountable challenges that threaten to derail our faith and progress. This verse powerfully reminds us that with God's power, these giants can be overcome and dispossessed from the "land" of our lives. The initial, decisive success against the Anakim should inspire profound confidence in God's unwavering ability to fight our battles and grant us victory. However, the lingering presence of Anakim in the Philistine cities serves as a critical warning: incomplete obedience, partial surrender, or a lack of vigilance can leave "pockets" of resistance that will inevitably resurface to cause future trouble and hinder our spiritual growth. This calls us to a diligent pursuit of holiness and complete surrender in every area of our lives, recognizing that sanctification is an ongoing, lifelong process. We are encouraged to press into God's promises with unwavering faith, knowing He is faithful to complete the good work He begins in us, but also to remain vigilant against complacency, ensuring that every area of our lives is brought fully under His loving dominion and transforming power.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were the Anakim left in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod, and what is the significance of this?
Answer: The Anakim were left in these three Philistine cities primarily because these were powerful, fortified strongholds that Israel did not fully conquer during this initial phase of the conquest under Joshua. While Israel achieved significant victories in the hill country and central regions, the coastal plain where the Philistine cities were located remained largely outside their immediate control. The significance of this is multifaceted: First, it highlights the incomplete nature of the conquest, demonstrating that while God empowered Israel to overcome many enemies, the full possession of the land required ongoing obedience, perseverance, and effort from subsequent generations. Second, it foreshadows future conflicts with the Philistines, who would become a persistent and formidable enemy throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. The most famous giant in the Bible, Goliath, hailed from Gath, directly linking back to the Anakim's lingering presence in these cities. Third, from a theological perspective, it may serve as a reminder that God's plan often involves a process of progressive sanctification and warfare for His people, rather than an immediate, total eradication of all challenges. It tests Israel's faithfulness and reliance on God in subsequent generations, underscoring the ongoing need for spiritual vigilance.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 11:22, while narrating a specific historical conquest, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and complete victory achieved by Jesus Christ. The Anakim, representing formidable obstacles and seemingly insurmountable enemies of God's people, find their ultimate parallel in the spiritual forces of darkness, the pervasive power of sin, and the sting of death that held all humanity captive. Just as Joshua led Israel to dispossess the literal giants from the promised land, Jesus, the greater Joshua, came to conquer the true spiritual giants that oppress and enslave humanity. His definitive victory on the cross and His glorious resurrection represent the complete and final eradication of sin's condemning power and death's ultimate dominion, ensuring that "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). While Joshua's conquest was geographically limited and left "pockets" of resistance, Christ's victory is universal and absolute, securing eternal salvation for all who believe in Him (John 3:16). However, the lingering Anakim in Philistine cities also speak to the "already but not yet" reality of the Christian life. While Christ has definitively won the war against sin and death, believers still contend with the lingering effects of sin in a fallen world and engage in ongoing spiritual battles against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12). Yet, just as God empowered Israel to overcome, Christ empowers His followers through the indwelling Holy Spirit to overcome these remaining "giants" in their lives, knowing that ultimate and complete victory is assured in Him who began a good work and will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). He is the one who truly disarms the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15).