Joshua 11:3

KJV

[And to] the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and [to] the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and [to] the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And to the Canaanite {H3669} on the east {H4217} and on the west {H3220}, and to the Amorite {H567}, and the Hittite {H2850}, and the Perizzite {H6522}, and the Jebusite {H2983} in the mountains {H2022}, and to the Hivite {H2340} under Hermon {H2768} in the land {H776} of Mizpeh {H4709}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the Kena'ani to east and west; the Emori, Hitti, P'rizi and Y'vusi in the hills; and the Hivi at the foot of Hermon in the land of Mitzpah.

Berean Standard Bible

to the Canaanites in the east and west; to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, and Jebusites in the hill country; and to the Hivites at the foot of Hermon in the land of Mizpah.

American Standard Version

to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the hill-country, and the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 11:3 meticulously details the diverse ethnic groups inhabiting the northern regions of Canaan, specifying their geographical locations, as they prepared to confederate against Israel under the leadership of Jabin, king of Hazor. This verse serves as a critical exposition of the formidable opposition Israel faced in fulfilling God's mandate to dispossess the land, highlighting the extensive reach of the northern campaign and the varied nature of the indigenous peoples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the narrative of Joshua's northern campaign, immediately following the successful southern and central conquests (Joshua 10). Having heard of Israel's decisive victories, Jabin, the powerful king of Hazor, takes the initiative to form a vast coalition of northern kings and their armies, described as "a very great host, even as the sand which is upon the sea shore in multitude" in [Joshua 11:4](/joshua/11-4 "Joshua 11:4 - The Great Northern Coalition"). Joshua 11:3 functions as a detailed roster and geographical map of the specific ethnic groups and their territories that comprised this formidable opposition, setting the stage for the climactic battle at the waters of Merom. It underscores the comprehensive nature of the challenge Israel faced in securing the promised land, moving from general accounts of conquest to specific enumerations of the remaining resistance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Canaanite land in the Late Bronze Age (the period traditionally associated with the Exodus and Conquest) was not a unified kingdom but a patchwork of city-states and tribal territories, often vying for dominance or forming temporary alliances. The peoples listed in [Joshua 11:3](/joshua/11-3 "Joshua 11:3 - Northern Inhabitants")—Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, and Hivites—were well-established inhabitants with distinct cultural practices, religious beliefs (often involving Baal and Asherah worship), and territorial claims. Their presence across various terrains, from the coastal plains to the mountainous highlands and the northern reaches near Mount Hermon, reflects the diverse geography of Canaan. The act of forming a grand coalition, as seen here, was a common strategy in ancient Near Eastern warfare when facing a common threat, demonstrating the perceived strength and unity of the Israelites. God's command to dispossess these nations was not arbitrary but rooted in their idolatrous practices and moral corruption, which posed a significant spiritual threat to the nascent nation of Israel, as emphasized in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1-5 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Dispossess Nations").
* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 11:3](/joshua/11-3 "Joshua 11:3 - Northern Inhabitants") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **The Scope and Scale of the Conquest**, emphasizing that the task was not merely to defeat a few isolated pockets of resistance but to confront a vast, diverse, and geographically entrenched array of peoples. This enumeration underscores the monumental nature of God's promise and the human challenge of its fulfillment. Secondly, the verse implicitly reinforces **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**. By listing these specific inhabitants, the text reminds the reader of God's long-standing promise to Abraham to give his descendants this land, which was already occupied by these very nations, as detailed in the Abrahamic Covenant (e.g., [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). The ongoing conquest, despite formidable opposition, is a testament to God's unwavering commitment. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Mandate and Obedience**, as Joshua's campaign against these specific groups is a direct fulfillment of God's repeated command to drive out the inhabitants of the land to prevent their idolatrous practices from corrupting Israel (e.g., [Exodus 23:23-24](/exodus/23-23-24 "Exodus 23:23-24 - Driving Out Inhabitants")). The detailed listing here reinforces the thoroughness of the divine command and the subsequent obedience required from Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Canaanite (Hebrew, _Kᵉnaʻanîy_):** This term refers to an inhabitant of Canaan. In the context of [Joshua 11:3](/joshua/11-3 "Joshua 11:3 - Northern Inhabitants"), it broadly denotes those dwelling in the lowlands, plains, and coastal regions "on the east and on the west" within the northern territories. They represent a significant portion of the indigenous population, frequently mentioned in the Pentateuch as a people to be dispossessed due to their idolatry and wickedness.
* **Amorite (Hebrew, _ʼĔmôrîy_):** Likely derived from a root suggesting prominence, this term implies a "mountaineer." By the time of the conquest, the Amorites were well-established in the highlands of Canaan. Their inclusion "in the mountains" here indicates their presence in the elevated regions of northern Canaan, suggesting a strong, entrenched presence in strategic high ground, consistent with their designation as mountaineers.
* **Hivite (Hebrew, _Chivvîy_):** This term, perhaps meaning "villager," refers to one of the aboriginal tribes of Palestine. This group is consistently associated with the northernmost regions of Canaan. Their specific mention "under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh" precisely locates them near Mount Hermon, a prominent peak marking the northern boundary of the promised land, further solidifying the geographical precision of the verse and the extensive reach of the northern coalition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to the Canaanite on the east and on the west":** This phrase identifies the general inhabitants of the plains and valleys, specifying their presence across the breadth of the northern lowlands. This indicates that the opposition was not confined to a single geographical area but was spread widely, encompassing both the Jordan Valley to the east and potentially the coastal plains or valleys leading to them in the west. It underscores the extensive nature of the territory to be conquered.
* **"and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains":** This clause groups four distinct ethnic entities, explicitly locating them "in the mountains." This refers to the central and northern highlands of Canaan, a challenging terrain for military operations. The Hittites mentioned here are likely a local Canaanite group rather than the powerful Hittite empire of Anatolia, while the Jebusites are famously associated with Jerusalem (ancient Jebus). Their presence in the mountains signifies entrenched strongholds and a formidable defensive posture in the elevated regions.
* **"and to the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh":** This final clause pinpoints the Hivites to the far northern reaches of Canaan. Mount Hermon is a significant geographical landmark, marking the northernmost extent of the land promised to Israel. "Mizpeh" in this context likely refers to a specific region or town in the vicinity of Hermon, further emphasizing the specific and far-reaching nature of the northern coalition. This detail highlights the comprehensive nature of the opposition and the vastness of the territory involved in the conquest.

#### Literary Devices
[Joshua 11:3](/joshua/11-3 "Joshua 11:3 - Northern Inhabitants") primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Geographical Specification**. The detailed listing of six distinct ethnic groups (Canaanite, Amorite, Hittite, Perizzite, Jebusite, Hivite) serves to emphasize the vast and diverse nature of the opposition Israel faced. This enumeration is not merely a dry list but a rhetorical device that conveys the formidable challenge of the conquest, highlighting the multitude of enemies. Coupled with this is precise **Geographical Specification**, which anchors each group to a particular terrain ("on the east and on the west," "in the mountains," "under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh"). This specificity not only provides a vivid mental map of the battlefield but also underscores the strategic depth and widespread nature of the resistance. The combination of these devices effectively communicates the comprehensive scope of the northern campaign and the entrenched nature of the peoples inhabiting the promised land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Joshua 11:3](/joshua/11-3 "Joshua 11:3 - Northern Inhabitants") serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The detailed listing of these diverse and geographically entrenched peoples underscores the magnitude of the task given to Israel, yet it simultaneously magnifies the power of God who enables His people to dispossess such formidable opposition. This divine mandate was not merely for territorial acquisition but for the establishment of a holy nation, free from the corrupting influence of idolatry and wickedness prevalent among these Canaanite groups. The verse thus highlights the divine imperative for Israel to be distinct and consecrated, fulfilling their role as God's chosen people in the land He had prepared for them.

* [Genesis 15:19-21](/genesis/15-19-21 "Nations in the Abrahamic Covenant")
* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1-2 "Command to Dispossess Seven Nations")
* [Exodus 23:23](/exodus/23-23 "God's Promise to Drive Out Inhabitants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, [Joshua 11:3](/joshua/11-3 "Joshua 11:3 - Northern Inhabitants") offers profound insights into the nature of spiritual warfare and God's call to holiness. Just as Israel faced a diverse and geographically entrenched array of enemies, we too confront multifaceted spiritual opposition in our lives and communities. These "Canaanites" of our modern experience might manifest as deeply ingrained sinful patterns, pervasive worldly ideologies, cultural pressures that contradict biblical truth, or spiritual apathy. The detailed enumeration of the peoples in [Joshua 11:3](/joshua/11-3 "Joshua 11:3 - Northern Inhabitants") encourages us to be discerning, to identify the specific spiritual strongholds that seek to hinder our walk with God, rather than facing a generic, undefined enemy. God's command to Israel to utterly dispossess these nations serves as a powerful metaphor for our call to thoroughly cleanse our lives of anything that stands in opposition to God's will, to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old Self")). Ultimately, this verse underscores God's unwavering sovereignty and His faithfulness to empower His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles when they act in obedience to His commands, reminding us that victory in spiritual battles is found in Christ, not in our own strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Canaanites" or entrenched strongholds in your life or community that God is calling you to confront and dispossess?**
* **How does the detailed nature of the opposition in Joshua 11:3 encourage you to be specific and intentional in your spiritual battles?**
* **In what ways does this passage remind you of God's faithfulness to empower you for the challenges He sets before you, even when they seem overwhelming?**

### FAQ

**Why does Joshua 11:3 list so many different peoples?**

Answer: [Joshua 11:3](/joshua/11-3 "Joshua 11:3 - Northern Inhabitants") lists multiple distinct peoples—Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, and Hivites—to emphasize the comprehensive and diverse nature of the opposition Israel faced in the northern campaign. This detailed enumeration serves several purposes: it highlights the vastness of the territory to be conquered, from the plains to the mountains and the far north; it underscores the formidable challenge of dispossessing such a varied and geographically entrenched population; and it demonstrates the fulfillment of God's earlier commands to drive out these specific nations from the land, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - Nations to be Dispossessed"). The listing also reinforces the idea that Israel's conquest was not against a single unified kingdom but against a mosaic of independent city-states and tribal groups.

**What is the significance of the geographical locations mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The geographical locations—"on the east and on the west," "in the mountains," and "under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh"—are highly significant because they provide a precise map of the northern Canaanite territories and the extent of the coalition's reach. "On the east and on the west" likely refers to the plains and valleys, indicating widespread presence. "In the mountains" points to the central highlands, a strategic and defensible region where groups like the Jebusites (associated with Jerusalem) were strong. "Under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh" clearly identifies the northernmost boundary of the promised land, showing that the opposition extended to the very limits of Israel's inheritance. This geographical specificity underscores the thoroughness of the conquest described in the book of Joshua and the comprehensive nature of God's promise to give Israel the entire land, from its southern to its northern borders, as outlined in [Joshua 1:4](/joshua/1-4 "Joshua 1:4 - Boundaries of the Promised Land").

**Are the "Hittites" in this verse the same as the great Hittite Empire?**

Answer: While the Hittite Empire was a major power in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) during the Late Bronze Age, the "Hittites" mentioned in [Joshua 11:3](/joshua/11-3 "Joshua 11:3 - Northern Inhabitants") and other biblical lists of Canaanite peoples are generally understood to be a smaller, localized group of people of Hittite origin who had settled in Canaan. They were likely remnants or offshoots of the broader Hittite population, or perhaps simply a group known by that name in the region. Their presence "in the mountains" of Canaan suggests they were one of the many ethnic groups inhabiting the highlands, distinct from the vast imperial power centered far to the north. This distinction is important for understanding the scope of Israel's conquest, which was primarily focused on the inhabitants of the land of Canaan itself, rather than engaging with major world empires of the time, as also suggested by the limited geographical scope described in [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1-12 "Numbers 34:1-12 - Boundaries of the Land").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Joshua 11:3](/joshua/11-3 "Joshua 11:3 - Northern Inhabitants"), with its detailed enumeration of the formidable and entrenched enemies of Israel, foreshadows the ultimate spiritual battle and the comprehensive victory achieved through Jesus Christ. Just as Israel was called to dispossess diverse nations from a promised land, believers are called to overcome the powers of darkness and the entrenched strongholds of sin in the spiritual realm. These "Canaanites" of the soul—idolatry, pride, lust, and rebellion—are ultimately conquered not by human might or military strategy, but by the decisive victory of Christ on the cross. He is the true Joshua, leading His people into a greater promised land, the Kingdom of God, by disarming the principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The detailed list of enemies in [Joshua 11:3](/joshua/11-3 "Joshua 11:3 - Northern Inhabitants") emphasizes the totality of the opposition, mirroring the comprehensive nature of sin's dominion over humanity. Yet, Christ's sacrifice on Calvary offers a complete and final triumph over every spiritual foe, enabling His followers to live in freedom and holiness. Through His resurrection, He provides the power for believers to "put on the full armor of God" and stand firm against the schemes of the devil ([Ephesians 6:11-12](/ephesians/6-11-12 "Ephesians 6:11-12 - The Full Armor of God")), ultimately inheriting an eternal kingdom where every enemy has been subdued under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign Until All Enemies Are Under His Feet")). Thus, the physical conquest in Joshua points to the spiritual liberation and ultimate reign of Christ, who truly takes away the sin of the world and establishes His eternal dominion.

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

Judges 3:3

[Namely], five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath.

Genesis 31:49

And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

Joshua 18:26

And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,

Joshua 13:11

And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;

Joshua 15:63

As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.

Jeremiah 41:14

So all the people that Ishmael had carried away captive from Mizpah cast about and returned, and went unto Johanan the son of Kareah.

Deuteronomy 4:48

From Aroer, which [is] by the bank of the river Arnon, even unto mount Sion, which [is] Hermon,