Joshua 11:8

KJV

And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} delivered {H5414} them into the hand {H3027} of Israel {H3478}, who smote {H5221} them, and chased {H7291} them unto great {H7227} Zidon {H6721}, and unto Misrephothmaim {H4956}, and unto the valley {H1237} of Mizpeh {H4708} eastward {H4217}; and they smote {H5221} them, until they left {H7604} them none remaining {H8300}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI handed them over to Isra'el - they attacked and chased them to Greater Tzidon, Misrefot-Mayim and eastward to the Mitzpeh Valley; they attacked them until none of them was left.

Berean Standard Bible

and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who struck them down and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon and Misrephoth-maim, and eastward as far as the Valley of Mizpeh. They struck them down, leaving no survivors.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah delivered them into the hand of Israel, and they smote them, and chased them unto great Sidon, and unto Misrephoth-maim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 11:8 powerfully narrates the decisive and comprehensive victory of the Israelites, led by Joshua, over the formidable northern confederation of Canaanite kings. This verse underscores the direct intervention of the LORD, who delivered the enemy into Israel's hand, leading to a relentless pursuit and complete destruction of the opposing forces across a vast geographical area, fulfilling divine promises and commands for the conquest of Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 11:8 is situated within the account of the northern campaign (Joshua 11:1-15), which marks the final major military phase of Israel's conquest of Canaan. This section immediately follows the successful central and southern campaigns, indicating a strategic shift to consolidate control over the entire promised land. The narrative builds from the gathering of a massive, multi-national Canaanite coalition at the Waters of Merom (Joshua 11:1-5), presenting a seemingly overwhelming challenge. However, God's explicit promise to Joshua in [Joshua 11:6](/joshua/11-6 "God's Promise to Joshua at Merom")—assuring victory and providing specific instructions for neutralizing the enemy's superior chariots and horses—sets the stage for the fulfillment described in verse 8. The subsequent verses detail the execution of God's command, including the burning of Hazor and the thorough destruction of its inhabitants, culminating in the summary statement of the land's rest in [Joshua 11:23](/joshua/11-23 "The Land Rests from War").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan occurred during the Late Bronze Age (roughly 1550-1200 BC), a period characterized by numerous city-states, often forming temporary alliances for defense or aggression. The Canaanites were known for their polytheistic worship, including child sacrifice and fertility cults, which God deemed an abomination. Their military strength often included chariots, a formidable weapon of the era, which Israel initially lacked. "Great Zidon" (Sidon) was a prominent Phoenician city-state on the Mediterranean coast, indicating the extensive reach of Israel's pursuit. Misrephothmaim, likely a coastal area north of Acco, and the valley of Mizpeh eastward (possibly in the Beqaa Valley or near Mount Hermon), further emphasize the vast geographical scope of this campaign, demonstrating Israel's ability to project power far beyond the immediate battleground, a testament to God's empowering presence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Deuteronomic history. First, **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness** are paramount; the opening phrase, "And the LORD delivered them," unequivocally attributes the victory not to Israel's might but to God's direct intervention and fulfillment of His covenant promises to give them the land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 9:5](/deuteronomy/9-5 "Not by Your Righteousness")). Second, the theme of **Complete Victory and Judgment** is evident in the thoroughness of the pursuit and the statement "until they left them none remaining." This reflects God's severe judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanite nations (as commanded in [Deuteronomy 7:2](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Command to Destroy the Canaanites")), ensuring the removal of idolatrous influences from the land Israel was to inherit. Finally, **Israel's Obedience** is subtly highlighted; their diligent pursuit and complete destruction of the enemy forces demonstrate their adherence to God's often difficult commands for the conquest, reinforcing the principle that blessing follows obedience (e.g., [Joshua 1:7](/joshua/1-7 "Be Strong and Courageous and Obey the Law")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _nātan'_):** The verb נָתַן (*nātan*) means "to give," "to put," or "to deliver." In this context, it signifies God's active agency in handing over the enemy into Israel's power. It is not merely that Israel won, but that the LORD *gave* them the victory. This emphasizes divine initiative and sovereignty, making the outcome a direct result of God's will and power, not solely human military prowess. It echoes similar declarations of divine assistance throughout the conquest narrative.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nākah'_):** The verb נָכָה (*nākah*) is a strong term meaning "to strike," "to beat," "to smite," or "to slay." Its use here, repeated in the verse, highlights the decisive and forceful nature of the military engagement. It conveys the brutal reality of ancient warfare and the thoroughness of Israel's execution of God's judgment against the Canaanites. The repetition underscores the intensity and completeness of the action.
* **None remaining (Hebrew, _shā'ar'_):** The phrase "none remaining" translates from the Hebrew verb שָׁאַר (*shā'ar*), meaning "to remain," "to be left over." Here, in the negative, it conveys the utter and complete annihilation of the specific armies engaged in this battle. While hyperbole for emphasis is possible in such ancient texts, it primarily communicates the decisive nature of the victory, leaving no organized resistance from this particular coalition. This aligns with the concept of *herem* (devotion to destruction) applied to certain Canaanite populations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel":** This opening clause immediately establishes the theological framework for the victory. The triumph is not attributed to Israel's military might or strategic genius, but to the direct, sovereign act of Yahweh. He is the one who "gives" or "delivers" the enemy, signifying His active involvement and fulfillment of His promises to Joshua and Israel. This sets the tone for understanding the entire conquest as a divine undertaking.
* **"who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward;":** This clause details Israel's diligent and extensive execution of the divine mandate. "Smote them" indicates the initial decisive engagement. The subsequent "chased them" highlights the relentless pursuit, preventing any regrouping or escape. The geographical markers—"great Zidon" (a major Phoenician city far to the northwest), "Misrephothmaim" (likely a coastal area near Tyre/Sidon), and "the valley of Mizpeh eastward" (possibly in the Anti-Lebanon range or Beqaa Valley)—underscore the vast geographical scope of the pursuit, demonstrating the thoroughness of the victory and the complete dispersal of the enemy forces across a wide region.
* **"and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.":** This concluding clause reiterates the intensity of the battle ("smote them" again) and emphatically states the outcome: a complete and utter defeat of the enemy coalition. "None remaining" signifies the total destruction of the specific armies that gathered against Israel, leaving no survivors from those forces to pose a future threat. This fulfills the divine command for the *herem* and serves as a powerful testament to the decisive judgment enacted by God through Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 11:8 employs several literary devices to emphasize the magnitude and divine nature of Israel's victory. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the re-use of "smote them," which underscores the intensity and thoroughness of the battle. This iterative phrasing builds a sense of relentless action and complete devastation. The verse also utilizes **Geographical Detail for Emphasis**, listing distant locations like "great Zidon," "Misrephothmaim," and "the valley of Mizpeh eastward." This extensive catalog of pursuit destinations functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, vividly portraying the vast scope of the victory and the utter dispersal of the enemy, leaving no corner for them to hide or regroup. While perhaps not literally every single individual was killed, the language conveys the complete eradication of the *organized military threat* from this northern coalition. This emphatic language serves to highlight the divine power at work, making an impossible victory a reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 11:8 is a profound theological statement, asserting that the conquest of Canaan was fundamentally a divine work, not merely a human military campaign. The opening declaration, "And the LORD delivered them," establishes God as the primary actor, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises to Israel and His sovereign power over all nations. This victory serves as a tangible manifestation of God's justice, executing judgment upon the wicked inhabitants of Canaan while simultaneously fulfilling His promise to provide a land for His people. The thoroughness of the destruction, while challenging to modern sensibilities, reflects the severity of God's judgment against entrenched evil and idolatry, ensuring Israel's purity in the land. This passage thus powerfully affirms God's active involvement in human history, His commitment to His word, and His role as both deliverer and judge.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Command to Destroy Nations")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Not by Sword or Arm")
* [Isaiah 45:1-3](/isaiah/45-1 "God's Deliverance for Cyrus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 11:8, though depicting a historical military conquest, offers enduring principles for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that our ultimate victories, especially in spiritual battles, are not won by our own strength, wisdom, or resources, but by the sovereign hand of God. Just as the LORD delivered the formidable Canaanite armies into Israel's hand, He remains faithful to empower and deliver His people from the overwhelming challenges and spiritual opposition they face. This verse calls us to trust in God's active involvement in our lives, His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, and His ability to grant decisive victory over sin, temptation, and the forces of darkness. It encourages us to pursue obedience to His commands with the same diligence and thoroughness that Israel pursued their enemies, knowing that God fights for us when we walk in His ways. Our role is to respond in faith and obedience, allowing God to accomplish His purposes through us, confident that He will leave "none remaining" of the spiritual enemies that seek to hinder His kingdom in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the opening phrase, "And the LORD delivered them," challenge our tendency to rely on our own strength or strategies in life's battles?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God to "deliver" you from overwhelming circumstances or spiritual opposition?**
* **What does the thoroughness of Israel's pursuit and victory (chasing to distant lands, leaving "none remaining") teach us about the commitment required in our own spiritual battles against sin and temptation?**
* **How can we apply the principle of God fighting for His people to contemporary challenges, both personal and communal?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command such a complete destruction of the Canaanites, including leaving "none remaining"?**

Answer: The command for complete destruction, often referred to as *herem* or "devotion to destruction," was a unique and severe judgment against the Canaanite nations due to their extreme wickedness, including idolatry, child sacrifice, and pervasive immorality, which had reached a point of no return (e.g., [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Iniquity of the Amorites Not Yet Complete")). God, as the righteous judge of all the earth, was executing divine justice. Furthermore, it served a redemptive purpose for Israel: to prevent the contamination of God's chosen people by the Canaanites' idolatrous practices, ensuring Israel's purity and distinctiveness as a holy nation dedicated to the one true God. The thoroughness described in [Joshua 11:8](/joshua/11-8 "Joshua 11:8 - Victory Over Northern Kings") was essential to remove the spiritual cancer from the land and establish a holy dwelling place for God's covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 11:8, with its portrayal of divine deliverance and comprehensive victory, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The LORD's act of "delivering" the enemies into Israel's hand foreshadows Christ's ultimate triumph over the true enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. Just as Joshua led Israel to conquer a physical land, Jesus, our greater Joshua (a Greek form of the name), leads His people in a spiritual conquest. The thoroughness of Israel's victory, leaving "none remaining" of the enemy forces, points to the decisive and complete nature of Christ's victory on the cross and through His resurrection. He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). While the conquest of Canaan involved physical warfare, Christ's victory is spiritual, establishing His kingdom not through the sword, but through sacrificial love and the power of the Holy Spirit. He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His finished work, He has left "none remaining" of sin's power to condemn those who believe in Him ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1 "No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Believers are now called to participate in this spiritual victory, empowered by Christ to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil ([1 John 5:4](/1_john/5-4 "Overcoming the World Through Faith")).

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 13:6

All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, [and] all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee.

Joshua 19:28

And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, [even] unto great Zidon;

Genesis 10:15

¶ And Canaan begat Sidon his firstborn, and Heth,

Joshua 21:44

And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.

Zechariah 9:2

And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise.

Joshua 11:3

[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.

Genesis 49:13

¶ Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he [shall be] for an haven of ships; and his border [shall be] unto Zidon.