Joshua 5:1

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which [were] on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which [were] by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when all the kings {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}, which were on the side {H5676} of Jordan {H3383} westward {H3220}, and all the kings {H4428} of the Canaanites {H3669}, which were by the sea {H3220}, heard {H8085} that the LORD {H3068} had dried up {H3001} the waters {H4325} of Jordan {H3383} from before {H6440} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, until we were passed over {H5674}, that their heart {H3824} melted {H4549}, neither was there spirit {H7307} in them any more, because {H6440} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When all the kings of the Emori on the west side of the Yarden and all the kings of the Kena'ani near the sea heard how ADONAI had dried up the Yarden River ahead of the people of Isra'el until they had crossed it, their hearts failed them, and they fell into depression because of the people of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, that were beyond the Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, that were by the sea, heard how that Jehovah had dried up the waters of the Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 5:1 records the immediate and profound psychological impact of God's miraculous intervention at the Jordan River on the indigenous kings of Canaan. Upon hearing that the LORD had supernaturally dried the Jordan for Israel's passage, the Amorite and Canaanite rulers were utterly demoralized, their courage and will to resist completely evaporating. This divine act of instilling fear served as a strategic prelude to the conquest, demonstrating God's sovereign power in preparing the land for His people before a single battle was fought.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal transition point in the book of Joshua, immediately following the Israelites' miraculous crossing of the Jordan River on dry ground and the erection of memorial stones at Gilgal ([Joshua 3-4](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3-4 - Crossing the Jordan and Memorial Stones")). Having successfully entered the Promised Land, Joshua 5:1 shifts the narrative focus from Israel's preparation and divine enablement to the reaction of the land's inhabitants. The use of "we" in the KJV text ("until we were passed over") reflects either the narrator's identification with the Israelites or Joshua's perspective, emphasizing the completed nature of God's wondrous act. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent events in Gilgal, including the circumcision and Passover, before the direct military campaigns begin with the [fall of Jericho](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "kings of the Amorites" and "kings of the Canaanites" represent the dominant political and ethnic groups inhabiting the land west of the Jordan. The Amorites typically occupied the hill country and Transjordanian regions, while the Canaanites were generally associated with the coastal plains and major city-states. These were not unified nations but a collection of independent city-states, each ruled by its own king. The Jordan River served as a significant natural barrier, and its miraculous drying would have been an unprecedented and terrifying event, signaling to the local rulers that a divine power was at work on behalf of the invading Israelites. The news would have spread rapidly through trade routes and local networks, amplifying the psychological impact.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 5:1 powerfully underscores several core themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, emphasizing that Israel's success was not due to their military might but to the LORD's direct, supernatural intervention. The drying of the Jordan was a clear sign of God's active presence, fulfilling His covenant promises to deliver the land to His people, as seen in passages like [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham"). Secondly, the verse illustrates **Psychological Warfare** as a strategic element of God's plan. The description that "their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more" vividly portrays the overwhelming terror and loss of morale among the enemy leaders. This fear was a direct fulfillment of God's promise to send His "terror" before Israel, weakening the enemy's will to fight even before confrontation, as stated in [Exodus 23:27](/exodus/23-27 "Exodus 23:27 - God Sending Terror Before Israel"). Finally, this passage reinforces the theme of **God Fighting for Israel**, demonstrating that God was actively clearing the way for His people, not just through miraculous provision but also by dismantling the enemy's resolve.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **melted (Hebrew, מָסַס, _māsaṣ_):** This verb, used here in the Qal perfect, literally means "to melt" or "to dissolve." When applied to the heart, as in this context, it is a vivid idiomatic expression signifying a complete loss of courage, resolve, and strength due to extreme fear or dread. It implies a state of utter demoralization, where the will to resist has completely disintegrated, much like a solid substance turning to liquid. This imagery is also found in other biblical texts describing overwhelming fear, such as [Deuteronomy 1:28](/deuteronomy/1-28 "Deuteronomy 1:28 - Hearts Melting in Fear").
* **spirit (Hebrew, רוּחַ, _rûaḥ_):** In this context, "spirit" refers not to a spiritual entity in the theological sense, but to vitality, courage, breath, or the will to fight. The phrase "neither was there spirit in them any more" (וְלֹא הָיְתָה בָם עוֹד רוּחַ, _wəlōʾ hāyətâ bām ʿôd rûaḥ_) powerfully reinforces the concept of complete psychological defeat. It indicates a total absence of morale, vigor, or the inner strength required for resistance, leaving them utterly paralyzed by fear.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which [were] on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which [were] by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over":** This opening clause establishes the scope of the enemy's awareness and the specific divine act that triggered their fear. "All the kings" emphasizes the widespread nature of the terror, encompassing the major regional powers. The geographical markers ("westward" and "by the sea") precisely locate these formidable adversaries, highlighting that even those seemingly protected by natural barriers or distance were affected. The critical element is that they "heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan," underscoring that it was the report of God's direct, supernatural intervention, rather than Israel's military might, that caused their distress. The inclusion of "until we were passed over" reinforces the completed nature of this divine miracle and the narrator's perspective.
* **"that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel":** This segment describes the profound and debilitating psychological effect on the enemy. The dual expressions "their heart melted" and "neither was there spirit in them any more" serve as a powerful parallelism, vividly conveying a complete and utter loss of courage, resolve, and the will to fight. This was not mere apprehension but a paralyzing terror that rendered them incapable of effective resistance. The final phrase, "because of the children of Israel," directly attributes this demoralization to the presence of God's people, implicitly acknowledging the divine power that accompanied them. This fear was a strategic weapon, weakening the enemy's will before any physical confrontation.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 5:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, seen in the expressions "their heart melted" and "neither was there spirit in them any more." These are not literal descriptions but exaggerated statements designed to emphasize the extreme and debilitating terror experienced by the Canaanite kings. This hyperbole vividly portrays the complete psychological collapse of the enemy, highlighting the overwhelming nature of God's power. Additionally, there is an element of **Foreshadowing** in this verse. The immediate demoralization of the enemy kings foreshadows the relatively swift and decisive victories that Israel will achieve in the upcoming conquest, indicating that God is already fighting on their behalf by breaking the spirit of their adversaries. The verse also presents a stark **Contrast** between the fearful, melting hearts of the pagan kings and the divinely empowered, confident advance of the Israelites, underscoring the difference between those who oppose God and those who are led by Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 5:1 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His strategic use of divine terror to prepare the way for His people. This event is not an isolated incident but aligns with a consistent pattern throughout the Old Testament where God actively fights for Israel, often by instilling fear and dread into their enemies. This demoralization was a promised part of the divine strategy, designed to weaken resistance and demonstrate God's supremacy over all other powers. It underscores that the conquest of Canaan was fundamentally a divine work, not merely a human military campaign, ensuring that all glory belonged to the LORD.

* [Exodus 23:27](/exodus/23-27 "Exodus 23:27 - God's Terror Before Israel")
* [Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "Deuteronomy 2:25 - Fear and Dread Upon Nations")
* [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession of Fear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 5:1 offers a profound spiritual lesson for believers today: God's power is supreme, and His plans are unstoppable, often working in unseen ways to prepare the path for His purposes. When we face daunting challenges, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or spiritual opposition, this verse reminds us that God often goes before us, not only clearing the way but also strategically weakening the resolve of those who might oppose His will. Our trust should not be in our own strength or strategy, but in God's omnipotence and His proven faithfulness. Just as the Jordan's drying was a visible sign of God's power, we can look to His past faithfulness in our lives and in Scripture as assurance that He is capable of dismantling opposition and opening paths, even when we cannot perceive how. This instills a confidence that allows us to move forward in faith, knowing that the spiritual battle is often won through God's intervention, not solely by human effort.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's past faithfulness, both in Scripture and in your own life, strengthen your courage when facing present challenges?**
* **In what "impossible" situations might God be working behind the scenes to prepare the way for His purposes, even if you don't see immediate results?**
* **How does the paralyzing fear of God's enemies, as depicted here, contrast with the peace and confidence God offers His people through faith?**

### FAQ

**Why did the kings' hearts melt?**

Answer: The kings' hearts melted because they "heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel." This was not just a natural phenomenon but a supernatural act of God, mirroring the [parting of the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea") decades earlier. The news of such a powerful, undeniable miracle, performed by the God of Israel, instilled overwhelming dread and demoralization. They recognized that they were facing a people backed by an invincible divine power, rendering their own military strength and defenses futile. Their fear was a direct consequence of recognizing God's sovereign hand in clearing the way for His people.

**Who were the Amorites and Canaanites mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The Amorites and Canaanites were two of the primary ethnic groups inhabiting the land of Canaan, which God had promised to Israel. The "kings of the Amorites... on the side of Jordan westward" likely refers to rulers of city-states in the central highlands or western side of the Jordan Valley. The "kings of the Canaanites... by the sea" refers to rulers of city-states located along the Mediterranean coast. These groups represented the formidable indigenous powers that Israel was commanded to dispossess. Their inclusion emphasizes the widespread impact of God's miracle, affecting the major regional powers who would soon face Israel in battle.

**What is the significance of the phrase "until we were passed over" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "until we were passed over" indicates that the narrator (likely Joshua himself or someone closely associated with the events) is speaking from the perspective of the Israelites who successfully completed the crossing. It emphasizes the *completion* of God's miraculous act and Israel's secure arrival on the western bank of the Jordan. This detail reinforces the fact that the enemy's fear was a reaction to a fully accomplished, undeniable divine intervention, not merely a threat or a partial event. It highlights the divine enablement that brought Israel safely into the land before the conquest began.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 5:1, with its depiction of enemy hearts melting before the advancing people of God, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The fear and demoralization of the Amorite and Canaanite kings, caused by the report of God's mighty acts, foreshadows the ultimate and decisive victory of Jesus Christ over all spiritual adversaries. Just as God cleared the way for Israel's physical inheritance, Christ's death and resurrection disarmed the powers of darkness, ensuring His people's spiritual inheritance. The [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who takes away the sin of the world, did not merely cause hearts to melt in fear but utterly defeated the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Through His triumph, Christ has overcome the world, and His followers are called to take heart ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). The "melting hearts" of the enemies of Israel prefigure the trembling of demons before the authority of Christ ([James 2:19](/james/2-19 "James 2:19 - Demons Believe and Tremble")) and the ultimate subjugation of every foe under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")). While some hearts melt in fear, the Gospel of Christ offers a different kind of "melting"—a softening of hardened hearts through repentance and faith, leading to new life in Him ([Acts 2:37](/acts/2-37 "Acts 2:37 - Hearts Pierced by the Gospel")).

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 2:9

And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.

Joshua 2:11

And as soon as we had heard [these things], our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he [is] God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

Numbers 13:29

The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.

1 Kings 10:5

And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

Judges 1:1

¶ Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?

Ezekiel 21:7

And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak [as] water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD.

Genesis 12:6

¶ And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite [was] then in the land.