A summary of Joshua’s Battles

Joshua 11:16–23
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

The first ten chapters have been an exciting adventure story of God calling Joshua to lead the Israelites in military conquest of the land of Canaan, which God had given them. The conquest of much of the land of Canaan seems to have happened quickly but it actually took seven years. The book of Joshua covers twenty-five years of real history in the life of the people of Israel and is an important part of the inspired Word of God. The first fifteen verses of chapter 11 recount the final decisive battles in the northern part of Canaan. In this passage Joshua highlights a few new details of these years of persistent battle (vv. 16-23). 

That phrase “a long time” (v. 18), refers to the fact that the conquest lasted seven years, from the crossing of the Jordan to the final battle at the waters of Merom. This is an important detail that warfare isn’t quick and easy. Opposition doesn’t just go away because we pray about it. This also highlights a wonderful aspect of Joshua’s character. Joshua was a man who understood that he was in it for the long haul. He demonstrated patience and persistence. Joshua did not muster up these qualities on his own. These qualities developed through all the years of leadership, battle after battle.

There have been times when I want to give up. I’m sure you feel the same way. One of the things that makes me want to give up is the character of the opposition. In this case it was the hardness of heart of the Canaanite opposition (vv. 19-20). For seven years the Canaanites mounted tough resistance to God and his people, driven by an increasing hardness of heart. They were violently and angrily opposed to everything Israel represented. God hardened the hearts of the Canaanites (v. 20). Then it speaks of the rest that God gives: “And the land had rest from war” (v. 23).

Application

It is easy to grow impatient with God and feel like giving up hope because things seem to be moving too slowly. In this passage I am reminded to be persistent because I’m on the Lord’s side.