Joshua 11:7, "So Joshua came suddenly, with all the warriors, against them by the waters of Merom, and attacked them," describes a key moment in Joshua's conquest of Canaan. Let's break it down:
"So Joshua came suddenly...": This highlights the element of surprise. Joshua and his army made a swift and unexpected advance, catching their enemies off guard. This was a common tactic in ancient warfare to gain an advantage.
"...with all the warriors...": This emphasizes the scale of the Israelite force. Joshua brought the full might of his army, demonstrating his commitment to the battle and his intention to overwhelm the enemy.
"...against them...": This refers to the coalition of Canaanite kings who had gathered to oppose Israel. These kings had united their armies to resist the Israelite invasion (as described in the preceding verses).
"...by the waters of Merom...": This specifies the location of the battle. The "waters of Merom" is typically identified with a lake or reservoir in northern Israel, likely near the modern Hula Valley. The Canaanite kings had chosen this location as their staging ground.
"...and attacked them.": This is the culmination of the verse. The Israelites launched a full-scale assault on the assembled Canaanite forces, initiating a battle that would determine control of the region.
In essence, the verse describes Joshua's strategic and decisive military action. He used speed and the full strength of his army to launch a surprise attack on the united Canaanite forces at a vulnerable location, setting the stage for a major victory in the conquest of Canaan.
It's important to understand this verse within the broader context of the Book of Joshua, which portrays the Israelites as fulfilling God's promise to inherit the land of Canaan. The verse reflects the book's theme of God's active involvement in Israel's victories.
Joshua 11:7, "So Joshua came suddenly, with all the warriors, against them by the waters of Merom, and attacked them," describes a key moment in Joshua's conquest of Canaan. Let's break it down:
"So Joshua came suddenly...": This highlights the element of surprise. Joshua and his army made a swift and unexpected advance, catching their enemies off guard. This was a common tactic in ancient warfare to gain an advantage.
"...with all the warriors...": This emphasizes the scale of the Israelite force. Joshua brought the full might of his army, demonstrating his commitment to the battle and his intention to overwhelm the enemy.
"...against them...": This refers to the coalition of Canaanite kings who had gathered to oppose Israel. These kings had united their armies to resist the Israelite invasion (as described in the preceding verses).
"...by the waters of Merom...": This specifies the location of the battle. The "waters of Merom" is typically identified with a lake or reservoir in northern Israel, likely near the modern Hula Valley. The Canaanite kings had chosen this location as their staging ground.
"...and attacked them.": This is the culmination of the verse. The Israelites launched a full-scale assault on the assembled Canaanite forces, initiating a battle that would determine control of the region.
In essence, the verse describes Joshua's strategic and decisive military action. He used speed and the full strength of his army to launch a surprise attack on the united Canaanite forces at a vulnerable location, setting the stage for a major victory in the conquest of Canaan.
It's important to understand this verse within the broader context of the Book of Joshua, which portrays the Israelites as fulfilling God's promise to inherit the land of Canaan. The verse reflects the book's theme of God's active involvement in Israel's victories.