Following Joshua’s impressive victories, the northern kings of Canaan form a coalition similar to the one attempted by their southern neighbors. Jabin, king of Hazor, organizes a northern alliance against Israel. The Canaanites camp at the Waters of Merom. Under divine inspiration, Joshua surprises the armies of Canaan and annihilates them. Next, the Israelites destroy their cities. Even Hazor, the most powerful political entity in the region, is set on fire. Once the northern campaign is over, the conquest of Canaan is nearly complete. The only nation that surrenders to the Israelites is the Gibeonites. Joshua is not alarmed by the mighty northern alliance. He recruits the tribes and valiantly attacks the kings’ armies in their own territory.
“and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many” (Joshua 11:4)
Persistence is the relentless pursuit of our personal mission.
