Joshua 11:7
So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them.
Original Language Analysis
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַם֩
and all the people
H5971
עַם֩
and all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַמִּלְחָמָ֨ה
of war
H4421
הַמִּלְחָמָ֨ה
of war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
5 of 13
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
עִמּ֧וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֧וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
6 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מֵ֥י
with him against them by the waters
H4325
מֵ֥י
with him against them by the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
9 of 13
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Historical Context
Joshua's surprise attack likely came at dawn after a forced night march from Gilgal (70+ miles). By striking before the coalition could organize their chariots in open formation, Israel negated their technological disadvantage. This tactical brilliance, combined with divine intervention, became the template for Gideon's later midnight attack (Judges 7).
Questions for Reflection
- When has God called you to bold, immediate action despite feeling outmatched?
- How does obedient aggression differ from presumption in spiritual warfare?
- What 'superior forces' in your life require a sudden, faith-filled assault rather than cautious planning?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly—The adverb suddenly (פִּתְאֹם, pit'om) emphasizes the shock attack God commanded (v. 6: 'Be not afraid'). Despite facing superior technology and numbers, Joshua's obedient aggression demonstrates faith in God's promise of victory.
They fell upon them (נָפַל עַל, nafal al)—This military idiom describes a devastating assault. The surprise attack neutralized the coalition's chariot advantage by engaging them before they could deploy in battle formation. Faith and obedience often require aggressive action at God's command, not passive waiting. As Moses told Israel at the Red Sea: 'The LORD shall fight for you' (Exodus 14:14)—but Joshua still had to march his army forward.