And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof;
The coalition forming against Israel shows how God's people's victories provoke opposition. 'All the kings...on this side Jordan' represents unified Canaanite response to Israel's threat. The geographic catalog (hills, valleys, coasts, Lebanon) indicates comprehensive alliance across diverse terrain and peoples. The list 'Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites' represents the six primary people groups (sometimes seven including Girgashites). Their unity shows that shared threat can overcome cultural and political differences. Previously, Canaanite city-states competed with each other; now Israel's presence forces cooperation. This illustrates spiritual principle: the world unites against God's kingdom despite internal divisions (Psalm 2:1-2, Acts 4:26-27). The phrase 'when they heard' indicates Israel's reputation preceded them—their victories created fear driving coalition formation. Ironically, the very terror God sent before Israel (Joshua 2:9-11) provoked organized resistance.
Historical Context
Canaan in the late Bronze Age consisted of numerous city-states with shifting alliances and frequent conflicts. Egyptian hegemony had weakened, leaving a power vacuum. Israel's arrival—unified, numerous, divinely aided—represented an existential threat to all Canaanite kingdoms. The geographic diversity mentioned (mountains, lowlands, coastal plain) shows that cities across different ecological and economic zones recognized common danger. The six nations listed represent broader ethnic and cultural groups within Canaan. Archaeological evidence confirms the presence of these peoples in the regions mentioned. The phrase 'gathered themselves together' uses the Hebrew יַחַד (yachad—together, united), emphasizing unprecedented unity among typically fractious city-states. This coalition-building fulfilled God's prophecy that He would drive out these nations (Exodus 23:23, 33:2). Their unified response, though formidable, would prove insufficient against Israel's God.
Questions for Reflection
How does opposition to God's work sometimes intensify after initial victories?
What does worldly unity against God's kingdom teach about spiritual warfare's nature?
How should believers respond when success provokes increased, organized resistance?
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Analysis & Commentary
The coalition forming against Israel shows how God's people's victories provoke opposition. 'All the kings...on this side Jordan' represents unified Canaanite response to Israel's threat. The geographic catalog (hills, valleys, coasts, Lebanon) indicates comprehensive alliance across diverse terrain and peoples. The list 'Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites' represents the six primary people groups (sometimes seven including Girgashites). Their unity shows that shared threat can overcome cultural and political differences. Previously, Canaanite city-states competed with each other; now Israel's presence forces cooperation. This illustrates spiritual principle: the world unites against God's kingdom despite internal divisions (Psalm 2:1-2, Acts 4:26-27). The phrase 'when they heard' indicates Israel's reputation preceded them—their victories created fear driving coalition formation. Ironically, the very terror God sent before Israel (Joshua 2:9-11) provoked organized resistance.