And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,

JOSHUA 11:1KJV
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Joshua 11:1 (KJV)

What does Joshua 11:1 mean?

Joshua 11:1 describes how Jabin, the king of Hazor, heard about the earlier victories of Israel and responded by reaching out to other regional kings—specifically Jobab of Madon, the king of Shimron, and the king of Achshaph—to form an alliance. This verse sets the stage for a coalition of Canaanite kings preparing to resist the Israelites as they advance through the land.

The verse is part of a historical account in the book of Joshua, where the Canaanite kings are reacting to the military successes of Joshua and the Israelites. Jabin, as king of Hazor (a major city in northern Canaan), takes the initiative to gather other leaders for a united defense. The verse highlights the growing concern among the local rulers as Israel’s campaign progresses.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 11:1

  • יָבִין (Yavin, transliterated "Jabin") is the name of the king of Hazor. The name means "he understands" or "he is perceptive," which may hint at his awareness and quick response to Israel’s threat.
  • חָצוֹר (Chatzor, transliterated "Hazor") refers to a significant city in northern Canaan, known for its size and influence, making Jabin’s actions especially important.
  • שָׁמַע (shama‘, transliterated "heard") means "to hear" or "to listen," but often carries the sense of responding to news with action, as Jabin does here.
  • שָׁלַח (shalach, transliterated "sent") means "to send," indicating Jabin’s active role in initiating communication and alliance with other kings.

Why Joshua 11:1 matters

  • Joshua 11:1 shows that Israel’s victories were significant enough to alarm powerful regional leaders, prompting them to unite against a common threat.
  • The verse introduces the scale of opposition Joshua and the Israelites would soon face, emphasizing that their conquest was not uncontested or easy.
  • By naming specific kings and cities, the verse grounds the story in real historical geography and politics, helping readers see the organized resistance Israel encountered.

Where else these words appear

“Madon” Hebrew H4068 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 12:19 The king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one;

“Achshaph” Hebrew H407 · used in 3 verses

  • Joshua 12:20 The king of Shimronmeron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;
  • Joshua 19:25 And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph,

“Shimron” Hebrew H8110 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 46:13 And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron.
  • Numbers 26:24 Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites.
  • Joshua 19:15 And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages.

“Jabin” Hebrew H2985 · used in 7 verses

  • Judges 4:2 And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.
  • Judges 4:17 Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.
  • Judges 4:24 And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.