And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.

JOSHUA 11:8KJV
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Joshua 11:8 (KJV)

What does Joshua 11:8 mean?

Joshua 11:8 describes how the LORD gave Israel victory over their enemies, allowing them to defeat and pursue these opposing armies to distant places, leaving none of them remaining. The verse emphasizes the totality of Israel’s victory, mentioning specific locations to show how far the pursuit went.

In this part of the book of Joshua, the narrative tells how Joshua and the Israelites fought against a coalition of northern Canaanite kings. The LORD (Yahweh) is described as actively delivering these enemies into Israel’s power, and the Israelites chase and strike down their foes as far as Great Zidon, Misrephothmaim, and the valley of Mizpeh toward the east. The verse highlights both the completeness of the victory and the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 11:8

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This name for God stresses that it is Israel’s covenant God who is acting on their behalf, not just a generic deity.
  • Delivered (נָתַן, nathan): This word means to hand over or give into someone’s power. It shows that the victory is not just military skill but is attributed directly to God’s intervention.
  • Hand (יָד, yad): In Hebrew, “hand” often symbolizes power or control. Here, it means that Israel had full control over their enemies because of God’s action.
  • Chased (רָדַף, radaf): This verb means to pursue or run after. The use of this word shows that the Israelites did not just win a battle but thoroughly pursued their enemies, ensuring none escaped.

Why Joshua 11:8 matters

  • Joshua 11:8 clarifies that the victory was not partial or uncertain; it was complete, with none of the enemy left, which fulfills earlier promises made to Israel.
  • The mention of specific places like Great Zidon and Misrephothmaim helps readers see the scale of the victory and the geographical spread of the campaign.
  • This verse connects to the broader theme in Joshua of God’s faithfulness in giving Israel the land, showing that success comes from God’s direct involvement, not just human effort.

Where else these words appear

“Misrephothmaim” Hebrew H4956 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 13:6 All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, and all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee.

“Mizpeh” Hebrew H4708 · used in 14 verses

  • Joshua 15:38 And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,
  • 1 Samuel 7:6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
  • Jeremiah 40:6 Then went Jeremiah unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and dwelt with him among the people that were left in the land.

“valley” Hebrew H1237 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
  • Ezekiel 3:22 And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.

“Zidon” Hebrew H6721 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 10:15 And Canaan begat Sidon his firstborn, and Heth,
  • 2 Samuel 24:6 Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtimhodshi; and they came to Danjaan, and about to Zidon,
  • Jeremiah 27:3 And send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the Ammonites, and to the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Zidon, by the hand of the messengers which come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah king of Judah;