Joshua 9:1 - Meaning and Application

Up to this point, the Canaanites had mostly been on the defensive. Israel had taken the lead in attacking Jericho and Ai, but now the kings of Canaan were meeting together to plan an attack on Israel. They hoped that if their forces joined together, they might slow down Israel’s advance and stop the progress of their victorious army.

It is surprising that they had not done this earlier. They had known for a long time that Israel was coming, and Israel’s plan to take Canaan was no secret. A wise concern for their own safety should have led them to guard the crossing of the Jordan or meet Israel as soon as they came over. It is also strange that they did not try to break the siege of Jericho, or at least join with the men of Ai after Israel defeated them. But they were, either because of pride or because they had lost hope, deeply confused and unable to think clearly. Many people do not see what is best for their peace until it is too late and hidden from their eyes.

It is even more surprising that they did this now. The fall of Jericho showed God’s power very clearly, and the defeat of Ai showed Israel’s skill in war. At that point, wisdom would have led them not to fight Israel, but to seek peace and make the best agreement they could for themselves (Luke 14:32). But their minds were blinded, and their hearts were hardened, which led to their ruin.

Notice what finally pushed them to this meeting. “When they heard of it” (Joshua 9:1), meaning not only the victories at Jericho and Ai, but also the gathering at Mount Ebal, which was described just before. They heard that Joshua, as if he already owned the whole land, had gathered all the people, read to them the law by which they were to live, and received their promise to obey it. Then they saw that Israel was serious, and they knew it was time to act.

The godly obedience and worship of God’s people can sometimes anger their enemies more than anything else. Also notice how united these kings were in their decision. Though they ruled different nations, such as the Hittites, Amorites, and Perizzites, and likely had often disagreed with one another, they now agreed without dissent to unite against Israel. It would be good if Israel would learn this lesson from the Canaanites, setting aside private interests for the good of all, and laying aside their quarrels so they can stand together against the common enemies of God’s kingdom among people.