Topical Bible: Alliances: Canaanitish Nations Against Israel

◄ Alliances: Canaanitish Nations Against Israel ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of alliances among the Canaanitish nations against Israel is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, reflecting the geopolitical and spiritual struggles faced by the Israelites as they entered and settled in the Promised Land. These alliances were often formed in response to the perceived threat of Israel's divinely ordained conquest and settlement of Canaan, as commanded by God to Moses and Joshua.

Biblical Context

The Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, were tasked with conquering the land of Canaan, a region inhabited by various tribes and city-states. The conquest was not merely a military campaign but a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Canaanites, aware of Israel's divine backing and military successes, often sought to form coalitions to resist the Israelite advance.

Key Alliances

1. The Southern Coalition: One of the earliest recorded alliances against Israel is found in Joshua 10. Adoni-Zedek, king of Jerusalem, fearing the growing power of Israel after the fall of Ai and the treaty with Gibeon, formed a coalition with four other Amorite kings: Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon. This alliance aimed to punish Gibeon for allying with Israel and to halt Israel's progress. The coalition was decisively defeated by Joshua at the Battle of Gibeon, where God intervened by casting down large hailstones and prolonging the day (Joshua 10:11-14).

2. The Northern Coalition: Another significant alliance is described in Joshua 11, where Jabin, king of Hazor, led a northern coalition against Israel. This alliance included kings from the northern hill country, the Arabah south of Kinnereth, the western foothills, and Naphoth Dor on the west. Despite their numbers and military strength, they were defeated by Joshua at the waters of Merom, as God delivered them into Israel's hands (Joshua 11:5-8).

Spiritual Implications

The alliances of the Canaanite nations against Israel are not only historical events but also carry spiritual significance. They represent the opposition of worldly powers against God's chosen people and His divine plan. The repeated failure of these coalitions underscores the sovereignty of God and His faithfulness to His promises. The Israelites were reminded that their victories were not due to their own strength but to God's intervention and guidance.

Lessons for Israel

The resistance faced by Israel through these alliances served as a test of faith and obedience. The Israelites were commanded to rely on God and follow His instructions precisely. When they did so, they experienced victory and blessing. However, when they deviated from God's commands, they faced setbacks and challenges. The narrative of these alliances highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the dangers of complacency and disobedience.

Conclusion

The alliances of the Canaanitish nations against Israel illustrate the broader spiritual battle between God's purposes and the forces that oppose them. These events serve as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the necessity for His people to trust and obey Him in the face of opposition.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 9:1,2
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;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Reign of David.
... formerly called Jesub,) a Canaanitish stronghold that ... He not only defended Israel
but subdued other nations. ... succeeded in forming friendly alliances with other ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

Egypt
... Canaan itself was conquered afresh, and the Canaanitish captives"the ... The nations
of the north had again poured ... Shishak had no need of Israelitish alliances. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... between one village and another, alliances, nor intermarriage ... for the maintenance
of their authority, arose against him ... "And when the children of Israel heard it ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... more hopelessly divided than any of the surrounding nations. ... I will not say of political
alliances, but of ... in the Israelitish epoch by Canaanitish names, such ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm