Joshua 11:7

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Joshua 11:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly, and fell upon them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly, and fell upon them.
Joshua 11:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Joshua 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly, and fell upon them.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them, etc.] Being encouraged by the Lord, they set out with Joshua at the head of them, to fight the kings and their forces. It is highly probable that these were not the whole body of armed men in the camp of Israel, but a select company Joshua took of them, and who would be able to make quicker marches on this expedition: by the waters of Merom suddenly; the Targum is, “they lay by the waters of Merom;” as they were thoughtless and careless, and not on their guard, Joshua and his forces came to them suddenly, unawares, and they not provided for them: and they fell upon them; at once, which threw them into disorder and confusion.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Suddenly - As before, at Gibeon Joshua 10:9, so now Joshua anticipates his enemies. Taken by surprise, and hemmed in between the mountains and the lake, the chariots and horses would have no time to deploy and no room to act effectively; and thus, in all probability, the unwieldy host of the Canaanites fell at once into hopeless confusion. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Suddenly - When they least expected them, intending there to refresh, and prepare, and order themselves for the offensive war which they designed. Joshua 11:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“11:7 Joshua . . . traveled: Jabin might have planned to move from Merom out of Upper Galilee to meet Israel on a more advantageous battlefield when all his forces were assembled. However, Joshua attacked suddenly, before Jabin could choose the battleground.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“suddenly: Jos 10:9; Th1 5:2, Th1 5:3 Joshua 11:8”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification