Joshua 11:7

7 So Joshua came against them with all the people of war and fell upon them suddenly by the waters of Merom.

Joshua 11:7 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 11:7

So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against
them
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.

Joshua 11:7 In-Context

5 All these kings united, and as they came they gathered together the camps near the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.

6 But the LORD said unto Joshua, Do not be afraid because of them, for tomorrow at this hour I will deliver them up all slain before Israel; thou shalt hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.

7 So Joshua came against them with all the people of war and fell upon them suddenly by the waters of Merom.

8 And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them and chased them unto great Zidon and unto the hot springs and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them no one remaining.

9 And Joshua did unto them as the LORD had commanded him; he hamstrung their horses and burnt their chariots with fire.