Joshua 11 - Summary

First city conquered, whose walls fell miraculously after Israel marched around them

Miraculously crossed on dry ground, marking Israel's entry into the Promised Land

First camp in Canaan where Israel was circumcised and celebrated Passover

Site of covenant renewal and Joshua's final address to the tribes

Goshen was a fertile region in the eastern Nile Delta where Joseph settled his father Jacob and his brothers. The Israelites lived here for over 400 years, growing from a family into a nation. During the plagues, Goshen was protected from the judgments on Egypt.

Mount Hermon is a majestic mountain range marking Israel's northern border, standing as the highest peak in the region at over 9,000 feet. In biblical times, it served as a significant landmark and was associated with the transfiguration of Jesus, though some traditions place this event here rather than Mount Tabor. The mountain was also known for its abundant dew and snow, which provided vital water sources for the Jordan River system.

Gibeon was a Canaanite city whose inhabitants tricked Joshua into making a peace treaty. God made the sun stand still here during Joshua's battle. Solomon offered sacrifices at the great high place in Gibeon, where God appeared to him in a dream offering him anything he asked.

Hebron is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives are buried in the Cave of Machpelah here. David was anointed king of Judah in Hebron and ruled from there for seven years before moving the capital to Jerusalem.

Gaza was one of the five major Philistine cities on the Mediterranean coast. Samson was taken here after his capture, where he pushed down the pillars of the temple of Dagon, killing himself and thousands of Philistines. Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza.

Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities and the home of Goliath, the giant warrior who defied Israel. David fled to Gath to escape Saul and pretended to be insane before King Achish. The city was eventually conquered by David. The phrase "Tell it not in Gath" comes from David's lament over Saul and Jonathan.