King James Version

What Does Joshua 11:5 Mean?

Joshua 11:5 in the King James Version says “And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Isra...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. met: Heb. assembled by appointment”

Joshua 11:5 · KJV

Context

3

And to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.

4

And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.

5

And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. met: Heb. assembled by appointment

6

And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.

7

So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them.

Read Joshua 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom—The verb pitched (חָנָה, chanah) means to encamp for battle, indicating a coordinated military strategy. The waters of Merom (מֵי מֵרוֹם, mei merom, 'waters of the heights') refers to the region near modern Meiron in upper Galilee, strategically chosen for chariot warfare on open terrain.

The coalition's unity—met together (יָעַד, ya'ad, appointed assembly)—shows the nations' desperate solidarity against God's people. This pattern recurs throughout Scripture: 'The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed' (Psalm 2:2). Human confederacies, regardless of size, cannot thwart divine purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Waters of Merom campaign (ca. 1220 BC) was Israel's final major conquest battle in Canaan. The location offered the coalition maximum tactical advantage—flat terrain ideal for chariot warfare and easy water access for large armies. Multiple city-states pooled resources in a last-ditch effort to stop Joshua's southern and central campaign momentum.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when opposition to God's purposes appears overwhelming and coordinated?
  2. What does the enemy's desperate unity reveal about the certainty of God's victory?
  3. How does this coalition prefigure the final gathering of nations against Christ in Revelation 19:19?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּוָּ֣עֲד֔וּ1 of 13

“were met together”

H3259

to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or positi

כֹּ֖ל2 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַמְּלָכִ֣ים3 of 13

“And when all these kings”

H4428

a king

הָאֵ֑לֶּה4 of 13
H428

these or those

וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ5 of 13

“they came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַיַּֽחֲנ֤וּ6 of 13

“and pitched”

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

יַחְדָּו֙7 of 13

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

אֶל8 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֵ֣י9 of 13

“at the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

מֵר֔וֹם10 of 13

“of Merom”

H4792

merom, a lake in palestine

לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם11 of 13

“to fight”

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

עִם12 of 13
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 13

“against Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 11:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 11:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 3:1Revelation 16:14Psalms 118:10-12Isaiah 8:9

Places in This Verse

Waters of MeromSpring · Modern: En Meron · 32.98°N, 35.44°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in Joshua 11 →

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