Joshua 24:11

And ye went ouer Iordan, and came vnto Iericho: and the men of Iericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, & the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hiuites, and the Iebusites, and I deliuered them into your hand. Joshua 24:11 (KJV)

Joshua 24:11 is spoken by Joshua in the final address he gives to the nation of Israel before his death. In this speech he reviews the great acts of God throughout Israel’s history, urging the people to remember how faithfully the Lord has acted on their behalf. The verse begins with the dramatic crossing of the Jordan River, a moment that marked the end of the wilderness wanderings and the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the Israelites a land of their own. Their entry into the Promised Land is symbolized by the arrival at Jericho, the first fortified city they encountered. The biblical account records that God instructed Joshua to have the people march around the walls for six days, and on the seventh day the walls fell, allowing the city to be taken (Joshua 6:1‑20).

The passage also lists the peoples who opposed Israel: the men of Jericho, the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites, and Jebusites. These were the various Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land at that time. Despite the formidable opposition, Joshua declares that the Lord “delivered them into your hand.” The victories were not the result of Israel’s own military skill alone but were the direct outcome of God’s intervention—He fought for them and granted success in battle.

By recalling these events, Joshua underscores the unchanging faithfulness of God. He calls the people to reflect on how the Lord has been present at every stage of their journey, and he invites modern readers to do the same, recognizing God’s provision and deliverance in their own lives. The conquest required the Israelites to trust wholly in God’s promises and obey His instructions; the fall of Jericho serves as a powerful reminder that God can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

From this passage we learn three practical truths. First, gratitude: the Israelites were to be thankful for every deliverance, and believers today should cultivate a thankful heart for God’s work. Second, dependence: the successes were achieved through God’s power, not human strength, urging believers to rely on divine strength in spiritual battles. Third, trust: the narrative challenges us to place our confidence in God’s guidance and power, especially when facing personal “Jerichos.” In doing so, we honor the same God who led Israel across the Jordan and into victory over its enemies.