John Calvin Commentary Joshua 11:1

"And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor heard thereof, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph," — Joshua 11:1 (ASV)

And it came to pass when Jabin, etc. In this new league, we also see a bright manifestation of God's more than paternal care in warding off dangers from His people, and also in assisting their weakness with kindness and indulgence. If Jabin, with the confederates now mentioned, had openly declared himself the ally of the neighboring kings, a much more formidable war would have broken out against the Israelites, and greater concern and anxiety would surely have seized their minds.

Indeed, it would have been easy for the Lord to rout all their forces at once, as well as to dissipate all fear and dread of them. However, He was unwilling to overwhelm His own people, who were otherwise weak, lest the excessive numbers of the enemy should strike them with terror and drive them to despair.

Therefore, He kept the many nations—who would naturally have rushed hastily to arms—in a state of lethargy and amazement, until the chosen people had been emboldened by significant victories to carry on the wars that still remained. They pillage and devastate a large territory, leaving it destitute of inhabitants and stripped of resources. None of the neighboring powers, who are afterwards to act on the offensive, makes the least movement. The Israelites revisit their wives and children in safety.

When they had gathered courage and were ready for a new war, a very large army suddenly appears, composed of different nations who had, until then, by remaining quiet, provided an opportunity for victory. Their coming forward at this later period was the same as if they had entered into a truce. Thus, God not only fought for His chosen people but, by dividing the enemy, greatly increased their strength.

How formidable the onset would have been, if the Israelites had not been gradually trained to confidence in battle and, at the same time, experienced the manifest assistance of God! First, their numbers are compared to the sand of the sea, and then they have horses and chariots. As the Israelites were completely lacking cavalry, it is surprising that they were not terrified by this array.

Therefore, they were gradually brought forward until they were able to bear it. For, in their former battles, He had only exercised them through a kind of pleasant preludes. It may be added that the Lord had, by several victories, repeatedly borne testimony to His power, so that they might not think of it more lightly than was fitting.

If all their enemies had been routed at once, they might, indeed, have magnificently celebrated the praises of God, but they might also have easily lost the remembrance of His deeds. It was necessary, therefore, that repeated proofs, distinct and separate from each other, should be presented to them, lest they attribute any single victory to a stroke of fortune.