The Conquest of Canaan Cities
Quick Summary
Explore the key cities in the Conquest of Canaan as described in the Book of Joshua. From Jericho to Hazor, this guide outlines the strategic and theological significance of each city, connecting biblical events with historical geography.
Introduction
The conquest of Canaan stands as one of the most dramatic and defining narratives in the Old Testament. After the death of Moses, Joshua leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. The Book of Joshua outlines the military campaigns and divine promises fulfilled during this time. But this wasn’t just a military movement — it was a spiritual mission to claim the land God had promised to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 15:18–21).
This post highlights the key cities in that conquest: cities that fell, cities that resisted, and cities whose names became symbolic in Israel’s collective memory. Where were they? What happened there? And what do they mean today?
Key Cities of the Conquest
1. Jericho
Scripture: Joshua 6
Summary: The first major city conquered by Israel. Its walls fell after seven days of silent marching and trumpet blasts. A symbol of God’s power and Israel’s obedience.
Significance: Jericho serves as a theological template — a victory by faith, not by might. Archaeological studies at Tell es-Sultan offer possible corroboration.
2. Ai
Scripture: Joshua 7–8
Summary: After initial defeat due to Achan’s disobedience, Israel defeats Ai with a strategic ambush.
Significance: Shows the cost of sin in the community and the importance of repentance. Ai is often identified with Et-Tell.
3. Gibeon
Scripture: Joshua 9–10
Summary: The Gibeonites trick Israel into making a treaty. Later, Joshua defends them against five Amorite kings.
Significance: A story of cunning and mercy, and the famous scene of the sun standing still (Joshua 10:12–14) occurs during this battle.
4. Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, Debir
Scripture: Joshua 10
Summary: These cities fell during the southern campaign. Joshua’s forces moved swiftly, defeating kings and destroying strongholds.
Significance: Represents God’s faithfulness and Israel’s momentum in the conquest.
5. Hazor
Scripture: Joshua 11
Summary: The key northern city. Jabin, king of Hazor, gathers a large coalition. Joshua burns Hazor.
Significance: Archaeologically significant site. Considered the most powerful Canaanite city at the time.
6. Bethel
Scripture: Judges 1:22–26 (Though part of the conquest, it’s not emphasized in Joshua)
Summary: Conquered by the house of Joseph.
Significance: An important worship site and future spiritual center.
7. Jerusalem
Scripture: Joshua 10:1–27; Judges 1:8
Summary: Though defeated, the Jebusites retained control. Not fully conquered until David’s reign (2 Samuel 5).
Significance: The future capital and religious heart of Israel.
8. Gezer
Scripture: Joshua 10:33
Summary: King Horam of Gezer tried to help Lachish but was defeated.
Significance: Became a border city and was later given as a dowry gift to Solomon (1 Kings 9:16).
Strategic and Theological Themes
Divine Initiative: The conquest is presented as God's work through human obedience. Repeatedly, God tells Joshua, “Do not be afraid, for I have delivered them into your hand” (Joshua 10:8).
Covenant Fulfillment: The land promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:7) is now being possessed.
Holiness and Judgment: The destruction of cities like Jericho and Ai underscores Israel’s call to be distinct and to remove corrupt influences.
Leadership Transition: Joshua, as Moses’ successor, shows how faithful leadership matters.
Archaeological Considerations
Jericho: Excavations at Tell es-Sultan show collapsed walls and burn layers that some associate with Joshua’s conquest.
Hazor: Significant burn layers have been uncovered; dates are debated but remain compelling.
Lachish and Gezer: Egyptian records and destruction layers support biblical timelines.
For a scholarly overview, see:
Kenneth A. Kitchen, On the Reliability of the Old Testament (Eerdmans, 2003)
Richard S. Hess, Joshua: An Introduction and Commentary (IVP Academic, 1996)
Bryant G. Wood, Did the Israelites Conquer Jericho? A New Look at the Archaeological Evidence, Biblical Archaeology Review, 1990.
Meaning for Today
The conquest of Canaan and the stories of these cities are not just about ancient military history — they raise questions about trust, obedience, divine timing, and how God leads people through challenges.
Jericho reminds us that faith and obedience move walls.
Ai teaches us the dangers of hidden sin.
Gibeon urges caution against appearances and quick decisions.
Hazor shows that even the strongest strongholds fall before God.
Each city invites reflection not only on Israel’s past but on our walk of faith today.
