When Jabin, king of Hazor, heard of this, he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,
God kept the northern kings in a stupor while Israel gathered strength through earlier victories. He could have routed them all at once, but He spared His feeble people from despair by holding back the full weight of their enemies until they were ready. By dividing the enemy's response, He multiplied Israel's power manifold.
AI summary
God hardened these northern kings to begin the war themselves, so that Israel would be justified beyond exception in destroying them. Sinners bring ruin upon their own heads; the Lord will be vindicated, and they alone shall bear the blame forever.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 11:1-9
Jabin, alarmed by the fall of Jericho, Ai, and the southern kings, took the lead in summoning the northern kings to join him, for as Adonizedek ruled the south, so Hazor ruled the north. He sent to Jobab, Shimron, Achshaph, and others to make common cause against Israel.
AI summary