For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.

JOSHUA 11:20KJV
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Joshua 11:20 (KJV)

What does Joshua 11:20 mean?

Joshua 11:20 says that the LORD caused the hearts of Israel’s enemies to be hardened so they would fight against Israel, leading to their complete destruction as God had commanded Moses. This verse explains that their defeat was not accidental, but part of God’s purpose and plan for Israel’s conquest.

In this passage, the narrator is explaining why the Canaanite kings came together to fight Israel, even though it led to their ruin. The verse emphasizes that God (called “the LORD” here) was actively involved in the events, shaping the outcome according to instructions previously given to Moses. It highlights the idea that the battles and their results were not just human decisions, but connected to God’s larger promises and commands regarding the land.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 11:20

  • “harden” (חָזַק, chazaq): This word means to make strong, firm, or stubborn. Here, it describes how God made the hearts of Israel’s enemies determined or unyielding, so they would not seek peace but instead go to battle.
  • “hearts” (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the “heart” is the center of will and decision-making, not just emotion. The hardening of their “hearts” means their resolve was set against Israel.
  • “utterly” (חָרַם, charam): This word means to devote to destruction, often in the sense of something being set apart for complete removal. It shows the totality of what was intended for these enemies.
  • “favour” (תְּחִנָּה, techinnah): This word means grace, mercy, or favor. The verse says the enemies would not receive mercy, reinforcing the idea of complete judgment.

Why Joshua 11:20 matters

  • Joshua 11:20 clarifies that the destruction of the Canaanite armies was not just due to Israel’s military strength, but was part of God’s plan, fulfilling earlier commands given to Moses.
  • The verse helps explain why the Canaanite kings acted as they did, even when it led to their downfall—they were not simply making poor choices, but their hearts were divinely hardened.
  • This verse connects the events in Joshua to the broader story of Israel’s conquest and God’s promises, showing continuity between Moses’ leadership and Joshua’s actions.

Where else these words appear

“favour” Hebrew H8467 · used in 24 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
  • 1 Kings 9:3 And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.
  • Psalms 55:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

“utterly” Hebrew H2763 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 22:20 He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
  • Joshua 10:1 Now it came to pass, when Adonizedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;
  • 1 Samuel 15:20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

“destroy” Hebrew H8045 · used in 86 verses

  • Genesis 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
  • Deuteronomy 31:3 The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.
  • Esther 7:4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.

“against” Hebrew H7125 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
  • Judges 7:24 And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.
  • 1 Kings 2:8 And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.