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 11:20KJVWhat 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.