How does Joshua 11:12 demonstrate God's command to conquer and destroy cities? Joshua 11:12 in Focus “Joshua captured all these kings and their cities and struck them with the sword. He devoted them to destruction, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded.” What the Verse Shows at First Glance • Joshua’s actions—capture, strike, devote to destruction—mirror earlier commands. • The phrase “just as Moses … had commanded” ties the conquest directly to God’s prior instructions spoken through Moses. • The verse treats these events as historical fact, recording fulfilled obedience rather than allegory or legend. Tracing the Command Backward God spoke first to Moses, then through Moses to Joshua: • Deuteronomy 7:1-2 – “When the LORD your God brings you into the land … you must devote them to complete destruction.” • Deuteronomy 20:16-18 – “You shall not leave alive anything that breathes … so that they will not teach you to do all the detestable things.” • Numbers 33:50-53 – “Drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you.” Joshua 11:12 records that Joshua did exactly what was already commanded—no more, no less. Why God Ordered Total Destruction 1. Judgment on Persistent Wickedness • Genesis 15:16 foreshadowed that the Amorites’ sin “was not yet complete.” Four centuries later, judgment fell. 2. Protection of Israel’s Covenant Faithfulness • Deuteronomy 7:4 warns that tolerating idolatrous nations would lead Israel to “turn away from following Me.” 3. Fulfillment of Promised Land Inheritance • Genesis 12:7; Joshua 1:2-6 link conquest to God’s promise to Abraham’s descendants. Joshua’s Obedience Underlines God’s Authority • Joshua didn’t adjust or negotiate the command. • His obedience confirmed him as Moses’ rightful successor (Joshua 1:7). • The narrative underscores that success in battle flowed from submitting to God’s word (Joshua 11:6-9,15). Key Lessons for Believers Today • God’s commands are meant to be taken at face value and obeyed fully. • Divine justice may appear severe, yet Scripture presents it as righteous and purposeful. • Just as Israel eradicated Canaanite idolatry, Christians are called to put to death the “deeds of the body” (Romans 8:13) and flee anything that competes with wholehearted devotion to the Lord. |
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