How does Joshua 11:20 demonstrate God's sovereignty in Israel's conquests? Setting the Scene Joshua faced a massive northern coalition. Humanly speaking, Israel was outnumbered and out-equipped, yet victory came swiftly. The narrator pauses to explain why. Key Verse “For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that they would be devoted to destruction without mercy and be annihilated, as the LORD had commanded Moses.” (Joshua 11:20) What the Phrase “of the LORD” Tells Us • Initiator: God, not chance, directed the entire confrontation. • Purposeful: Every step served His covenant plan announced to Abraham (Genesis 15:16, 18-21) and reiterated to Moses (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). • Unstoppable: Even the enemies’ choices were folded into His design. Sovereignty Displayed in Seven Ways 1. Control of Hearts – “to harden their hearts.” Proverbs 21:1 echoes, “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.” 2. Timing of Battle – God drew the kings out simultaneously, ensuring a decisive defeat. 3. Fulfillment of Commands – “as the LORD had commanded Moses.” The conquest matched divine instruction, not Israel’s improvisation (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). 4. Guarantee of Victory – Hardening ensured the Canaanites would fight instead of surrender, preventing treaties that would undermine God’s holiness standard. 5. Display of Justice – Their long-standing wickedness now met finalized judgment (Genesis 15:16). 6. Preservation of Covenant Line – Clearing the land protected Israel from idolatry (Exodus 23:33). 7. Revelation of Glory – Future generations would see that the Lord alone gives the land (Psalm 44:1-3). Why Hardening Hearts? • It mirrors Pharaoh’s story (Exodus 4:21; 9:12), showing that God’s dealings are consistent: He can soften or harden according to His purposes (Romans 9:17-18). • It prevented partial obedience; complete devotion to destruction (ḥerem) was required. • It removed human boasting—victory was unmistakably God-given. Connections with Earlier Scripture • Deuteronomy 2:30 – Sihon’s heart hardened “that He might deliver him into your hand.” • Exodus 14:17 – God hardened Pharaoh for a climactic defeat. • Psalm 135:6 – “The LORD does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth.” • Isaiah 45:7 – He forms light and creates darkness; conquest and peace alike are His work. Implications for Israel Then • Courage: If God governs even enemy decisions, Israel need not fear. • Obedience: Their task was to follow instructions, not negotiate alternate strategies. • Humility: Success was grace, not military genius. Takeaways for Believers Today • God remains sovereign over rulers and events; no opposition surprises Him. • His purposes often unfold through both willing and resistant hearts. • Trusting His plan frees us from anxiety and fuels faithful obedience, confident that “the LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him?” (Isaiah 14:27). |
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