What is the meaning of Joshua 11:12? Joshua captured all these kings - Joshua’s success flows from God’s promise in Joshua 1:5, 9 that no one would stand against Israel and that the Lord would be with Joshua wherever he went, echoing the earlier conquest guarantees in Deuteronomy 7:17-24. - The “kings” are the coalition leaders listed in Joshua 11:1-5; their defeat fulfills God’s assurance in Exodus 23:27-31 that Israel would conquer the land little by little under divine direction. - The victory shows that obedience brings the realization of God’s covenant promises first given to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21) and reiterated to Moses (Deuteronomy 11:23-25). and their cities - Taking the cities means securing the strategic centers of Canaan, just as Deuteronomy 6:10-11 foretold Israel would inherit “cities you did not build.” - It underscores that the conquest was comprehensive, leaving no fortified strongholds to rekindle idolatry—anticipating warnings in Numbers 33:55 about the danger of leaving remnants that could become “barbs in your eyes.” - The fall of these urban hubs mirrors earlier victories over Jericho and Ai (Joshua 6; 8), confirming a consistent pattern of God-given triumph. and put them to the sword - The phrase points to complete military defeat, paralleling Joshua 10:28-40 where southern kings were likewise struck down “with the edge of the sword.” - God’s justice is in view: Genesis 15:16 indicated the Amorites’ sin had reached its full measure, and Deuteronomy 9:4-5 clarifies Israel was not receiving the land for its own righteousness but because of the nations’ wickedness. - The sword was the instrument of divine judgment (Romans 13:4 later affirms governing authorities bear the sword as God’s servant for wrath). He devoted them to destruction - “Devoted” (ḥerem) signifies giving something irrevocably to God (Leviticus 27:28-29), reserving it exclusively for Him. - Deuteronomy 20:16-18 commanded that certain Canaanite peoples be “left alive none that breathes” to prevent Israel from learning detestable practices and turning to idolatry. - The principle protects purity of worship; when Saul later violated this command with Amalek, 1 Samuel 15 shows the serious consequences of partial obedience. as Moses the LORD’s servant had commanded - Joshua acts under delegated authority, aligning with Numbers 27:18-23 where Moses commissioned Joshua and laid hands on him before the congregation, charging him to do all the Lord commanded. - By following Moses’ instructions (Deuteronomy 31:7-8), Joshua models continuity of leadership and fidelity to God’s word, a theme reinforced in Joshua 1:7-8: “Do not turn from it to the right or the left.” - The phrase reminds readers that this conquest was not a human initiative but a long-standing divine directive communicated through Moses (Deuteronomy 34:10-12 credits Moses as the unparalleled prophet through whom the Lord worked mighty acts). summary Joshua 11:12 records total victory achieved through unwavering obedience. Joshua captures the coalition kings, secures their cities, executes God’s judgment by the sword, and devotes the defeated to destruction exactly as Moses had commanded. Every step fulfills earlier divine promises and warnings, demonstrating that when God’s people trust and obey His word, His purposes prevail and His holiness is upheld. |
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