What does Joshua 11:15 mean?
What is the meaning of Joshua 11:15?

As the LORD had commanded His servant Moses

- The command to take Canaan originated with God Himself (Exodus 23:31-33; Deuteronomy 7:1-2).

- Because God’s word is perfect and final (Psalm 19:7; Isaiah 40:8), the conquest was not a human agenda but the unfolding of divine promise (Genesis 15:18-21).

- Seeing the Lord named first reminds us that every leader and generation is accountable to the same unchanging revelation (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17).


so Moses commanded Joshua

- Moses, knowing his earthly leadership was ending, passed God’s instructions directly to Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23; Deuteronomy 31:7-8, 23).

- This hand-off highlights God’s pattern of raising successors who keep His word central (2 Timothy 2:2).

- By receiving the commission from Moses, Joshua’s authority rested on Scripture, not personal ambition (Deuteronomy 34:9; Joshua 1:7-8).


That is what Joshua did

- Joshua immediately acted on what he had received (Joshua 1:10-11; 4:10-14).

- Obedience for him was not selective; it was eager and public, giving Israel confidence (Joshua 8:30-35).

- His life models the principle that faith proves itself by works (James 2:17; Hebrews 11:30).


leaving nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses

- The phrase underscores thoroughness: every city listed in Joshua 10–11 fell, just as promised (Joshua 21:43-45).

- God expected complete obedience, not partial compliance (1 Samuel 15:22; John 14:15).

- Because Joshua obeyed fully, Israel enjoyed the rest God had sworn (Joshua 23:14; Hebrews 4:8-9).


summary

Joshua 11:15 spotlights a seamless chain of obedience: God spoke, Moses relayed, Joshua performed. The verse urges every believer to honor Scripture’s authority, receive faithful teaching, and follow through without omission—confident that God’s unfailing promises stand behind wholehearted obedience.

How should Christians interpret the destruction and plundering in Joshua 11:14?
Top of Page
Top of Page