What is the meaning of Joshua 11:19? No city made peace with the Israelites • The statement underscores that, by this stage of Joshua’s conquest, every Canaanite city had chosen resistance rather than reconciliation (cf. Deuteronomy 20:10–12, where the Lord had allowed cities outside Canaan an option for peaceful surrender). • Joshua 11:20 explains why this happened: “For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts … that they might be devoted to destruction.” God’s sovereign plan unfolded exactly as He had foretold to Abraham in Genesis 15:16 and reiterated through Moses in Exodus 23:31–33. • The refusal of peace demonstrates the moral and spiritual decay of the Canaanite culture (Leviticus 18:24–25). Their collective hardness confirms Romans 1:21–24, where people rejecting God are given over to their choices. except the Hivites living in Gibeon • Gibeon’s unique treaty (Joshua 9:3–15) shows that mercy was available to those who sought it, even amid judgment. • Though the Gibeonites used deception, Israel honored the covenant, illustrating Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 about keeping vows. • Their later integration—serving at the altar (Joshua 9:27) and fighting alongside Israel when attacked (Joshua 10:6–10)—reveals God’s faithfulness to all who seek refuge under His name (Psalm 84:3; Hebrews 11:31 concerning Rahab’s similar faith choice). • The contrast invites reflection on how repentance, not lineage, determines standing with God (Romans 10:12–13). all others were taken in battle • From Jericho’s walls falling (Joshua 6:20) to Hazor’s destruction (Joshua 11:11), the victories testify that “the LORD fought for Israel” (Joshua 10:42). • These campaigns fulfilled Deuteronomy 7:1–2: “When the LORD your God brings you into the land … you must devote them to complete destruction.” The purpose was to safeguard Israel from idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:4). • God’s justice and patience had spanned centuries (Genesis 15:16), yet persistent rebellion resulted in judgment, echoing Proverbs 29:1. • For believers today, the warfare foreshadows the spiritual battle described in Ephesians 6:10–18; victory comes only by relying on the Lord’s strength. summary Joshua 11:19 highlights a stark division: one group sought mercy and found life; all others resisted and faced defeat. The verse showcases God’s unwavering justice, His readiness to extend grace to the repentant, and the certainty of His promises to His people. |
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