What is the meaning of Joshua 11:21? At that time “ At that time ” (Joshua 11:21a) roots this action in the flow of Israel’s conquest. • It follows the sweeping northern victory recorded in Joshua 11:1-15, underscoring a decisive moment when God “delivered them into the hand of Israel” (Joshua 11:8). • This timing fulfills earlier promises—God had pledged to drive out the nations “little by little” (Exodus 23:30; Deuteronomy 7:22), and now that process reaches a climactic point. • The phrase signals God’s faithfulness: every stage of the conquest is on His timetable, just as He assured Abraham centuries earlier (Genesis 15:16). Joshua proceeded to eliminate Joshua’s deliberate action reveals obedience to divine command. • God had charged him, “Do not be afraid… for tomorrow at this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel” (Joshua 11:6). • Earlier, Moses had commanded, “You shall destroy them totally” (Deuteronomy 20:17). Joshua now carries that out. • The wording highlights thoroughness; nothing about this mission is half-hearted (compare Numbers 32:20-22). the Anakim The Anakim were renowned giants who inspired terror in the spies (Numbers 13:33). • Their stature symbolized insurmountable obstacles, yet God had already promised, “Understand… it is the Lord your God who goes before you as a consuming fire” (Deuteronomy 9:1-3). • By confronting these formidable foes, Joshua demonstrates that no human intimidation can nullify divine promise (Psalm 27:1). from the hill country of Hebron, Debir, and Anab These specific towns matter. • Hebron—the city where Abraham dwelt (Genesis 13:18) and where Caleb later claims his inheritance (Joshua 14:13-14). • Debir—also called Kiriath-sepher, later given to Othniel for his valor (Joshua 15:15-17). • Anab—lesser known, yet situated within territory allotted to Judah (Joshua 15:50). Each place marks a tangible piece of God’s land-grant now cleared of opposition. and from all the hill country of Judah and of Israel The text widens from three towns to an entire mountain range. • The hill country of Judah becomes the heartland of the future kingdom (2 Samuel 5:5). • The hill country of Israel anticipates the northern tribal inheritances (Joshua 17:15-18). • God’s promise to give Israel “every place the sole of your foot treads” (Joshua 1:3) is visibly taking shape. Joshua devoted them to destruction “Devoted to destruction” (herem) means set apart exclusively to God—no spoil, no survivors. • This echoes Jericho’s fate (Joshua 6:17-21). • Deuteronomy 7:2 declares, “You must devote them to complete destruction. Do not make a covenant with them.” • The action protects Israel from idolatry (Deuteronomy 20:18) and underlines God’s holiness: judgment on sin is as certain as grace to His people (Romans 11:22). along with their cities Joshua levels the infrastructure as well as the inhabitants. • Destroying the cities prevents future strongholds of rebellion (compare Deuteronomy 13:12-16). • It also keeps Israel from immediate urban entanglements, encouraging dependence on the Lord as they settle (Joshua 24:13). • The pattern anticipates later victories—e.g., Lachish and Libnah (Joshua 10:31-35)—and foreshadows ultimate rest “from all their enemies” (Joshua 21:44). summary Joshua 11:21 records a pivotal sweep in which Joshua, at God’s appointed time, eliminates the intimidating Anakim across Judah and Israel’s hill country, devoting them and their cities to destruction. The verse showcases God’s faithfulness to His promises, Joshua’s uncompromising obedience, and the certainty that no giant or fortress can withstand the Lord who fights for His people. |
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