Joshua 11:14

The Israelites took for themselves all the plunder and livestock of these cities, but they put all the people to the sword until they had completely destroyed them, not sparing anyone who breathed.

Study Bible

The Israelites took
This phrase indicates the active role of the Israelites in claiming what God had promised them. The Hebrew root for "took" is "לָקַח" (laqach), which means to seize or capture. This action reflects obedience to God's command to possess the land. Historically, this was a common practice in ancient warfare, where victors claimed spoils as a sign of triumph and divine favor.

all the plunder and livestock
The term "plunder" refers to goods taken by force, and "livestock" indicates the animals that were part of the spoils. In the Hebrew context, "plunder" is "שָׁלָל" (shalal), emphasizing the complete transfer of wealth and resources. This reflects God's provision for His people, ensuring they had the necessary resources to establish themselves in the Promised Land.

of these cities for themselves
This phrase underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the Israelites. The cities mentioned were part of the inheritance God had sworn to their forefathers. The phrase "for themselves" highlights the personal and communal blessing received by the Israelites, as they were now stewards of the land.

but they put every person to the sword
The phrase "put to the sword" is a common biblical expression for complete destruction in battle. The Hebrew word "חֶרֶב" (chereb) means sword, symbolizing judgment and divine justice. This action was not merely a military strategy but a fulfillment of divine command to eradicate idolatry and sin from the land.

until they had completely destroyed them
The Hebrew root for "completely destroyed" is "חָרַם" (charam), meaning to devote to destruction. This indicates a total consecration to God, where nothing was left that could lead the Israelites astray. It reflects the seriousness of maintaining purity and holiness in the land God had given them.

not sparing anyone who breathed
This phrase emphasizes the totality of the destruction. The Hebrew word "נָשַׁם" (nasham) means to breathe, indicating that no living being was left. This was a divine mandate to prevent the influence of pagan practices and ensure the spiritual integrity of the Israelite community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites, who succeeded Moses and led the conquest of Canaan.

2. Israelites
The people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were fulfilling God's promise to give them the land of Canaan.

3. Canaan
The land promised by God to the Israelites, inhabited by various Canaanite tribes.

4. Canaanite Cities
The cities in the land of Canaan that were conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership.

5. The Conquest
The military campaign led by Joshua to take possession of the Promised Land as commanded by God.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' actions in Joshua 11:14 demonstrate their obedience to God's specific instructions. This teaches us the importance of following God's commands fully, even when they are difficult or challenging.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
The destruction of the Canaanite cities reflects God's sovereignty and justice. It reminds us that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His judgments are righteous.

Spiritual Warfare
The physical battles in the Old Testament can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual warfare in the New Testament. Believers are called to put to death the deeds of the flesh and live in obedience to God.

Trust in God's Promises
The conquest of Canaan is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. This encourages us to trust in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them in His timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the obedience of the Israelites in Joshua 11:14 challenge us in our own walk with God today?

2. In what ways can we see the justice and sovereignty of God in the events of Joshua 11:14, and how should this influence our understanding of God's character?

3. How can the concept of spiritual warfare be applied to our daily lives, drawing parallels from the physical battles in the book of Joshua?

4. What are some promises of God that you are holding onto, and how does the fulfillment of God's promises in Joshua encourage you?

5. How can we ensure that we are fully obedient to God's commands, even when they are difficult, in our current cultural context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:1-2
This passage provides the command from God to the Israelites to completely destroy the Canaanite nations, which is being fulfilled in Joshua 11:14.

1 Samuel 15:3
Similar instructions are given to King Saul regarding the Amalekites, highlighting the theme of complete obedience to God's commands.

Hebrews 11:30-31
These verses mention the faith of the Israelites in the conquest of Jericho, connecting the broader theme of faith and obedience in the conquest accounts.