Joshua 11:20

For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts to engage Israel in battle, so that they would be set apart for destruction and would receive no mercy, being annihilated as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Study Bible

For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts
This phrase indicates divine sovereignty in the events that unfold. The hardening of hearts is a recurring theme in the Bible, notably seen in the account of Pharaoh during the Exodus (Exodus 9:12). It suggests that God, in His omniscience and justice, allows or causes certain individuals or groups to resist His will, ultimately fulfilling His divine purposes. This hardening is not arbitrary but serves a greater plan within God's redemptive history.

to engage Israel in battle
The engagement in battle was part of the conquest of Canaan, a land promised to the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21). The battles were not merely military campaigns but were seen as acts of divine judgment against the Canaanite nations for their idolatry and wickedness (Deuteronomy 9:4-5). This engagement was necessary for Israel to take possession of the land God had given them.

so that they would be set apart for destruction
The phrase "set apart for destruction" refers to the Hebrew concept of "herem," which means devoted to God for destruction. This was a form of divine judgment against the Canaanites, who were seen as irredeemably corrupt. The destruction was meant to prevent the Israelites from being influenced by the Canaanites' idolatrous practices (Deuteronomy 20:16-18).

and would receive no mercy
This lack of mercy underscores the severity of God's judgment. It reflects the holiness and justice of God, who cannot tolerate sin. The Canaanites had ample time to repent, as evidenced by Rahab's acknowledgment of God's power (Joshua 2:9-11), but they chose to persist in their ways. This phrase also serves as a warning to Israel to remain faithful to God.

being annihilated as the LORD had commanded Moses
The command to annihilate the Canaanites was given to Moses as part of the instructions for taking possession of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). This command was not based on ethnic superiority but on the moral and spiritual corruption of the Canaanites. It also foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will come upon the world, pointing to the need for repentance and faith in God's provision for salvation through Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The sovereign God of Israel, who orchestrates events according to His divine will and purpose.

2. Joshua
The leader of Israel, succeeding Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and executing God's commands.

3. The Canaanite Kings
The collective adversaries of Israel, whose hearts were hardened by God to engage in battle against Israel.

4. Israel
The chosen people of God, led by Joshua, who are executing God's judgment on the Canaanite nations.

5. Moses
The former leader of Israel, who received God's commandments regarding the conquest of Canaan.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's actions, including the hardening of hearts, are rooted in His sovereign will and perfect justice. Believers are called to trust in His divine plan, even when it is beyond human comprehension.

The Seriousness of Sin
The complete destruction of the Canaanites serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and God's intolerance of idolatry and wickedness. Christians are encouraged to examine their lives and remove anything that leads them away from God.

Obedience to God's Commands
Joshua's leadership and Israel's obedience to God's commands highlight the importance of following God's instructions fully. Believers are challenged to live in obedience to God's Word, trusting in His guidance.

The Role of Faith in God's Plan
The Israelites' victory over the Canaanites was not due to their own strength but because of God's intervention. This teaches Christians to rely on faith in God's power rather than their own abilities.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in hardening hearts affect your view of His justice and mercy?

2. In what ways can the account of the Canaanites' destruction serve as a warning against sin and idolatry in your own life?

3. How can Joshua's obedience to God's commands inspire you to follow God's Word more closely in your daily life?

4. What are some areas in your life where you need to rely more on faith in God's power rather than your own strength?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Romans 9:18 and Proverbs 21:1, deepen your understanding of God's control over human affairs?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 4:21 and Romans 9:18
These passages discuss God's sovereignty in hardening hearts, as seen in Pharaoh's account and Paul's explanation of God's mercy and judgment.

Deuteronomy 20:16-18
Provides the command given to Moses regarding the destruction of the Canaanite nations, emphasizing the need to eliminate idolatry and sin.

Proverbs 21:1
Illustrates God's control over the hearts of kings, reinforcing His sovereignty over human affairs.

Isaiah 55:8-9
Highlights God's thoughts and ways being higher than human understanding, relevant to understanding His actions in Joshua 11:20.