Joshua 11:12
And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded.
Original Language Analysis
וְֽאֶת
H853
וְֽאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עָרֵ֣י
And all the cities
H5892
עָרֵ֣י
And all the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 20
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְֽאֶת
H853
וְֽאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לָכַ֧ד
take
H3920
לָכַ֧ד
take
Strong's:
H3920
Word #:
9 of 20
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
of them did Joshua
H3091
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
of them did Joshua
Strong's:
H3091
Word #:
10 of 20
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
וַיַּכֵּ֥ם
and smote
H5221
וַיַּכֵּ֥ם
and smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
11 of 20
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
לְפִי
them with the edge
H6310
לְפִי
them with the edge
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
12 of 20
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
חֶ֖רֶב
of the sword
H2719
חֶ֖רֶב
of the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
13 of 20
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
הֶֽחֱרִ֣ים
and he utterly destroyed
H2763
הֶֽחֱרִ֣ים
and he utterly destroyed
Strong's:
H2763
Word #:
14 of 20
to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
אוֹתָ֑ם
H853
אוֹתָ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
This verse summarizes the northern campaign's totality—dozens of city-states subjugated. The reference to Moses's command points to Deuteronomy 7:1-5 and 20:16-18, given 40 years earlier on the plains of Moab. Joshua's faithful execution decades later shows how God's word remains authoritative across generations. The northern conquest completed the military phase of land acquisition begun at Jericho.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain faithfulness to God's word across different seasons and leadership changes in your life?
- What does it mean to act in obedience to divine commands given through previous generations of faithful believers?
- How does Joshua's submission to Moses's authority model proper respect for God's delegated leadership?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
All the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take—The comprehensive victory over multiple city-states fulfilled God's promise to give Israel the land. The verb take (לָכַד, lakhad, capture/seize) emphasizes military conquest, while utterly destroyed (הֶחֱרִים, hecherim) again invokes herem devotion to God.
As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded—This phrase anchors Joshua's actions in covenantal obedience, not personal vendetta. The title servant of the LORD (עֶבֶד יְהוָה, eved YHWH) appears 40 times for Moses, emphasizing that conquest fulfilled divine mandate transmitted through His chosen mediator. Joshua's obedience to Moses's instruction (from Deuteronomy 7:2, 20:16-17) demonstrates covenant continuity across leadership transitions. God's commands don't change with new administration.