Joshua 11:20

Authorized King James Version

For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵאֵ֣ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

For it was of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הָֽיְתָ֡ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְחַזֵּ֣ק

H2388

to harden

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לִבָּם֩

H3820

their hearts

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לִקְרַ֨את

H7125

that they should come against

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

הַמִּלְחָמָ֤ה

H4421

in battle

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#12

לְמַ֣עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#13

הַֽחֲרִימָ֔ם

H2763

that he might destroy them utterly

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

#14

לְבִלְתִּ֥י

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

#15

הֱיוֹת

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#16

לָהֶ֖ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#17

תְּחִנָּ֑ה

H8467

and that they might have no favour

graciousness; causatively, entreaty

#18

כִּ֚י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#19

לְמַ֣עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#20

הַשְׁמִידָ֔ם

H8045

but that he might destroy

to desolate

#21

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#22

צִוָּ֥ה

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#23

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

For it was of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#24

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#25

מֹשֶֽׁה׃

H4872

Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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