Joshua 11:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Joshua 11:20
20 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.
Chapter Context
Joshua 11 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, salvation, discipleship. Written during the conquest of Canaan (c. 1406-1375 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Canaan was fragmented into city-states with various tribal alliances and religious practices.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Joshua and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Joshua 11:20
20 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.
Analysis
This verse presents one of Scripture's most challenging doctrines: divine hardening of hearts unto judgment. The phrase 'it was of the LORD to harden their hearts' (ki meYahweh haytah lechazzeq et-libam, כִּי מֵיהוָה הָיְתָה לְחַזֵּק אֶת־לִבָּם) attributes heart-hardening directly to divine agency. The verb chazaq (חָזַק, 'harden') means to strengthen, make firm, or obstinate. God actively strengthened Canaanite resistance 'that they should come against Israel in battle.' The purpose clauses reveal divine intent: 'that he might destroy them utterly...that they might have no favour...that he might destroy them.' The Hebrew lemaan (לְמַעַן, 'that') introduces divine purpose—hardening served judgment. The phrase 'as the LORD commanded Moses' roots this destruction in previous divine mandate (Deuteronomy 7:1-2, 20:16-18). From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty including judicial hardening of sinners for just judgment. Romans 9:17-18 cites Pharaoh's hardening as parallel case, teaching that God hardens whom He wills for His purposes. Canaanite civilization had reached full iniquity (Genesis 15:16), warranting divine judgment executed through Israel.
Historical Context
The Canaanites' seven nations had occupied the land for centuries, their wickedness including child sacrifice to Molech, ritual prostitution, and pervasive idolatry (Leviticus 18:21-30, 20:2-5, Deuteronomy 12:31). God had warned Abraham that Amorite iniquity must reach full measure before judgment (Genesis 15:16)—four centuries later, that measure was complete. The hardening of Canaanite hearts ensured they would resist Israel militarily rather than surrender or flee, facilitating complete destruction as God commanded. This parallels Pharaoh's hardening (Exodus 7-14) where God strengthened Pharaoh's resolve to resist, bringing more severe judgments revealing divine glory. Ancient Near Eastern conquest narratives typically attributed victory to superior deity's power; Joshua uniquely presents God orchestrating enemy resistance to ensure judgment's thoroughness. Archaeological evidence shows widespread destruction of Late Bronze Age Canaanite cities, though debates continue regarding dating and attribution. The theological principle established here—God hardens hearts for judgment while remaining just—runs throughout Scripture: Pharaoh (Exodus 4:21), Sihon (Deuteronomy 2:30), Romans 9:18. God's sovereignty includes judicial hardening as righteous response to persistent sin.
Reflection
- How does divine hardening for judgment challenge your understanding of free will and God's sovereignty?
- What does God's patience in waiting for full iniquity before judging Canaan teach about His justice and mercy?
- How should we understand God hardening hearts while maintaining human accountability for sin?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 4:21, Deuteronomy 2:30, 7:16, Judges 14:4
- Parallel theme: Exodus 9:16, 14:17, Romans 9:18