Joshua 11:11

The Israelites put everyone in Hazor to the sword, devoting them to destruction. Nothing that breathed remained, and Joshua burned down Hazor itself.

Study Bible

The Israelites put everyone in Hazor to the sword
This phrase indicates the complete military victory achieved by the Israelites over the city of Hazor. Hazor was a significant Canaanite city, often considered the head of all those kingdoms (Joshua 11:10). The act of putting everyone to the sword reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of total warfare, where the complete annihilation of the enemy was sometimes seen as necessary to prevent future threats. This action was also in obedience to God's command to the Israelites to completely destroy the Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 7:1-2), which was intended to prevent the Israelites from being led astray by pagan practices.

devoting them to destruction
The term "devoting to destruction" translates the Hebrew word "herem," which means to consecrate something to God by completely destroying it. This was a form of divine judgment against the Canaanites for their idolatry and wickedness (Leviticus 18:24-25). It also served to purify the land for the Israelites, ensuring that no pagan influences would remain to corrupt them. This concept is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as in the destruction of Jericho (Joshua 6:17-21).

Nothing that breathed remained
This phrase emphasizes the totality of the destruction. It underscores the completeness of the judgment executed upon Hazor, leaving no survivors. This mirrors the instructions given in Deuteronomy 20:16-18, where God commanded the Israelites to leave nothing alive in the cities of the nations He was giving them as an inheritance. The thoroughness of this destruction was intended to prevent any future resurgence of the Canaanite culture and religion.

and Joshua burned down Hazor itself
Burning the city was a symbolic act of finality, ensuring that Hazor could not be easily rebuilt or reoccupied. Archaeological evidence supports the biblical account, as excavations at Hazor have revealed a layer of destruction by fire dating to the time of Joshua. This act of burning also served as a visible sign of God's judgment and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. The destruction of Hazor can be seen as a type of the ultimate judgment that will come upon the world, as described in Revelation 18, where Babylon the Great is also burned and destroyed.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites, successor to Moses, who led the conquest of Canaan.

2. Hazor
A significant Canaanite city, described as the head of all those kingdoms, which was targeted and destroyed by the Israelites.

3. Canaanites
The inhabitants of the land of Canaan, who were the primary opponents of the Israelites during their conquest of the Promised Land.

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

5. The Conquest of Canaan
A series of military campaigns led by Joshua to take possession of the land promised by God to the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Joshua's actions demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions completely, even when they are difficult or challenging.

The Severity of Sin
The complete destruction of Hazor serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and idolatry.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
The conquest of Canaan illustrates God's sovereign plan and His justice in dealing with nations that oppose His will.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as the Israelites were called to destroy physical strongholds, Christians are called to demolish spiritual strongholds in their lives.

Trust in God's Promises
The fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan encourages believers to trust in God's promises for their lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joshua's obedience in destroying Hazor challenge us in our own obedience to God's commands today?

2. In what ways can the account of the conquest of Canaan help us understand the nature of spiritual warfare in the New Testament?

3. How does the complete destruction of Hazor reflect God's view of sin and idolatry, and how should this influence our attitude towards sin in our lives?

4. What are some "strongholds" in our lives that God might be calling us to completely destroy, and how can we go about doing this?

5. How can we apply the lessons of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites to our own faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Exodus 23:31-33
God promises to drive out the inhabitants of the land and commands the Israelites not to make covenants with them, which aligns with the actions taken in Joshua 11:11.

Judges 4-5
The later account of Deborah and Barak, where Hazor is again mentioned, showing the ongoing struggle with Canaanite forces.

1 Samuel 15:3
God's command to Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, similar to the command given to Joshua regarding the Canaanites.