Joshua 11:21
At that time Joshua proceeded to eliminate the Anakim from the hill country of Hebron, Debir, and Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah and of Israel. Joshua devoted them to destruction, along with their cities.
At that time
This phrase situates the events within a specific period in the conquest of Canaan. It indicates a continuation of Joshua's military campaigns, emphasizing the divine timing and orchestration of these events. The Hebrew word for "time" (עֵת, 'et) often signifies an appointed or significant moment, suggesting that Joshua's actions were in alignment with God's divine plan.

Joshua went
The name "Joshua" (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, Yehoshua) means "The LORD is salvation." Joshua's leadership is a typology of Christ, leading God's people into the Promised Land. His going forth signifies obedience and faithfulness to God's command, embodying the role of a divinely appointed leader who acts decisively in fulfilling God's promises.

eliminated the Anakim
The Anakim were a race of giants, descendants of Anak, known for their formidable size and strength. Their presence in the land was a source of fear for the Israelites (Numbers 13:33). The Hebrew root for "eliminated" (כָּרַת, karat) means to cut off or destroy, indicating a complete removal. This act symbolizes the triumph of faith over fear and the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land, despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

from the hill country of Hebron, Debir, Anab
These locations were significant Canaanite strongholds. Hebron, in particular, was a city of great antiquity and importance, later becoming the inheritance of Caleb (Joshua 14:13-15). The mention of these specific places highlights the thoroughness of Joshua's campaign and the strategic dismantling of enemy strongholds, demonstrating God's power to deliver His people and establish them in the land.

and from all the hill country of Judah and of Israel
This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of the conquest. The hill country of Judah and Israel represents the heartland of the Promised Land. By securing these areas, Joshua ensured the establishment of Israel's future tribal territories. It signifies the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land.

Joshua devoted them and their cities to destruction
The term "devoted to destruction" (חֵרֶם, cherem) refers to the complete consecration of something to God, often through destruction. This was a common practice in ancient warfare, signifying that the victory was the LORD's and that the spoils were not for personal gain. It reflects the seriousness of God's judgment against the Canaanite nations for their idolatry and wickedness, and the necessity of purifying the land for Israel's inheritance. This act of devotion underscores the holiness of God and the call for His people to be set apart from the surrounding nations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land and conquering it.

2. Anakim
A race of giants mentioned in the Bible, known for their formidable size and strength, descendants of Anak.

3. Hebron
A significant city in the hill country of Judah, historically important and later a city of refuge.

4. Debir
Another city in the hill country, conquered by Joshua as part of the campaign against the Canaanites.

5. Anab
A lesser-known location in the hill country of Judah, also conquered by Joshua.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
God promised to give the land to Israel, and Joshua's conquest of the Anakim is a fulfillment of that promise.

Overcoming Giants in Our Lives
Just as Joshua faced literal giants, we face metaphorical giants. With God's help, we can overcome them.

The Importance of Obedience
Joshua's success was rooted in his obedience to God's commands. Our spiritual victories are tied to our obedience.

Spiritual Warfare
The physical battles in Joshua symbolize the spiritual battles we face. We must be prepared and rely on God's strength.

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
The destruction of the Anakim and their cities reflects God's judgment on sin and His sovereignty over nations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joshua's conquest of the Anakim demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. What "giants" do you face in your life, and how can Joshua's example inspire you to overcome them?

3. In what ways does obedience to God play a role in achieving victory in our spiritual battles?

4. How can the account of Joshua and the Anakim help us understand the nature of spiritual warfare as described in Ephesians 6?

5. Reflect on God's sovereignty and judgment as seen in Joshua 11:21. How does this understanding affect your view of God's role in the world today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 13
The initial report of the spies, where the Anakim are first mentioned, causing fear among the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 9
God's promise to Israel that He would go before them to defeat nations greater and mightier than they, including the Anakim.

1 Samuel 17
The account of David and Goliath, another giant, showing God's power over seemingly insurmountable foes.

Ephesians 6
The spiritual battle Christians face, drawing a parallel to the physical battles in Joshua.
Divine Directions for the FightA. B. Mackay.Joshua 11:1-23
Sharing the SpoilW. Seaton.Joshua 11:1-23
Take Heed How Ye HearF. G. Marchant.Joshua 11:1-23
Types of Christian WarfareJ. Parker, D. D.Joshua 11:1-23
The Destruction of the GiantsR. Glover Joshua 11:21, 22
People
Amorites, Anakites, Canaanites, Debir, Gad, Gibeon, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jabin, Jebusites, Jobab, Joshua, Perizzites, Seir, Shimron, Zidon
Places
Achshaph, Anab, Arabah, Ashdod, Baal-gad, Chinneroth, Debir, Gath, Gaza, Gibeon, Hazor, Hebron, Hermon, Madon, Merom, Misrephoth-maim, Mount Halak, Mount Hermon, Naphoth-dor, Negeb, Seir, Shimron, Sidon, Valley of Lebanon, Valley of Mizpeh
Topics
Anab, Anakim, Anakims, Anakites, Cities, Curse, Cut, Cutteth, Debir, Destroyed, Devoted, Hebron, Hill, Hill-country, Joshua, Judah, Mountain, Mountains, Totally, Towns, Utterly, Wiped
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 11:21

     4245   hills
     7266   tribes of Israel

Joshua 11:16-23

     5214   attack

Library
Caesarea. Strato's Tower.
The Arabian interpreter thinks the first name of this city was Hazor, Joshua 11:1. The Jews, Ekron, Zephaniah 2:4. "R. Abhu saith," (he was of Caesarea,) "Ekron shall be rooted out"; this is Caesarea, the daughter of Edom, which is situated among things profane. She was a goad, sticking in Israel, in the days of the Grecians. But when the kingdom of the Asmonean family prevailed, it overcame her, &c. R. Josi Bar Chaninah saith, What is that that is written, 'And Ekron shall be as a Jebusite?' (Zech
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Lake Samochonitis [Or Semechonitis. ]
In the Holy Scriptures it is the 'Water of Merom,' Joshua 11:5. In the Babylonian Talmudists it is 'The Sibbechean sea.' Hence is that, "Jordan ariseth out of the cave of Paneas, and flows into the Sibbechean sea." In the Jerusalem Talmudists, sometimes it is 'The sea of Cobebo,' as we have noted before; and sometimes 'The sea of Samaco'; whence in other languages it is 'Samachonitis.' "The lake Semechonitis is thirty furlongs in breadth, and sixty in length. The fens of it are stretched out unto
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
Jordan is measured at one hundred and twenty furlongs, from the lake of Samochonitis to that of Gennesaret. That lake, in the Old Testament, is 'The sea of Chinnereth,' Numbers 34:11, &c. In the Targumists, 'The sea of Genesar'; sometimes, 'of Genesor'; sometimes, 'of Ginosar': it is the same also in the Talmudists, but most frequently 'The sea of Tiberiah.' Both names are used by the evangelists; 'the lake of Gennesaret,' Luke 5:1; 'the sea of Tiberias,' John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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