Joshua 11:20

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.

Joshua 11:20 (KJV)

Context

Joshua 11 records the northern campaign of Israel’s conquest of Canaan under Joshua, after Moses’ death. The Canaanite kings united to fight against Israel, but this verse explains the deeper reason behind their resistance: it was the Lord who hardened their hearts. This was not an accident or mere human stubbornness; it was a deliberate divine action to bring them into battle so that Israel would destroy them completely, as God had commanded Moses. This hardening was not an afterthought; it was part of God’s plan from the beginning, showing His active involvement in history.

Meaning

The phrase “it was of the Lord to harden their hearts” shows God’s sovereign control over nations and individuals. He actively worked in the hearts of these kings to fulfill His purpose. The purpose was judgment: the Canaanites were to be utterly destroyed, without favor or mercy, because of their deep wickedness and idolatry. This severity may be hard to accept, but the text affirms that God’s judgment is righteous and that He used Israel as His instrument of justice. The destruction was not arbitrary; it was a response to the Canaanites’ corruption, which had been growing for centuries.

Biblical connections

This hardening echoes God’s hardening of Pharaoh’s heart in Exodus, where God’s purpose was to display His power and deliver Israel. In both cases, God’s sovereignty works through human actions to accomplish His plan. The verse also connects to Deuteronomy 7:1-2, where God commanded Israel to destroy the Canaanite nations completely. This shows the continuity of God’s purpose from the exodus to the conquest. The same God who delivered Israel from Egypt also gave them victory in Canaan, fulfilling His promise to Abraham.

Application

This passage reminds us that God is in control of all things, including the rise and fall of nations. We can trust His wisdom even when circumstances seem overwhelming. It also highlights the seriousness of sin and its consequences. Persistent rebellion against God leads to judgment, so we must repent and seek His forgiveness. The Israelites’ victory came through obedience to God’s command; likewise, our obedience to God’s word is crucial for experiencing His blessings. When we face opposition, we can remember that God’s plans will prevail, and He calls us to faithful obedience.

Reflection

God’s faithfulness to His promises is seen throughout the conquest. He gave Israel the land as He had pledged, and He empowered them to defeat their enemies. Just as He remained faithful to Israel, He remains faithful to us today. We can rely on His promises, knowing He will fulfill them in His perfect timing. This verse calls us to recognize God’s absolute authority and to trust that His judgments are righteous, even when they are difficult to understand. It also reminds us that God’s plans will be accomplished despite human opposition, and that we are to obey His commands fully, as Joshua did. His example encourages us to follow God wholeheartedly, even when the path is hard.