“And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe.”
Context: Joshua 11 describes the conquest of the northern kings in the Promised Land by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. This verse specifically focuses on the aftermath of the battles and the spoils obtained by the Israelites.
Taking the spoil: After defeating the cities, the Israelites took the spoil, which refers to the material possessions, resources, and wealth found within these cities. This was a common practice during ancient warfare when victorious armies would claim the spoils of war.
Cattle and possessions: In addition to the spoil, the Israelites took the cattle as part of their spoils. Cattle were valuable assets in those times, providing sustenance, labor, and wealth. The Israelites’ acquisition of cattle would have been significant for their livelihood and economy.
Total destruction: The verse also highlights that the Israelites “destroyed” the inhabitants of these cities, leaving none alive. This was in accordance with God’s command to utterly destroy the Canaanite nations inhabiting the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 7:1-2, Deuteronomy 20:16-18). The destruction was both physical and symbolic, eliminating the idolatrous practices and influences that could lead the Israelites astray.
Divine judgment: The complete annihilation of the inhabitants may seem harsh, but it should be understood in the context of God’s judgment upon the Canaanite nations. The Canaanites were involved in detestable practices, including idolatry, child sacrifice, and immorality (Leviticus 18:24-25). God used the Israelites as instruments of judgment to bring punishment upon these nations for their wickedness.
Lessons for believers: While this verse portrays a particular event in Israel’s history, it holds some lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s commands, even when they may seem difficult or challenging to understand. It also serves as a reminder that God is a just God who punishes sin, and He uses His people to execute His judgments.
New Testament perspective: In the New Testament, we see the emphasis on spiritual battles rather than physical warfare. As Christians, our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12). Our mission is to share the message of salvation and the love of Christ, rather than physically destroying our enemies.
Remember, when studying the Bible, it is important to consider the historical and cultural context, as well as the broader themes and teachings of the entire Scripture, to gain a comprehensive understanding of a specific verse or passage.
