Joshua 11:20 – “For it was the Lord himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Joshua 11:20 explains why the Canaanite kings chose to fight against Israel rather than seek peace. The verse states that the Lord hardened their hearts, leading them to wage war, which ultimately resulted in their complete destruction. This hardening of hearts meant that these kings became stubbornly resistant to God’s will, making them blind to any opportunity for peace. This action fulfilled God’s command to Moses that the Canaanites be removed from the land due to their persistent wickedness and refusal to turn from their sinful ways. The verse underscores that their destruction was not random but part of God’s judgment against a people who had repeatedly rejected Him.

Historical Context

The historical context of Joshua 11:20 is set during the Israelite conquest of Canaan, a land filled with nations whose practices included idol worship, child sacrifice, and various forms of immorality. God had warned the Israelites about these practices and had instructed Moses to drive out the inhabitants to prevent Israel from being influenced by their ways (Deuteronomy 7:1-5). The hardening of the Canaanite kings’ hearts was part of God’s judgment against these nations for their ongoing rebellion against Him. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision but the culmination of generations of rejection of God’s ways, leading to their downfall at the hands of Israel.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Joshua 11:20 presents a sobering truth about the consequences of continually resisting God. The hardening of the Canaanites’ hearts serves as a warning that rejecting God repeatedly can lead to a point where one’s heart becomes closed off entirely to His truth. This verse shows that God’s patience has limits when it comes to persistent rebellion. It also emphasizes God’s sovereignty, illustrating that He is in control even over those who oppose Him. God’s actions are not arbitrary; they are part of His righteous judgment against sin and are meant to protect His people from falling into similar patterns.

Literary Analysis

Joshua 11:20 uses strong language to highlight the finality of the Canaanites’ fate. The phrase “hardened their hearts” is a powerful image of stubborn resistance, while terms like “destroy them totally” and “exterminating them without mercy” emphasize the complete and irreversible nature of their judgment. The verse directly ties this outcome to God’s command given to Moses, reinforcing the continuity of God’s plan from Moses to Joshua. This literary approach underscores that the events unfolding were not random acts of war but the fulfillment of God’s long-standing instructions.

Biblical Cross-References

This verse parallels the story of Pharaoh in Exodus, where God also hardened Pharaoh’s heart, leading to his refusal to let the Israelites go (Exodus 9:12). Both instances highlight that when hearts are hardened against God, it leads to inevitable judgment. Another relevant cross-reference is Romans 1:28, where Paul speaks of people being given over to a depraved mind because they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God. These passages remind us that persistent rejection of God’s truth can lead to devastating consequences.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Joshua 11:20 is a reminder of the dangers of hardening one’s heart against God. It serves as a warning to remain open and responsive to God’s leading rather than resisting His will. This verse encourages believers to seek God’s guidance and mercy while there is still time, understanding that persistent rejection of God’s ways can lead to spiritual blindness and judgment. It also calls Christians to be mindful of the influences they allow in their lives, as resisting God’s direction can have lasting and severe consequences.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse, though highlighting judgment, still reflects God’s loving nature in His commitment to protecting His people from harmful influences. God’s actions were not about cruelty but about ensuring that Israel could live in a land free from the corrupting practices of the Canaanites. God’s love is seen in His desire for His people to have a safe and holy environment where they could thrive spiritually. The hardening of hearts serves as a reminder of the lengths God will go to protect His people, even when it involves difficult judgments.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Joshua 11:20 connects to Jesus Christ through the theme of God’s sovereignty over human hearts and the ultimate choice between resisting or accepting God’s will. Jesus often spoke about the condition of the heart, warning against hardened hearts that reject God’s message (Matthew 13:15). Christ’s mission was to offer a way for hearts to be transformed, turning from stubbornness to openness through repentance and faith. Through Jesus, believers are given a new heart and spirit (Ezekiel 36:26), showing that no matter how hard a heart may have been, God offers a path to redemption and life.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Joshua 11:20 challenge you to examine areas of your life where you might be resisting God’s guidance?
2. What steps can you take to ensure your heart remains open and responsive to God’s leading?
3. How does this verse help you understand the importance of humility and the dangers of persistent rejection of God’s ways?
4. In what ways does this verse remind you of God’s commitment to protecting His people, even when it involves difficult decisions?