King James Version

What Does Joshua 11:20 Mean?

Joshua 11:20 in the King James Version says “For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy the... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

18

Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.

19

There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.

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.

21

And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.

22

There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents one of Scripture's most challenging doctrines: divine hardening of hearts unto judgment. The phrase 'it was of the LORD to harden their hearts' (ki meYahweh haytah lechazzeq et-libam, כִּי מֵיהוָה הָיְתָה לְחַזֵּק אֶת־לִבָּם) attributes heart-hardening directly to divine agency. The verb chazaq (חָזַק, 'harden') means to strengthen, make firm, or obstinate. God actively strengthened Canaanite resistance 'that they should come against Israel in battle.' The purpose clauses reveal divine intent: 'that he might destroy them utterly...that they might have no favour...that he might destroy them.' The Hebrew lemaan (לְמַעַן, 'that') introduces divine purpose—hardening served judgment. The phrase 'as the LORD commanded Moses' roots this destruction in previous divine mandate (Deuteronomy 7:1-2, 20:16-18). From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty including judicial hardening of sinners for just judgment. Romans 9:17-18 cites Pharaoh's hardening as parallel case, teaching that God hardens whom He wills for His purposes. Canaanite civilization had reached full iniquity (Genesis 15:16), warranting divine judgment executed through Israel.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Canaanites' seven nations had occupied the land for centuries, their wickedness including child sacrifice to Molech, ritual prostitution, and pervasive idolatry (Leviticus 18:21-30, 20:2-5, Deuteronomy 12:31). God had warned Abraham that Amorite iniquity must reach full measure before judgment (Genesis 15:16)—four centuries later, that measure was complete. The hardening of Canaanite hearts ensured they would resist Israel militarily rather than surrender or flee, facilitating complete destruction as God commanded. This parallels Pharaoh's hardening (Exodus 7-14) where God strengthened Pharaoh's resolve to resist, bringing more severe judgments revealing divine glory. Ancient Near Eastern conquest narratives typically attributed victory to superior deity's power; Joshua uniquely presents God orchestrating enemy resistance to ensure judgment's thoroughness. Archaeological evidence shows widespread destruction of Late Bronze Age Canaanite cities, though debates continue regarding dating and attribution. The theological principle established here—God hardens hearts for judgment while remaining just—runs throughout Scripture: Pharaoh (Exodus 4:21), Sihon (Deuteronomy 2:30), Romans 9:18. God's sovereignty includes judicial hardening as righteous response to persistent sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does divine hardening for judgment challenge your understanding of free will and God's sovereignty?
  2. What does God's patience in waiting for full iniquity before judging Canaan teach about His justice and mercy?
  3. How should we understand God hardening hearts while maintaining human accountability for sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
כִּ֣י1 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵאֵ֣ת2 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֖ה3 of 25

For it was of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הָֽיְתָ֡ה4 of 25
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְחַזֵּ֣ק5 of 25

to harden

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

אֶת6 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לִבָּם֩7 of 25

their hearts

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לִקְרַ֨את8 of 25

that they should come against

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

הַמִּלְחָמָ֤ה9 of 25

in battle

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

אֶת10 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙11 of 25

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְמַ֣עַן12 of 25
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

הַֽחֲרִימָ֔ם13 of 25

that he might destroy them utterly

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

לְבִלְתִּ֥י14 of 25
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

הֱיוֹת15 of 25
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָהֶ֖ם16 of 25
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

תְּחִנָּ֑ה17 of 25

and that they might have no favour

H8467

graciousness; causatively, entreaty

כִּ֚י18 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְמַ֣עַן19 of 25
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

הַשְׁמִידָ֔ם20 of 25

but that he might destroy

H8045

to desolate

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר21 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֥ה22 of 25

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה23 of 25

For it was of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת24 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מֹשֶֽׁה׃25 of 25

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 11:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 11:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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