Old Testament
Joshua 11:12
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Joshua captured all the cities of those kings and killed every one of their rulers with the sword, completely destroying them — just as Moses, the servant of the LORD, had commanded.
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And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded.
What Joshua 11:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua is depicted as a military leader who successfully conquers the cities of the kings in the region. He follows the commands given to him by Moses, which emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's directives. The act of killing the rulers and destroying the cities signifies a complete victory over the enemies of Israel. This reflects the seriousness of the Israelites' mission to claim the Promised Land, as they were instructed to eliminate any threats to their future. The phrase 'utterly destroyed' indicates that there was no compromise in their approach; they were to ensure that these cities could not rise against them again. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God and the importance of following His commands without hesitation. It also highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, as they take possession of the land He had promised them through Moses.
How to apply Joshua 11:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to be obedient to God's guidance in our lives. Just as Joshua followed Moses' commands, we should seek to understand and follow God's will, trusting that He has a plan for our lives. Our actions should reflect our commitment to His purposes.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
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Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 11:12 teach about obedience?
Joshua 11:12 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands. Joshua's actions in capturing the cities and destroying their rulers reflect his commitment to following the directives given to him by Moses, which were rooted in God's will. This teaches us that obedience is crucial in fulfilling God's plans for our lives and that we should strive to align our actions with His guidance.
Why did Joshua destroy the cities and their rulers?
Joshua destroyed the cities and their rulers as part of God's command to the Israelites to eliminate threats to their future in the Promised Land. This act was meant to ensure that the Israelites could settle in the land without opposition. It highlights the seriousness of their mission and the need for complete victory over their enemies to fulfill God's promise to them.
What does 'utterly destroyed' mean in this context?
The phrase 'utterly destroyed' in Joshua 11:12 indicates a total and complete annihilation of the cities and their rulers. This means that there was no compromise or chance for these enemies to rise again. It underscores the decisive nature of God's judgment against those who opposed His people and serves as a reminder of the seriousness of following God's commands.
How does this verse relate to God's promises to Israel?
Joshua 11:12 relates to God's promises by illustrating the fulfillment of His covenant with Israel to give them the Promised Land. The successful conquest of these cities signifies that God is keeping His promise to His people, enabling them to take possession of the land. It serves as a reminder that God's plans will be accomplished, often requiring decisive action and obedience from His followers.
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