Old Testament
Joshua 11:13
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But Israel did not burn any of the cities that were on their mounds, except for Hazor; that was the only one Joshua burned.
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But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.
What Joshua 11:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see that during the conquest of Canaan, the Israelites did not destroy all the fortified cities they encountered. Instead, they only burned Hazor, which was a significant city at the time. The phrase 'cities that stood still in their strength' indicates that these cities were well-defended and likely posed a challenge to the Israelites. By sparing these cities, the Israelites were able to maintain some level of control over the region without completely annihilating every stronghold. This decision reflects a strategic approach to warfare, where not every city needed to be destroyed to achieve their goals. Hazor, being the only city burned, signifies its importance as a stronghold of the enemy, and its destruction would have been a significant blow to the opposing forces. This verse highlights the complexities of warfare and the decisions leaders must make in the context of broader strategies.
How to apply Joshua 11:13 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of strategic decision-making in our own lives. Sometimes, we may face challenges that require us to prioritize our efforts and focus on the most significant issues rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Knowing when to act decisively can lead to greater success.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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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 11:13 mean?
Joshua 11:13 explains that during the Israelite conquest of Canaan, they did not burn all fortified cities, only Hazor. This indicates a strategic choice to maintain control over the region while eliminating a key enemy stronghold.
What is the significance of Hazor in Joshua 11:13?
Hazor was a major fortified city and its destruction represented a significant victory for the Israelites. By burning Hazor, Joshua aimed to weaken the enemy's power in the region.
What does 'cities that stood still in their strength' refer to in Joshua 11:13?
The phrase 'cities that stood still in their strength' refers to well-defended cities that posed a challenge to the Israelites. These cities were spared to allow the Israelites to control the area without complete destruction.
Why did the Israelites only burn Hazor according to Joshua 11:13?
The Israelites only burned Hazor because it was a strategic decision to eliminate a key enemy stronghold while allowing other fortified cities to remain intact for control purposes.
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