Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 - Verse 13

The verse 'But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.' from the book of Joshua in the Bible describes the conquest of the land of Canaan by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. During their conquest, the Israelites were instructed not to destroy the cities that surrendered without a fight, but to spare them. However, the city of Hazor was an exception, as it was a significant stronghold and had to be completely destroyed. This verse exemplifies the strategic approach taken by the Israelites in their military campaign, sparing those who did not resist while decisively dealing with those who posed a threat. It also highlights the importance of following divine guidance in times of conflict and the consequences of disobedience. The verse serves as a reminder of the complexities of war and the role of faith in navigating through challenging circumstances.

One theological interpretation of the verse "But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn" is that it showcases the divine intervention and guidance seen throughout the conquest of Canaan. In this particular instance, we see a distinction between the cities that resisted Israel's advance and those that did not. The fact that Hazor, a significant city in the region, was the only one burned by Joshua highlights God's specific instructions and purposes for the Israelites during this campaign. Through this act, God demonstrated His power and authority over the land and its inhabitants.

Word studies on "burned" in this context reveal that it signifies destruction through fire, often as a form of divine judgment. By dissecting the original Hebrew meaning of the word used, we gain a deeper understanding of the severity of Joshua's actions at Hazor and the significance of this event in the larger narrative of Israel's conquest. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice, as well as the obedience required of His people in fulfilling His commands.