Joshua 11:13 Meaning and Explanation
“But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel left the cities on their mounds standing, burning only Hazor.
What Does Joshua 11:13 Mean?
A note of restraint enters. The cities still standing on their raised mounds Israel did not burn; only Hazor was given to the flames. The houses, walls, and infrastructure of the others were left intact for Israel to inhabit.
The detail reveals that this was not blind devastation but measured obedience. What God appointed to be destroyed was destroyed, and what He gave for Israel's dwelling was preserved. Even in the severity of the campaign there is care, a foretaste of the inheritance the people would settle into, living in cities they had not built.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 11:13
What does Joshua 11:13 mean?
Israel left the cities on their mounds standing, burning only Hazor.