Joshua 12:20 meaning

In the chapter encapsulating Joshua's military achievements, we encounter a crucial reflection on divine sovereignty at work. It is here noted that the hardening of the hearts of opposing kings was not merely a consequence of sinful defiance but also a strategic divine action that ensured their undoing. The hardening, as described, ultimately served to fulfill God's command for Israel to thoroughly purge the land of its inhabitants, thereby establishing a foundation for a faithful nation free from idolatry and wickedness. This concept aligns harmoniously with the overarching themes found in Tough Topics regarding divine judgment and human responsibility.

In this context, the passage emphasizes the collective responsibility of the Israelites to adhere strictly to God’s commands. The narrative asserts that solo victories over nations were not accidental but part of a grander plan orchestrated by the Lord, assuring believers that God actively guides and empowers them in spiritual warfare. The declaration of Yahweh’s judgment underscores both His power and the seriousness of disobedience among nations, illustrating that the fate of the Canaanites was sealed through their own unrepentance as Israel affirmed its commitment to the covenant it had with God.