And they struck with the sword all who were in it, devoting them to destruction; there was none left that breathed. And he burned Hazor with fire.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While the text emphasizes the complete annihilation of Hazor's inhabitants, the deliberate burning of the city itself, even after the battle, highlights a strategic intent to erase its influence and prevent its resurgence as a center of opposition. This wasn't just about defeating an army; it was a decisive act to dismantle a stronghold of Canaanite power.
And they struck with the sword all who were in it, devoting them to destruction; there was none left that breathed. And he burned Hazor with fire.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a massive coalition of northern kings was routed at the waters of Merom, Joshua turned his attention to Hazor, the powerful capital of these kingdoms. He completely annihilated its inhabitants, leaving no one alive, and then set the city ablaze. This decisive act, carried out as God had commanded, marked a significant step in the conquest of the land.
Why does the Bible describe such brutal warfare? What does 'devoting to destruction' truly mean in this context?
The command to 'devote to destruction' (Hebrew: herem) signifies a complete and total removal of something from common use, often dedicating it to God. In warfare, it meant the complete annihilation of the enemy, leaving nothing alive. This wasn't about random violence, but a divinely ordained judgment against the deep-seated sin and idolatry of the Canaanites, a judgment that had been long foretold.
Why was Hazor singled out for burning when other cities were merely conquered? What does this tell us about Joshua's leadership?
Hazor was not just another city; it was described as the 'head of all those kingdoms.' Its complete destruction by fire, after the inhabitants were already put to the sword, marked it as a symbolic act of judgment against the entire northern alliance. This action highlights Joshua's profound obedience.
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Understand the original words
chereb · Hebrew Noun
To inflict fatal wounds with a bladed weapon; in biblical narrative, it is the primary instrument of warfare and divine judgment.
charam · Hebrew Verb
The act of setting apart objects or people for total destruction as an offering to God; this was a divine judgment against the idolatry and wickedness of the Canaanites.
The complete destruction of Hazor, a pivotal northern stronghold, marked a decisive turning point in the conquest, eliminating a major threat and fulfilling God's command for the eradication of Canaanite opposition.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin their military campaign to conquer the Promised Land after Moses' death and the crossing of the Jordan River.
c. 1400 BC
Defeat of Southern Kings
Joshua achieves significant victories against a coalition of southern Canaanite kings, culminating in the fall of cities like Makkedah and Lachish.
c. 1400 BC
Northern Kings Form Coalition
In response to the Israelite advances, King Jabin of Hazor unites various northern Canaanite city-states and peoples into a large military alliance.
c. 1400 BC
Battle of the Waters of Merom
Joshua's army surprises and decisively defeats the massive coalition army of the northern kings at the Waters of Merom, shattering their military power.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Destruction of Hazor
Following the victory at Merom, Joshua leads the Israelites in the conquest and complete destruction of Hazor, the major stronghold of the northern Canaanites, burning it with fire.
c. 1400 BC
Widespread Conquest Continues
Joshua continues his campaign, capturing and destroying numerous other cities and kingdoms throughout the land, consolidating Israel's control.
This passage echoes the command to utterly destroy the inhabitants of the land given to Moses, which Joshua is faithfully carrying out in Joshua 11:11.
Joshua 6:21The destruction of Jericho's inhabitants, described as 'utterly destroying them, every living thing,' parallels the thoroughness of the judgment on Hazor.
Judges 4:2-3This passage shows that Hazor was later re-inhabited and ruled by a Canaanite king who oppressed Israel, highlighting the initial severity of Joshua's action and the need for complete eradication.
1 Samuel 15:3Saul is commanded to 'utterly destroy all that the Amalekites have; do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey,' a command similar in nature to what Joshua executed at Hazor.
calvinJoshua 11:1-15: "And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,"
And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shall hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.
Dixit autem Jehova ad Josuam, Ne timeas a facie eorum: cras enim hoc tempore tradam omnes istos occisos…
gillJoshua 11:11: "And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire."
And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them,.... Men, women, and children: there was not any left to breathe; any human creature; for as for the cattle they were taken for a prey: and he burnt Hazor with fire; as he did Jericho and Ai, though no other cities he h…
While the text emphasizes the complete annihilation of Hazor's inhabitants, the deliberate burning of the city itself, even after the battle, highlights a strategic intent to erase its influence and prevent its resurgence as a center of opposition. This wasn't just about defeating an army; it was a decisive act to dismantle a stronghold of Canaanite power.
After a massive coalition of northern kings was routed at the waters of Merom, Joshua turned his attention to Hazor, the powerful capital of these kingdoms. He completely annihilated its inhabitants, leaving no one alive, and then set the city ablaze. This decisive act, carried out as God had commanded, marked a significant step in the conquest of the land.
After a massive coalition of northern kings was routed at the waters of Merom, Joshua turned his attention to Hazor, the powerful capital of these kingdoms. He completely annihilated its inhabitants, leaving no one alive, and then set the city ablaze. This decisive act, carried out as God had commanded, marked a significant step in the conquest of the land.
"And they struck with the sword all who were in it, devoting them to destruction; there was none left that breathed. And he burned Hazor with fire." — While the text emphasizes the complete annihilation of Hazor's inhabitants, the deliberate burning of the city itself, even after the battle, highlights a strategic intent to erase its influence and…
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Last reviewed October 2026