Joshua 11:14-15
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While it might seem like the Israelites just took everything, notice the careful distinction: they claimed the spoils (goods, livestock) for themselves, but every person was completely annihilated as a holy act, a fulfillment of God's command. This highlights that God's judgment and His provision for His people operated with distinct purposes.
And all the spoil of these cities and the livestock, the people of Israel took for their plunder. But every person they struck with the edge of the sword until they had destroyed them, and they did not leave any who breathed. Just as the LORD had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh off a stunning victory against a massive coalition of northern kings near the waters of Merom, Joshua and the Israelites are now systematically dismantling the conquered cities. Following God's command, they utterly destroy every inhabitant, leaving no one alive to breathe. However, unlike some previous conquests, they are permitted to take all the livestock and material wealth from these cities for themselves.
God’s commands for conquest weren't just about removing enemies, but also about provision for His people. How did this work together?
In this passage, we see a dual purpose in Israel's conquest: provision and judgment.
Provisions for Israel
Notice that the text says, 'And all the spoil of these cities and the livestock, the people of Israel took for their plunder.' This wasn't just random looting; it was a divinely sanctioned distribution of resources. Unlike the specific instructions for Jericho, where most spoil was devoted to God, here the people were allowed to take the spoils for themselves. This provided for their needs as they settled the land and demonstrated God's blessing upon their obedience.
Judgment Executed
However, this provision came with a stark contrast. The text immediately follows with, 'But every person they struck with the edge of the sword until they had destroyed them, and they did not leave any who breathed.' This was not about human cruelty, but about executing God's judgment against the deep-seated sin of the Canaanites. God had commanded this utter destruction to prevent the Israelites from being corrupted by the surrounding idolatry and wicked practices.
Joshua’s success wasn't just military might; it was deeply rooted in his willingness to follow God's specific commands, even the difficult ones.
Joshua 11:14 is a powerful testament to the absolute obedience required of God's people in carrying out His will.
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Following Divine Orders
The text emphasizes that Joshua 'smote them with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe.' This wasn't a suggestion; it was a direct command from God, passed down from Moses. The commentators note that this thoroughness was precisely what the Lord had instructed.
A Pattern of Action
Calvin points out that Joshua consistently followed God's commands, not deviating even when it meant destroying valuable resources like horses and chariots (as seen earlier in Joshua 11). This unwavering commitment to God's word, even in the face of overwhelming military advantages or the temptation to keep resources for themselves, is what defined their obedience. It shows that true victory comes not from human strategy alone, but from aligning perfectly with God’s directives.
Understand the original words
shalal · Hebrew Noun
Goods or property taken from an enemy in war; in the context of the conquest, it is distinguished from the inhabitants themselves who were under the ban.
baz · Hebrew Noun
Goods, animals, or people captured during war; the act of taking these as a reward for military victory.
This verse highlights the completion of the military phase of the Battle of Merom, where the spoils were taken by Israel, and the inhabitants were utterly destroyed, fulfilling God's command to cleanse the land.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin their military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan, following God's command.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Battle of the Waters of Merom
A massive coalition of northern Canaanite kings, led by Jabin of Hazor, confronts Joshua's army. God grants Israel a decisive victory, scattering the enemy forces.
c. 1400 BC
Destruction of Hazor
Following the battle, Joshua captures and utterly destroys Hazor, the primary stronghold and capital of the allied kings, burning it with fire.
c. 1400 BC
Plunder and Annihilation of Cities
The Israelites systematically conquer and destroy other cities belonging to the defeated kings, taking their possessions and livestock, and eliminating all inhabitants.
This passage describes God's command to Israel to drive out the nations and utterly destroy them, echoing the severity of the destruction in Joshua 11:14. It highlights that this was a divine mandate for judgment, not random violence.
Deuteronomy 20:16-17This passage provides the specific command from God, relayed through Moses, that the Israelites were to show no mercy to the inhabitants of the promised land, mirroring the complete destruction mentioned in Joshua 11:14. It emphasizes the theological reason for the severity: to prevent the people of Israel from adopting the abominable practices of these nations.
1 Samuel 15:3This verse shows Saul failing to completely obey God's command to destroy the Amalekites, keeping the best of the livestock and sparing the king. This contrast with Joshua's obedience in 11:14 underscores the importance of complete submission to God's commands, even when they are difficult.
Psalm 135:11This psalm references the conquest of the land, mentioning 'noble kings' and their destruction. It serves as a poetic remembrance of God's powerful work through Israel, connecting the specific events in Joshua to the broader narrative of God's judgment and deliverance.
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 11:14: "And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe."
And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves,.... The gold, silver, household goods, corn, wine, oil, or any mercantile goods, together with cattle of every sort, all were taken by them for a prey,…
While it might seem like the Israelites just took everything, notice the careful distinction: they claimed the spoils (goods, livestock) for themselves, but every person was completely annihilated as a holy act, a fulfillment of God's command. This highlights that God's judgment and His provision for His people operated with distinct purposes.
Fresh off a stunning victory against a massive coalition of northern kings near the waters of Merom, Joshua and the Israelites are now systematically dismantling the conquered cities. Following God's command, they utterly destroy every inhabitant, leaving no one alive to breathe. However, unlike some previous conquests, they are permitted to take all the livestock and material wealth from these cities for themselves.
Fresh off a stunning victory against a massive coalition of northern kings near the waters of Merom, Joshua and the Israelites are now systematically dismantling the conquered cities. Following God's command, they utterly destroy every inhabitant, leaving no one alive to breathe. However, unlike some previous conquests, they are permitted to take all the livestock and material wealth from these cities for themselves.
"And all the spoil of these cities and the livestock, the people of Israel took for their plunder. But every person they struck with the edge of the sword until they had destroyed them, and they did not leave any who breathed. Just as the L…" — While it might seem like the Israelites just took everything, notice the careful distinction: they claimed the spoils (goods, livestock) for themselves, but every person was completely annihilate…
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Last reviewed October 2026
