Joshua 11:20

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

لأَنَّ ذٰلك كانَ مِن قِبَلِ الرَّبّ، فقَسَّى قلوبَهم حَتَّى خَرَجوا على بَني إِسْرائيلَ لِلقِتال، لِكَي يُحَرَّموا ولا يُرحَموا، بل يُستأصَلوا، كما أَمَرَ الرَّبُّ موسى.

What Does This Mean?

This verse explains that God made the hearts of Israel's enemies hard so that they would fight against Israel. This way, God could completely destroy these enemies as he had commanded Moses. It shows God's power and how he fulfills his commands.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game where you have to clean your room. Your parents make it a bit harder by scattering more toys around. This way, you have to work really hard, and when you're done, your room is super clean! In this verse, God makes it so that Israel's enemies fight harder, so God can show how strong he is.

Historical Background

Joshua 11:20 is part of the book of Joshua, written by Joshua around 1400 BCE. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting was the conquest of Canaan. This verse reflects the belief that God orchestrated events to ensure the fulfillment of his will and commands.

Living It Out Today

In modern life, this verse can remind us that challenges we face might be part of a bigger plan. For example, a business owner might face tough competition, but through perseverance and reliance on God, they can overcome the obstacles and succeed, fulfilling a greater purpose.

Topics

• divine intervention
• warfare
• obedience
• commandments
• providence
• judgment

Related Verses

• Exodus 7:3
• Exodus 14:4
• Deuteronomy 2:30
• Romans 9:18
• 2 Thessalonians 2:11

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God harden the hearts of Israel's enemies?

God hardened the hearts of Israel's enemies to fulfill his purpose of ensuring the destruction of those who opposed his people, as a way to fulfill his commands and promises.

How does this relate to God's commands?

It directly relates to God's commands as he had previously instructed Moses about the need to destroy certain nations that opposed Israel. This verse shows the fulfillment of those commands.

What can we learn from this about God's providence?

We can learn that God is involved in the events of the world, orchestrating them to fulfill his will and purposes, even in seemingly harsh circumstances.

How does this verse apply to modern challenges?

It can apply by reminding us that challenges we face might be part of a larger plan. By trusting in God's providence, we can navigate difficulties with faith and perseverance.