Joshua 11:10 - Joshua turned back at that time, and took Hazor, and struck its king with the sword: for Hazor used to be the head of all those kingdoms.
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What does "Joshua 11:10" mean?
This verse, Joshua 11:10, is a concise summary of a significant military victory for the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. Let's break down what it means:
"Joshua turned back at that time, and took Hazor...": This indicates that Joshua had been engaged in battles elsewhere, possibly pursuing fleeing enemy forces after the initial victory at the Waters of Merom (described earlier in the chapter). "Turned back" implies a return to Hazor for a specific purpose. "Took Hazor" means that the Israelites captured the city, conquering it militarily.
"...and struck its king with the sword...": This clearly states that the king of Hazor was killed by the Israelites in battle or shortly after the city's capture. The act of killing the king was symbolically important, representing the complete defeat of the city's power structure and authority.
"...for Hazor used to be the head of all those kingdoms.": This is the crucial part for understanding the verse's significance. It highlights that Hazor was not just another city-state. It was the most influential and powerful city among a coalition of kingdoms in the northern Canaan region. "Head" implies a position of leadership, influence, or even dominance. Other cities and kings likely looked to Hazor for military, political, or economic leadership.
In summary, the verse means:
Joshua, after defeating the coalition of northern Canaanite kings at the Waters of Merom, returned to Hazor. He decisively conquered the city, killed its king, and destroyed its leadership. The reason this victory was so important and specifically highlighted is that Hazor was the leading city-state of that region. By defeating Hazor, Joshua significantly weakened the remaining Canaanite resistance and paved the way for further Israelite expansion. The fall of Hazor signified the collapse of the entire northern Canaanite alliance.
Why is this verse significant?
Strategic Importance: Hazor's central role meant its defeat had a ripple effect, demoralizing and weakening other Canaanite cities.
Fulfillment of God's Command: The destruction of Canaanite cities and their leaders was presented in the Book of Joshua as part of God's command to claim the Promised Land.
Literary Significance: The verse emphasizes the magnitude of Joshua's military successes and the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites victory over their enemies. It serves as a climactic point in the narrative.
The verse provides a historical and military snapshot, emphasizing the significance of Hazor's power and the impact of its defeat on the broader Canaanite landscape.
Joshua 11:10 - Joshua turned back at that time, and took Hazor, and struck its king with the sword: for Hazor used to be the head of all those kingdoms.
What does "Joshua 11:10" mean?
This verse, Joshua 11:10, is a concise summary of a significant military victory for the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. Let's break down what it means:
"Joshua turned back at that time, and took Hazor...": This indicates that Joshua had been engaged in battles elsewhere, possibly pursuing fleeing enemy forces after the initial victory at the Waters of Merom (described earlier in the chapter). "Turned back" implies a return to Hazor for a specific purpose. "Took Hazor" means that the Israelites captured the city, conquering it militarily.
"...and struck its king with the sword...": This clearly states that the king of Hazor was killed by the Israelites in battle or shortly after the city's capture. The act of killing the king was symbolically important, representing the complete defeat of the city's power structure and authority.
"...for Hazor used to be the head of all those kingdoms.": This is the crucial part for understanding the verse's significance. It highlights that Hazor was not just another city-state. It was the most influential and powerful city among a coalition of kingdoms in the northern Canaan region. "Head" implies a position of leadership, influence, or even dominance. Other cities and kings likely looked to Hazor for military, political, or economic leadership.
In summary, the verse means:
Joshua, after defeating the coalition of northern Canaanite kings at the Waters of Merom, returned to Hazor. He decisively conquered the city, killed its king, and destroyed its leadership. The reason this victory was so important and specifically highlighted is that Hazor was the leading city-state of that region. By defeating Hazor, Joshua significantly weakened the remaining Canaanite resistance and paved the way for further Israelite expansion. The fall of Hazor signified the collapse of the entire northern Canaanite alliance.
Why is this verse significant?
Strategic Importance: Hazor's central role meant its defeat had a ripple effect, demoralizing and weakening other Canaanite cities.
Fulfillment of God's Command: The destruction of Canaanite cities and their leaders was presented in the Book of Joshua as part of God's command to claim the Promised Land.
Literary Significance: The verse emphasizes the magnitude of Joshua's military successes and the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites victory over their enemies. It serves as a climactic point in the narrative.
The verse provides a historical and military snapshot, emphasizing the significance of Hazor's power and the impact of its defeat on the broader Canaanite landscape.