Joshua 11:13

KJV

But [as for] the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; [that] did Joshua burn.

KJV (with Strong's)

But as for the cities {H5892} that stood {H5975} still in their strength {H8510}, Israel {H3478} burned {H8313} none of them, save {H2108} Hazor {H2674} only; that did Joshua {H3091} burn {H8313}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But as for the cities built on their tels, Isra'el burned none of them except Hatzor; Y'hoshua did burn that one.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet Israel did not burn any of the cities built on their mounds, except Hazor, which Joshua burned.

American Standard Version

But as for the cities that stood on their mounds, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 11:13 provides a precise detail regarding Israel's strategic conduct during the conquest of the northern Canaanite kingdoms, highlighting a singular exception to their general policy of preserving captured cities. While most fortified urban centers were left structurally intact for Israelite occupation, Hazor, the preeminent and most powerful city of the northern coalition, was specifically singled out for complete destruction by fire. This act underscored its unique strategic significance, the totality of God's judgment against its wickedness, and Joshua's meticulous obedience to divine command.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the culmination of Joshua's northern campaign, immediately following the decisive victory at the Waters of Merom. Here, Joshua comprehensively routed a formidable coalition of Canaanite kings led by Jabin, the king of Hazor, as detailed in [Joshua 11:1-9](/joshua/11-1-9 "Joshua 11:1-9 - The Northern Confederacy Defeated"). The preceding narrative vividly describes the swift and overwhelming defeat of these allied forces, with Joshua meticulously carrying out God's commands to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots. Verse 13 then offers a crucial post-battle detail, differentiating the treatment of Hazor from that of other conquered cities. It serves as a specific illustration of the broader summary of the entire conquest that follows in [Joshua 11:15-23](/joshua/11-15-23 "Joshua 11:15-23 - Summary of the Conquest"), emphasizing Joshua's unwavering and precise obedience to the divine instructions given through Moses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan unfolded during the Late Bronze Age (approximately 1550-1200 BC), a period characterized by numerous independent city-states, each typically fortified with formidable walls and often built upon elevated "tells." A "tell" is an artificial mound formed over centuries by the accumulation of debris from successive layers of human habitation, signifying a city's ancient origins, strategic defensive position, and enduring importance. Hazor, in particular, was an exceptionally large and powerful city in the ancient Near East, functioning as a vital trade hub and military stronghold, explicitly identified as "the head of all those kingdoms" in [Joshua 11:10](/joshua/11-10 "Joshua 11:10 - Hazor's Preeminence"). The practice of utterly destroying enemy cities by fire was a severe, yet common, act of warfare in the ancient world, often signifying total subjugation, the eradication of a threat, or divine judgment. Conversely, the preservation of other cities for habitation was a pragmatic strategy, allowing the conquerors to immediately inherit and utilize existing infrastructure, thereby fulfilling God's promise to provide Israel with a land containing cities they did not build, as articulated in [Deuteronomy 6:10-11](/deuteronomy/6-10-11 "Deuteronomy 6:10-11 - God's Provision of Cities and Houses").
* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 11:13](/joshua/11-13 "Joshua 11:13 - The Burning of Hazor") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** against the inhabitants of Canaan, whose pervasive wickedness and idolatry had reached a point necessitating their expulsion and destruction, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16-18 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - The Law of Holy War"). The selective and severe destruction of Hazor highlights the precision and totality of this judgment against a central hub of Canaanite resistance. Secondly, the verse exemplifies **Obedience to God's Commands**, showcasing Joshua's unwavering faithfulness in executing the divine instructions, even when they involved such drastic and specific measures. This theme of meticulous obedience is a recurring motif throughout Joshua, culminating in the affirmation of his complete adherence to God's will in [Joshua 11:15](/joshua/11-15 "Joshua 11:15 - Joshua's Obedience to Moses' Commands"). Thirdly, the verse subtly points to **God's Strategic Providence and Provision**, as He not only guides Israel's military actions to achieve victory but also thoughtfully orchestrates the preservation of cities, providing His people with ready-made infrastructure to inhabit, demonstrating His meticulous care for their welfare and future settlement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strength (Hebrew, _têl'_ H8510):** The KJV's "stood still in their strength" translates the Hebrew phrase עַל־תִּלָּם (*ʿal-tillam*), which literally means "on their mound" or "on their tell." `têl` refers to a "mound" or "heap," often implying a fortified position. A "tell" is an artificial mound created over centuries by successive layers of human habitation, indicating a city's ancient origins, strategic location, and often, its strong fortifications. The phrase therefore refers to cities that remained structurally intact, built upon their ancient, fortified foundations, making them resilient to easy destruction. This highlights the pragmatic decision to preserve these robust structures for Israel's use.
* **Hazor (Hebrew, _Châtsôwr'_ H2674):** `Châtsôwr` is a collective form of `ḥāṣēr`, meaning "village," but here it refers to "Chatsor," a specific, prominent city in Palestine. In the context of Joshua, Hazor was identified as "the head of all those kingdoms" ([Joshua 11:10](/joshua/11-10 "Joshua 11:10 - Hazor's Preeminence")), signifying its unparalleled power, influence, and strategic importance among the northern Canaanite city-states. Its specific mention and unique treatment underscore its pivotal role in the northern campaign and the severity of God's judgment against it.
* **Burned (Hebrew, _sâraph'_ H8313):** The Hebrew verb שָׂרַף (*sâraph*) means "to be (causatively, set) on fire" or "to burn (up) kindle, utterly." It signifies a thorough and complete destruction by fire. Unlike merely capturing or dismantling, "burning" implies the total obliteration of a city's structures, rendering it uninhabitable. This term is used specifically for Hazor, emphasizing the unique and absolute nature of its destruction, setting it apart from other conquered cities. This act served as a powerful symbol of the complete dismantling of the northern coalition's power and the finality of God's judgment upon its capital.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But [as for] the cities that stood still in their strength,"**: This opening clause establishes a general category of cities. These were fortified urban centers, likely built on ancient tells, whose substantial construction allowed them to remain structurally sound even after their inhabitants were defeated. The implication is that these cities presented viable infrastructure for Israel to occupy and inhabit.
* **"Israel burned none of them,"**: This statement reveals Israel's general policy regarding the conquered cities in the northern campaign. Rather than destroying the physical structures, they preserved them. This was a pragmatic and providentially guided decision, allowing the Israelites to inherit ready-made homes and fortifications, thereby fulfilling God's promise to provide them with a land of cities they did not build.
* **"save Hazor only;"**: This crucial phrase introduces the singular and significant exception to the general policy. Hazor, identified in [Joshua 11:10](/joshua/11-10 "Joshua 11:10 - Hazor's Preeminence") as "the head of all those kingdoms," was treated differently. Its unique status as the leading city of the northern coalition, perhaps due to its immense power, its role as the center of resistance, or its particularly egregious idolatry, necessitated a distinct and more severe judgment.
* **"[that] did Joshua burn."**: This concluding clause confirms the specific action taken against Hazor. The repetition of "burn" (implicitly in "Israel burned none of them" and explicitly in "did Joshua burn") emphasizes the deliberate, thorough, and complete destruction of Hazor by fire, carried out by Joshua himself. This act symbolized the utter annihilation of its power and influence, signifying the finality of God's judgment upon this key stronghold.

#### Literary Devices
[Joshua 11:13](/joshua/11-13 "Joshua 11:13 - The Burning of Hazor") employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with clarity and impact. **Contrast** is the most prominent, establishing a stark distinction between the treatment of the majority of conquered cities ("Israel burned none of them") and the singular, exceptional fate of Hazor ("save Hazor only; [that] did Joshua burn"). This sharp contrast immediately draws the reader's attention to Hazor's unique significance and the severity of its judgment. The use of **Exception** ("save Hazor only") serves to highlight this particular city, underscoring its pivotal role as the strategic and spiritual head of the northern coalition. Furthermore, the strategic repetition of the verb "burn" (implied in the general statement about other cities and explicitly stated for Hazor) creates powerful **Emphasis**, reinforcing the decisive and complete nature of Hazor's destruction. This deliberate linguistic choice elevates Hazor's fate beyond a mere military act, portraying it as a profound and symbolic act of divine judgment and the complete dismantling of a major stronghold of opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Joshua 11:13](/joshua/11-13 "Joshua 11:13 - The Burning of Hazor") powerfully illustrates the dual nature of God's dealings with humanity: His righteous judgment against pervasive sin and His gracious provision for His covenant people. The selective and utter destruction of Hazor, the strategic capital of the northern Canaanite resistance, was not an arbitrary act but a precise and necessary execution of divine judgment against a system deeply entrenched in idolatry, moral depravity, and opposition to God's redemptive plan. This act directly fulfilled the explicit commands given in [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16-18 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - The Law of Holy War") regarding the total destruction of the inhabitants of the promised land. Simultaneously, the preservation of other cities demonstrates God's practical and benevolent care for Israel, providing them with established infrastructure and resources. This act of provision fulfilled His ancient promises to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, complete with cities they did not build and vineyards they did not plant, as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:10-11](/deuteronomy/6-10-11 "Deuteronomy 6:10-11 - God's Provision of Cities and Houses"). This profound balance reflects God's absolute sovereignty over both the acts of judgment and the acts of gracious provision in the unfolding of His redemptive purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 6:10-11](/deuteronomy/6-10-11 "Deuteronomy 6:10-11 - God's Provision of Cities and Houses")
* [Numbers 33:52](/numbers/33-52 "Numbers 33:52 - Command to Destroy Idols and High Places")
* [Joshua 11:15](/joshua/11-15 "Joshua 11:15 - Joshua's Obedience to Moses' Commands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Joshua 11:13](/joshua/11-13 "Joshua 11:13 - The Burning of Hazor") offers profound lessons for believers today, primarily concerning the nature of spiritual warfare, the wisdom of discerning God's specific commands, and the necessity of radical obedience. Just as Israel faced formidable strongholds in Canaan, believers encounter spiritual "Hazors"—deeply entrenched sins, destructive habits, strongholds of unbelief, or even cultural idols that hinder their walk with God and His kingdom. While some spiritual battles may involve "preserving" and sanctifying aspects of our lives (e.g., wisely stewarding our gifts, talents, or resources for God's glory), others demand a decisive, uncompromising "burning"—a complete eradication and separation from anything that stands in direct opposition to God's holy will. This requires profound spiritual discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit and God's Word, to know when to integrate and redeem, and when to utterly destroy or separate. Our obedience, like Joshua's, must be precise, unwavering, and rooted in trust that God's strategy, whether it involves preservation or destruction, is always for our ultimate good, His glory, and the advancement of His eternal kingdom. This verse reminds us that true spiritual victory often necessitates radical measures against the most formidable obstacles in our lives and in the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Hazors"—deep-rooted sins, destructive habits, or strongholds of unbelief—might God be calling me to "burn" completely and decisively in my life?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to understand when God calls for complete eradication versus wise preservation and sanctification in my spiritual battles?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I called to exercise precise and unwavering obedience to God's commands, even when they seem difficult, counter-intuitive, or demand radical change?**

### FAQ
**Why was Hazor singled out for complete destruction by fire, unlike other conquered cities?**

Answer: Hazor was uniquely targeted for complete destruction because it was explicitly identified as "the head of all those kingdoms" in [Joshua 11:10](/joshua/11-10 "Joshua 11:10 - Hazor's Preeminence"), meaning it was the most powerful, influential, and strategically significant city in the northern Canaanite coalition. Its utter destruction by fire served multiple crucial purposes: it was a definitive and symbolic act of divine judgment against the spiritual and political center of resistance to God's people; it prevented its future re-emergence as a military or idolatrous threat; and it powerfully symbolized the complete dismantling of the Canaanite power structure in the north. While other cities were preserved for Israel's habitation, Hazor's unparalleled prominence and defiance demanded a more severe and symbolic judgment, demonstrating the totality of God's victory and the finality of His decree against the land's wicked inhabitants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Joshua 11:13](/joshua/11-13 "Joshua 11:13 - The Burning of Hazor"), in its depiction of a conquering leader bringing decisive judgment and establishing an inheritance for his people, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua led Israel to conquer the physical strongholds of Canaan, Jesus, the greater Joshua (whose name is the Greek equivalent of Joshua), leads His people in a spiritual conquest, overcoming the far more formidable strongholds of sin, death, and the devil. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ decisively triumphed over "the principalities and powers," disarming them and making a public spectacle of them, leading them in triumph (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). While Joshua's conquest involved physical destruction, Christ's victory "burns" away the power of sin in the lives of believers, not by physical fire, but by the consuming fire of His holiness, justice, and purifying grace (as alluded to in [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God as a Consuming Fire")). He utterly destroys the spiritual "Hazors"—the dominion of darkness that once held humanity captive—and establishes His eternal kingdom, providing His followers with an inheritance not of earthly cities, but of heavenly dwellings and eternal life (as promised in [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Believers") and [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - An Inheritance That Is Imperishable")). Thus, Joshua's act of judgment and provision points forward to Christ's ultimate work of redemption, where He decisively defeats all spiritual enemies and secures an eternal, imperishable inheritance for all who place their faith in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 30:18

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.