Joshua 11:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the spoil {H7998} of these cities {H5892}, and the cattle {H929}, the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} took for a prey {H962} unto themselves; but every man {H120} they smote {H5221} with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}, until they had destroyed {H8045} them, neither left {H7604} they any to breathe {H5397}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the spoil of these cities and the livestock the people of Isra'el took as booty for themselves; but every human being they put to death with the sword, until they had destroyed them - they left no one breathing.

Berean Standard Bible

The Israelites took for themselves all the plunder and livestock of these cities, but they put all the people to the sword until they had completely destroyed them, not sparing anyone who breathed.

American Standard Version

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 that breathed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 11:14 provides a concise yet profound summary of the outcomes of Israel's northern campaign under Joshua, delineating the distinct fates of the material possessions and the human inhabitants of the conquered Canaanite cities. While the Israelites were permitted to appropriate the spoil and livestock for their own use, the divine command of *herem* (utter destruction) was meticulously executed upon the indigenous population, ensuring no individual was left alive. This action served to fulfill God's righteous judgment against the pervasive wickedness of the Canaanites and to ritually cleanse the land for Israel's habitation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal summary statement, concluding the detailed account of Joshua's northern military campaign. It follows the decisive victory over the formidable coalition of kings led by Jabin of Hazor at the waters of Merom, as vividly described in [Joshua 11:1-9](/joshua/11-1-9 "Joshua 11:1-9 - Northern Campaign and Victory"). The preceding verses, [Joshua 11:10-13](/joshua/11-10-13 "Joshua 11:10-13 - Conquest of Hazor and Other Northern Cities"), elaborate on the specific actions taken against Hazor, which was burned, and other northern cities, which were taken but not burned, indicating their intended future habitation by Israel. Verse 14 generalizes these specific instances into a comprehensive policy applied across all conquered northern territories, clearly distinguishing between the appropriation of material wealth and the complete eradication of the human population. This distinction provides a holistic overview of the campaign's conclusion, setting the stage for the broader summary of the entire conquest found in [Joshua 11:15-23](/joshua/11-15-23 "Joshua 11:15-23 - Summary of the Conquest and Division of the Land").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan is situated within the Late Bronze Age (approximately 15th-13th centuries BCE), a period characterized by frequent conflicts among city-states in the ancient Near East. The Canaanite inhabitants were deeply entrenched in polytheistic worship, which included abhorrent practices such as fertility cults, ritual prostitution, and child sacrifice. The biblical narrative consistently portrays these practices as an abomination to Yahweh. God's unique command to Israel for the utter destruction of the Canaanite inhabitants, often referred to as *herem*, as explicitly outlined in [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16-18 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - Laws of Warfare and Herem"), was not a standard ancient Near Eastern warfare practice but a divinely ordained judgment. This judgment was against their profound moral corruption and served as a prophylactic measure to prevent Israel from being defiled by their idolatry and immoral customs, ensuring the spiritual purity of the Promised Land. The differentiation in the spoil policy—allowing the taking of goods from distant cities but mandating *herem* for inhabitants within Canaan—underscores the specific theological rationale driving the conquest.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several central themes that permeate the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuchal narrative. A primary theme is **Divine Judgment**, where God employs Israel as His instrument to execute righteous wrath upon the Canaanite nations, whose "iniquity was not yet full" in Abraham's time, as foretold in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites"). It also profoundly highlights **Israel's Obedience** to God's difficult and specific commands concerning the *herem*, demonstrating their faithfulness to the covenant. Furthermore, the verse explicitly distinguishes between the **appropriation of material spoil** (cattle and goods) and the **total eradication of human life**. This distinction underscores the nuanced application of *herem*: it was primarily directed at the people and their idolatrous systems, rather than indiscriminately at all their possessions, unless specifically commanded otherwise (as exemplified in the case of [Jericho](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho")). This emphasis reveals that the ultimate objective was the spiritual purity of the land and the prevention of Israel's defilement by the abominable practices of the Canaanites.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spoil (Hebrew, _shâlâl'_):** (H7998) Derived from a root meaning "to plunder," this term refers to booty, plunder, or goods taken from a defeated enemy. In the context of Joshua 11:14, it specifically denotes the material wealth—possessions, valuables, and non-living assets—of the conquered cities that the Israelites were explicitly permitted to appropriate. This contrasts sharply with the human inhabitants, who were subjected to the *herem* command.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** (H5221) A primitive root meaning "to strike" or "to hit," often with lethal force. Here, it describes the violent, decisive action taken by the Israelites in battle, specifically using "the edge of the sword" to signify a thorough and complete execution of the divine command. This term conveys the direct and fatal nature of the military action, leaving no survivors among the human population.
* **Breathe (Hebrew, _nᵉshâmâh'_):** (H5397) This word literally means "a puff," "wind," "angry or vital breath," or "spirit." The phrase "neither left they any to breathe" (וְכֹל נְשָׁמָה לֹא הִשְׁאִירוּ) is a powerful idiom emphasizing the absolute totality of the destruction of human life. It signifies that not a single living soul was spared, underscoring the completeness and uncompromising nature of the *herem* command as applied to the inhabitants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves;":** This initial clause details the material outcomes of Israel's military victories. "Spoil" refers to the valuable goods and possessions found within the conquered cities, while "cattle" specifies the livestock. The phrase "took for a prey unto themselves" indicates that these resources became the legitimate property of the Israelite warriors and their families, providing sustenance and enriching them after the arduous campaigns. This appropriation was in accordance with specific divine allowances for certain conquered cities, distinguishing it from instances of total *herem* where all possessions were also to be destroyed, as seen in the case of Jericho.
* **"but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them,":** This segment describes the stark and absolute fate of the human inhabitants. The phrase "every man" highlights the comprehensive nature of the divine command, applying to all individuals without exception. "Smote with the edge of the sword" emphasizes the method of execution, signifying a direct, lethal, and uncompromising military action. The concluding phrase "until they had destroyed them" underscores the objective: complete annihilation of the population, not merely defeat, subjugation, or displacement. This was a direct fulfillment of God's righteous judgment against the Canaanites' profound wickedness.
* **"neither left they any to breathe.":** This final, chilling phrase powerfully reinforces the absolute totality of the destruction of human life. It means that absolutely no one, not even a single living soul, was spared. This hyperbolic yet contextually literal statement emphasizes the strict and unwavering adherence to the *herem* command, ensuring that the land was thoroughly cleansed of its idolatrous and morally corrupt inhabitants, thereby preventing their influence from contaminating the covenant people of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 11:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with clarity and impact. **Contrast** is profoundly prominent, highlighting the stark difference between the Israelites' appropriation of material **spoil** and cattle for their own benefit, versus the utter destruction of every human inhabitant. This juxtaposition emphasizes the specific and nuanced nature of the divine command, distinguishing between material gain and the execution of judgment. The phrase "neither left they any to breathe" is a powerful use of **Hyperbole**, serving to emphasize the absolute and exhaustive nature of the eradication of life. While literally fulfilled in the context of *herem*, its strong language underscores the completeness of the action. This powerful expression contributes to a pervasive sense of **Finality** and **Totality**, leaving no ambiguity about the comprehensive outcome of the divine judgment. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the consistent policy applied throughout the northern campaign, thereby reinforcing the overarching theme of Israel's unwavering **Obedience** to God's difficult and uncompromising commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 11:14 stands as a profound theological declaration concerning divine judgment, God's absolute holiness, and the nature of His covenant relationship with Israel. The *herem* (utter destruction) was not an act of arbitrary cruelty but a divinely mandated cleansing of the land from the pervasive evil, idolatry, and moral depravity of the Canaanites, whose sin had reached its full measure over centuries. Israel acted as the instrument of God's righteous wrath, fulfilling a long-prophesied judgment that began with the promise to Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land only after the iniquity of the Amorites was complete. This passage underscores God's absolute intolerance for sin and His unwavering commitment to maintaining the purity of His people and the land He designated for them. It serves as a stark reminder that God's holiness demands a radical separation from all that is defiling and rebellious against Him, demonstrating His justice even in severe judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1-6 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy Nations")
* [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24-28 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Abominations of the Nations")
* [Numbers 33:50-56](/numbers/33-50-56 "Numbers 33:50-56 - Drive Out the Inhabitants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 11:14 presents a challenging but essential truth about the profound seriousness of sin and the uncompromising nature of God's holiness. While the literal application of *herem* was specific to Israel's historical conquest of Canaan, its underlying principles resonate deeply for believers today. It calls us to recognize the profound gravity of any sin that takes root in our lives, our families, or our communities. Just as God commanded the Israelites to utterly destroy the corrupting influences of Canaan, we are called to wage spiritual warfare against the "flesh" and the "world" within ourselves, leaving "no breath" for sin, idolatry, or compromise to survive and corrupt our walk with God. This requires radical obedience, a willingness to confront and cut off anything that hinders our devotion to Christ, and an unwavering commitment to spiritual purity. It reminds us that our God is a consuming fire, holy and just, who desires His people to be set apart for Him, free from the defilement of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Canaanites" (sins, idols, unholy influences, or ungodly patterns) in my own life or community does God call me to utterly destroy, leaving "no breath" for them to survive and thrive?**
* **How does Israel's radical obedience to such a difficult command challenge my own willingness to obey God fully, even when His will seems counter-intuitive, demanding, or goes against cultural norms?**
* **In what ways can I, like Israel taking spoil, appropriate the spiritual blessings and resources God has provided for my journey in Christ, while simultaneously being ruthless in eliminating spiritual enemies and hindrances?**

### FAQ
**Was the command to utterly destroy the Canaanites an act of genocide, and how does it align with God's character of love?**

Answer: The command to utterly destroy the Canaanites, known as *herem*, is one of the most challenging and debated passages in the Old Testament. It is crucial to understand it within its specific theological and historical context. This was not a general command for all times or all peoples, nor was it an act of ethnic cleansing based on race. Instead, it was a unique, divinely mandated act of **judgment** against specific nations whose moral depravity and idolatry had reached an unbearable level over centuries, as indicated in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites"). The Canaanites practiced child sacrifice, ritual prostitution, and other abominable acts that profoundly defiled the land and corrupted human society. God, as the righteous Judge of all the earth ([Genesis 18:25](/genesis/18-25 "Genesis 18:25 - Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?")), had patiently waited for their repentance, but their iniquity was full. Israel acted as the instrument of this divine judgment, not out of their own malice, but in obedience to God's command, which also served to protect Israel from the pervasive spiritual corruption of these nations ([Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16-18 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - Laws of Warfare and Herem")). While difficult to reconcile with modern sensibilities, it reveals God's absolute holiness, His commitment to justice, and His intolerance for persistent, defiant rebellion against His moral order, even when it involves severe consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 11:14 describes a literal military conquest and the physical destruction of enemies, its ultimate fulfillment and profound spiritual resonance are found in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The *herem* command, with its emphasis on utterly destroying all that is defiling and corrupting, powerfully foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and the principalities and powers of darkness. Just as Israel cleansed the land of Canaanite wickedness, Jesus, through His sacrificial death on the cross, utterly destroyed the power of sin that held humanity captive, leaving "no breath" for its dominion over those who believe in Him ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Destruction of the Devil's Power")). He is the ultimate Divine Warrior who conquers not with the sword of steel, but with the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" ([Ephesians 6:17](/ephesians/6-17 "Ephesians 6:17 - The Sword of the Spirit")). The spoil taken by Israel can be seen as a shadow of the spiritual blessings and freedom that believers "take for a prey unto themselves" through Christ's victory—redemption, righteousness, peace, and eternal life ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Ultimately, the cleansing of Canaan points to the new creation in Christ, where the old, sinful nature is "put to death" ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death the Earthly Nature")) and believers are called to live in purity and holiness, having been delivered from the dominion of darkness and graciously transferred into the glorious kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")).

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

Numbers 31:9

And the children of Israel took [all] the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.

Joshua 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.

Deuteronomy 6:10

And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,

Deuteronomy 6:11

And houses full of all good [things], which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;

Joshua 10:40

So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded.

Deuteronomy 20:14

But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, [even] all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.

Joshua 8:27

Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.