Joshua 6:21

KJV

And they utterly destroyed all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they utterly destroyed {H2763} all that was in the city {H5892}, both man {H376} and woman {H802}, young {H5288} and old {H2205}, and ox {H7794}, and sheep {H7716}, and ass {H2543}, with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They completely destroyed everything in the city with the sword - men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys.

Berean Standard Bible

At the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys.

American Standard Version

And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, both young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 6:21 vividly recounts the comprehensive execution of the *herem*—the divine ban or devotion to destruction—upon the city of Jericho. Following the miraculous collapse of its formidable walls, the Israelites, acting as direct instruments of God's righteous judgment, meticulously annihilated every living being within the city, from humans of all ages to livestock, by the sword. This was not an act of human brutality for conquest or plunder, but a unique, theologically profound act of consecration, setting the entire city and its inhabitants apart for God's exclusive claim. It served as both a "firstfruits" offering of the conquered land and a severe, decisive judgment against the deep-seated wickedness and pervasive idolatry of the Canaanites, thereby safeguarding the spiritual purity of the nascent nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 6:21 marks the culmination of the dramatic narrative surrounding the [fall of Jericho](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho"). It immediately follows the miraculous collapse of the city's walls in [Joshua 6:20](/joshua/6-20 "Joshua 6:20 - The Fall of Jericho's Walls"), which occurred after seven days of ritualistic marching and trumpet blasts as commanded by God. This verse details the comprehensive and decisive action taken by the Israelite army upon entering the city. As the first city encountered and conquered in the Promised Land, Jericho's destruction established a foundational precedent, demonstrating God's power, validating Israel's obedience, and setting the pattern for future encounters with the Canaanites. Crucially, the narrative emphasizes that this destruction was not for personal gain or plunder, but a direct and meticulous fulfillment of God's specific command for Jericho to be "devoted" to Him. This unique application of the *herem* also serves as a stark warning about the strict consequences of disobedience, a lesson tragically underscored by [Achan's sin in the subsequent chapter](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin at Ai").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The divine command to "utterly destroy" the inhabitants of Canaanite cities, including Jericho, must be understood within the unique historical and theological framework of the Old Testament. Canaanite cultures were notoriously characterized by pervasive idolatry, including the horrific practice of child sacrifice (e.g., to Molech), widespread temple prostitution, and other morally abhorrent practices that profoundly defiled the land and its people (cf. [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24-28 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Abominations of the Canaanites")). God, in His long-suffering patience, had endured their wickedness for centuries, waiting for "the iniquity of the Amorites" to reach its "full measure" ([Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")) before initiating this judgment. The *herem* was a unique divine judgment, often termed "holy war," where God Himself was the primary warrior, and Israel served as His instrument of justice. This was distinct from typical ancient Near Eastern warfare, as it was a consecrated act designed to cleanse the land of its spiritual pollution and prevent Israel from being corrupted by the surrounding pagan practices and their associated moral depravity.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous execution of the *herem* in Joshua 6:21 powerfully underscores several profound theological themes. Firstly, **Divine Judgment and Holiness** are paramount; the complete destruction signifies God's righteous wrath against pervasive and unrepentant sin, and His absolute holiness, which cannot tolerate such wickedness in His presence or in the land He is giving to His people. This act served as a severe warning to other nations and a profound lesson for Israel about the dire consequences of sin and the imperative of separation from evil. Secondly, **Radical Obedience to God's Commands** is highlighted; the Israelites' unwavering adherence to God's severe instructions, even to the point of destroying every living thing, demonstrates their faith and commitment to the covenant, even when the commands were difficult, counter-intuitive, or seemingly harsh. This obedience was crucial for their success and for maintaining their covenant relationship with God. Finally, the concept of **The *Herem* (Ban/Devotion)** is central. This term (from the Hebrew root *charam*) denotes something irrevocably set apart for God, often for destruction, as an act of judgment or consecration. In this specific instance, Jericho and its entire contents were "devoted" to God as the "firstfruits" of the conquest and as an act of divine justice against its inhabitants, explicitly not for Israel's personal gain (cf. [Deuteronomy 7:2-6](/deuteronomy/7-2-6 "Deuteronomy 7:2-6 - Command to Destroy Canaanites") and [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16-18 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - Laws of Warfare")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Utterly destroyed (Hebrew, חָרַם, _châram'_):** This verb is the root of the noun *herem*, signifying something "devoted," "consecrated," or "put under the ban." In this context, it means to irrevocably set apart for God, specifically for complete annihilation. It is far more than mere killing; it represents a theological act of dedicating something to God through destruction, often as an expression of divine wrath and holiness against evil. This distinguishes the conquest of Jericho from typical warfare, emphasizing its unique, ritualistic, and divinely ordained nature as an act of purification and judgment.
* **City (Hebrew, עִיר, _ʻîyr'_):** This word refers to a fortified settlement, a place guarded by a watch. In the context of Jericho, it signifies not just a collection of buildings but a complete socio-political entity, a stronghold of Canaanite idolatry and wickedness. The command to destroy "all that was in the city" underscores that the judgment was against the entire stronghold of evil, encompassing every aspect of its existence, leaving no part of the defiled entity to corrupt the land or Israel.
* **Sword (Hebrew, חֶרֶב, _chereb'_):** This term denotes a cutting instrument, specifically a sword, dagger, or other sharp implement, often emphasizing its destructive effect. In Joshua 6:21, "the edge of the sword" specifies the instrument of execution. The sword here is not merely a weapon of war but an instrument of divine justice, carrying out the sentence decreed by God. It highlights the severity, finality, and physical immediacy of the judgment, signifying a swift and decisive action that completely fulfills the divine mandate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they utterly destroyed":** This opening clause identifies the agents of destruction ("they," the Israelites) and the nature of their action. The verb "utterly destroyed" (from *charam*) signifies that Israel was acting as God's instrument, carrying out a sacred and complete act of devotion through annihilation, rather than merely engaging in conventional warfare for territorial gain. Their meticulous obedience to this severe command underscores their submission to divine authority and their role in God's redemptive plan.
* **"all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old":** This phrase specifies the comprehensive scope of the destruction, encompassing every human inhabitant regardless of age or gender. This absolute totality emphasizes the severity of God's judgment against the city's entrenched wickedness and the imperative for a complete cleansing of the land from its pervasive defilement. It underscores that the *herem* was a judgment on the city as a whole, a complete eradication of its corrupting influence, not merely a military victory over its fighting men.
* **"and ox, and sheep, and ass":** The explicit inclusion of animals further illustrates the complete devotion of Jericho to God. This was not about taking spoils for Israel; rather, the entire city, including its living creatures and material possessions (except for specific items like silver and gold for the Lord's treasury), was "set apart" for God through destruction. This act signified that the city and everything in it was irrevocably God's, consecrated to Him as a firstfruit of the conquest and as an act of purification, removing any potential source of defilement or temptation for Israel.
* **"with the edge of the sword":** This final phrase describes the precise means by which the destruction was carried out. The "edge of the sword" serves as the instrument of divine execution, signifying a swift, decisive, and divinely sanctioned act of judgment. It highlights the physical and immediate nature of the *herem*'s implementation, emphasizing that the command was fulfilled thoroughly and without hesitation.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 6:21 employs several potent literary devices to underscore the totality and profound significance of the event. **Enumeration** is prominently featured through the exhaustive listing of categories of inhabitants and animals ("man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass"). This comprehensive catalog emphasizes the absolute and uncompromising nature of the *herem*, leaving no ambiguity about the scope of the divine judgment. The repeated use of the concept of "all" (implied by the Hebrew *kol* in "all that was in the city") functions as **Totalizing Language**, reinforcing the idea that nothing was spared, thereby highlighting the completeness and finality of God's judgment. Furthermore, the passage functions as a classic **Divine Command-Execution Narrative**, where a specific, severe divine instruction (the *herem*) is followed by its immediate and meticulous fulfillment by the human agents. This narrative structure emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and Israel's radical obedience. The very concept of "utterly destroying" something by "devoting" it to God through annihilation can be seen as a form of **Thematic Irony**, where life is consecrated to God through its cessation, underscoring the unique and severe nature of this divine judgment and its purpose of spiritual cleansing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 6:21 stands as a stark and challenging testament to God's absolute holiness and His righteous judgment against sin. While difficult for modern readers to reconcile with contemporary sensibilities, it reveals a God who takes sin profoundly seriously, particularly the entrenched idolatry, moral depravity, and violence of the Canaanites, which had reached a point of no return. The *herem* was not an act of arbitrary cruelty or genocide in the modern sense, but a unique, divinely ordained judgment, a "holy war" where God Himself fought to cleanse the land He was giving to His covenant people. This act served a dual purpose: to justly recompense the Canaanites for their profound wickedness and to protect Israel from spiritual contamination, ensuring their separation and purity as a nation set apart for God. It underscores that God's justice is not merely punitive but also redemptive, clearing the way for a holy people to inhabit a holy land, foreshadowing a future where all evil will ultimately be eradicated and a new, pure creation established.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1-6 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy the Nations")
* [Leviticus 27:28-29](/leviticus/27-28-29 "Leviticus 27:28-29 - Laws of Herem")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The command and execution of the *herem* in Joshua 6:21 present a profoundly challenging passage, demanding careful theological reflection and a nuanced understanding. While the physical extermination of a people group is specific to Old Testament divine judgment and is emphatically not a model for Christian conduct today, the verse offers profound spiritual lessons for believers. It serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin in God's eyes and His unwavering commitment to justice. Just as the Canaanites faced judgment for their profound and unrepentant wickedness, so too does all unrepentant sin ultimately lead to separation from God. For believers, this passage challenges us to consider our own obedience to God's commands, even when they are difficult, counter-cultural, or seem to defy human logic. True faith involves trusting God's wisdom and righteousness above our own understanding, acknowledging His sovereign right to judge. In a New Testament context, believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare, not against flesh and blood (as powerfully described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")), but against spiritual forces of evil and the strongholds of sin within our own lives and in the world. This involves a radical "utter destruction" or eradication of idolatry, worldly influences, and sinful habits, dedicating ourselves entirely to God's holiness and purity. It calls us to a complete and uncompromising devotion to Christ, allowing no rival allegiances in our hearts, echoing the totality of the *herem* in a spiritual sense.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joshua 6:21 challenge or deepen your understanding of God's justice, holiness, and His patience with sin?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "utterly destroy" or completely remove sinful habits, worldly attachments, or idolatrous thoughts that hinder your devotion to Him?**
* **How does the Israelites' radical obedience to a difficult command inspire or challenge your own walk of faith and commitment to God's will?**

### FAQ
**How can a loving God command such widespread destruction, including women and children?**

Answer: This is undeniably one of the most challenging passages in the Old Testament, and it requires careful theological discernment. It's crucial to understand that the *herem* (ban) at Jericho was a unique, divinely ordained act of judgment, not a general command for all warfare or a model for human behavior. The Canaanites had practiced extreme wickedness for centuries, including horrific child sacrifice, pervasive temple prostitution, and widespread idolatry, which had profoundly "defiled the land" ([Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24-28 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Abominations of the Canaanites")). God, in His long-suffering patience, had waited for "the iniquity of the Amorites" to reach its "full measure" ([Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")) before executing this judgment. The destruction served multiple, interconnected purposes: it was a just recompense for profound evil, a cleansing of the land from its spiritual pollution, and a protective measure to prevent Israel from being corrupted by these abhorrent practices. It underscores God's absolute holiness and His intolerance of unrepentant, systemic sin, demonstrating that He is both perfectly loving and perfectly just. This event is not presented as a model for human behavior or warfare, but as a unique act of divine judgment within salvation history, highlighting God's sovereign authority over life and death.

**Is the destruction of Jericho a model for how believers should engage in warfare or deal with enemies today?**

Answer: Absolutely not. The *herem* at Jericho was a specific, unrepeatable divine command given to Israel for a particular time and purpose in their unique role in salvation history. It was a theological act of judgment and consecration, not a blueprint for all future warfare or interpersonal conflict. The New Testament clearly teaches a radically different ethic for believers, emphasizing love for enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), reconciliation ([2 Corinthians 5:18-20](/2_corinthians/5-18-20 "2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - Ministry of Reconciliation")), and spiritual warfare against spiritual forces, not flesh and blood ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). While the passage powerfully reminds us of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin, its application for believers today is primarily spiritual: to "destroy" (eradicate) sin and idolatry in our own lives and to devote ourselves wholly and uncompromisingly to God, allowing no rival allegiances to diminish our loyalty to Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 6:21 describes a physical act of judgment and destruction, its deepest theological and redemptive fulfillment is profoundly found in Christ. The "utter destruction" of Jericho, a city utterly devoted to God as a firstfruit of judgment against pervasive evil, powerfully foreshadows Christ's decisive and complete victory over sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil. Just as Jericho's formidable walls crumbled at God's command, so too did the strongholds of sin and death collapse through Christ's sacrificial work on the cross. He is the ultimate One "devoted" to God, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), set apart for sacrifice to cleanse humanity from its spiritual defilement. Through His death and resurrection, Christ "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Powers")). His work allows believers to be "set apart" for God, not through physical annihilation, but through spiritual transformation and sanctification by the Holy Spirit, becoming a "new creation" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Ultimately, the complete eradication of evil and the establishment of a new heavens and new earth, where "death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")), finds its promise and final fulfillment in the ultimate judgment and glorious triumph of Christ, who will utterly destroy all that opposes God, bringing about a perfect and holy kingdom for all eternity.

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 48:18

Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from [thy] glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, [and] he shall destroy thy strong holds.

Psalms 137:8

O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy [shall he be], that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.

Psalms 137:9

Happy [shall he be], that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.

Deuteronomy 7:16

And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that [will be] a snare unto thee.

Joshua 10:39

And he took it, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof; and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the souls that [were] therein; he left none remaining: as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir, and to the king thereof; as he had done also to Libnah, and to her king.

Deuteronomy 7:2

And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

Deuteronomy 7:3

Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.