What does Joshua 11:21 mean?
"¶ And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities." - Joshua 11:21
Joshua 11:21 from the King James Version (KJV) reads: "And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities."
This verse comes from the book of Joshua in the Old Testament. The book of Joshua details the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, following the death of Moses. The verse is part of a larger section that describes the various battles and conquests of the Israelites as they enter and take possession of the land promised to them by God.
The key theme of this verse is the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites. Throughout the book of Joshua, we see the Israelites engaging in battles with the inhabitants of the Promised Land. These battles are not simply about conquest or dominance, but are part of God's plan to fulfill his promise to the people of Israel. In this verse, we see Joshua leading the Israelites in the destruction of the Anakims, a group of people who were believed to be descendants of the Nephilim, who were the giants mentioned in the book of Genesis. This action is in accordance with God's command to the Israelites to conquer and possess the land.
The verse also reflects the theme of obedience to God's commands. Joshua and the Israelites were following God's instructions to drive out the inhabitants of the land and take possession of it. Their obedience to God's commands was crucial in fulfilling the promise of the land to the descendants of Abraham. This theme of obedience ties into the broader message of the book of Joshua, which emphasizes the importance of following God's will and instructions in order to receive the blessings and promises that he has in store.
The context of this verse is important to understand its significance. The conquest of the Promised Land was a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites, as it marked the fulfillment of the covenant that God had made with their ancestors. The battles and conquests described in the book of Joshua were not simply about territorial expansion, but were integral to the establishment of the nation of Israel in the land that God had promised to them. The destruction of the Anakims was one of the many battles that the Israelites engaged in as they sought to claim the land that God had given them.
Symbolism plays a significant role in this verse as well. The Anakims were seen as formidable opponents due to their reputed stature, and their defeat symbolizes the triumph of God's strength and power over any obstacles that the Israelites may face. The victory over the Anakims served as a demonstration of God's faithfulness and ability to fulfill his promises to his people. Additionally, the destruction of the Anakims also symbolizes the removal of any hindrances to the fulfillment of God's plan for the Israelites.
In conclusion, Joshua 11:21 encapsulates the themes of fulfillment of God's promises, obedience to his commands, and the triumph of God's strength over obstacles. The verse is a testament to the Israelites' faith in God as they followed his lead in claiming the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder for believers to trust in God's promises and to continue to obey his will in order to receive his blessings and fulfill his plans.
Have questions about Joshua 11:21?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Joshua 11:21 Artwork
Joshua 11:21 - "¶ And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities."
"¶ And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities." - Joshua 11:21
Joshua 21:11 - "And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it."
Joshua 24:21 - "And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD."
Joshua 11:18 - "Joshua made war a long time with all those kings."
Joshua 10:21 - "And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel."
Joshua 21:21 - "For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs,"
Joshua 8:21 - "And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai."
Joshua 11:9 - "And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire."
Joshua 12:21 - "The king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one;"
Joshua 21:14 - "And Jattir with her suburbs, and Eshtemoa with her suburbs,"
Joshua 21:15 - "And Holon with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs,"
"And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD." - Joshua 24:21
Joshua 21:1 - "Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;"
Joshua 11:15 - "¶ As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses."
"And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it." - Joshua 21:11
Joshua 11:13 - "But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn."
Joshua 19:21 - "And Remeth, and En-gannim, and En-haddah, and Beth-pazzez;"
Joshua 11:23 - "So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war."
Joshua 11:7 - "So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them."
Joshua 21:31 - "Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 21:35 - "Dimnah with her suburbs, Nahalal with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 21:37 - "Kedemoth with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 21:18 - "Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 11:10 - "¶ And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms."
Joshua 21:22 - "And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Beth-horon with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 21:28 - "And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishon with her suburbs, Dabareh with her suburbs,"
Joshua 21:30 - "And out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with her suburbs, Abdon with her suburbs,"
Joshua 21:17 - "And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs,"
Joshua 21:19 - "All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, were thirteen cities with their suburbs."