Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 - Verse 14

In this verse, the children of Israel are described as taking spoils and cattle for themselves after destroying a city. The phrase "but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe" indicates that the Israelites were commanded to completely eliminate the enemy inhabitants of the city. This was a common practice during ancient times when conquering nations would often kill all the men, women, and children of a city as a way to assert dominance and prevent any future uprisings. The language used in the verse may seem harsh, but it was a reflection of the brutal realities of warfare in antiquity. The children of Israel believed they were carrying out the will of God by taking over the land promised to them, and the complete destruction of enemy populations was seen as a necessary step in achieving their goals.

In this verse, we see the children of Israel victorious in battle against their enemies. The theological interpretation here can be seen as a representation of God's judgment and justice. The Israelites were commanded to completely destroy their enemies, leaving no survivors. This can be viewed as a form of divine punishment for those who were deemed wicked or opposed to God's chosen people. The word "prey" here can be understood as the spoils of war, taken by the Israelites as a reward for their victory. It is a reminder of the harsh realities of ancient warfare and the consequences of opposing the will of God. The phrase "every man they smote with the edge of the sword" emphasizes the thoroughness of the destruction ordered by God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness in carrying out God's commands, even when they may seem harsh or difficult to understand.