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Book of Joshua - Chapter 11 - Verse 19

11:19
There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Joshua, we see that the Israelites were engaged in a series of battles as they entered the Promised Land. The verse highlights the lack of peace agreements made between the children of Israel and the cities they encountered, with the exception of the Hivites of Gibeon. The Hivites cleverly deceived the Israelites by pretending to be from a distant land and seeking a peace treaty. The Israelites, not consulting the Lord, made a covenant with them without realizing their deception. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance in all decisions and not relying solely on our own understanding. It also emphasizes the consequences of not following God's commands, as the Israelites faced challenges and conflicts due to their disobedience. Overall, this verse illustrates the complexities and consequences of human decision-making and the importance of seeking God's wisdom in all circumstances.

Theological Overview

Looking at the theological interpretation of Joshua 11:19, we see that it demonstrates a theme of conquest and divine intervention on behalf of the children of Israel. The verse highlights the idea that the Lord was with the Israelites as they claimed victory over their enemies. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of obeying God's commandments, as it was the deceit of the Hivites from Gibeon that led to their peace treaty with Israel. This passage showcases the consequences that come from disobedience and the necessity of following the guidance of God in all circumstances. Through a word study, we can see that the Hebrew word for 'peace' in this verse is 'shalom,' which signifies a state of completeness and wholeness. In this context, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining peaceful relationships with others, even in the midst of conflict and war. Overall, Joshua 11:19 serves as a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of God and the significance of obedience in the face of adversity.

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