The brutality continues, but we’ve already covered the reason for God’s commands. In fact, we read here that God has made sure that the nations would be punished:
Joshua 11:20 (WEB) “For it was of Yahweh to harden their hearts, to come against Israel in battle, that he might utterly destroy them, that they might have no favor, but that he might destroy them, as Yahweh commanded Moses.”
God is making an example of them, which he can do in his sovereignty. He does the same thing with Pharoah, which Paul comments on in Romans:
Romans 9:17-18 (WEB) “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I caused you to be raised up, that I might show in you my power, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.’ So then, he has mercy on whom he desires, and he hardens whom he desires.”
Remember, at one time He destroyed everyone but Noah and his family because of their wickedness. And, looking at Revelation, he is going to judge the world again for their evil.
Thought for the day: What a thought: “then the land had rest from war.” It will happen one day!
Isaiah 11:6-9 (WEB) “The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, the calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf together; and a little child will lead them. The cow and the bear will graze. Their young ones will lie down together. The lion will eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will play near a cobra’s hole, and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. They will not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”
