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Joshua 11:20 Cross References
For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favor, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse
Listed below are the Bible themes associated with Joshua 11:20. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.
Joshua 11:20 Cross Reference Verses
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to Joshua 11:20 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.

Romans 9:18 (KJV) »
Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

Exodus 4:21 (KJV) »
And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.

Deuteronomy 20:16 (KJV) »
But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:

Deuteronomy 7:16 (KJV) »
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.

Judges 14:4 (KJV) »
But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.

Joshua 11:12 (KJV) »
And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded.

Deuteronomy 2:30 (KJV) »
But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.

Exodus 9:16 (KJV) »
And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

Exodus 14:17 (KJV) »
And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honor upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Romans 9:22 (KJV) »
What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:

1 Samuel 2:25 (KJV) »
If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

1 Kings 22:20 (KJV) »
And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.

1 Kings 12:15 (KJV) »
Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

2 Chronicles 25:16 (KJV) »
And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

Isaiah 6:9 (KJV) »
And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
Joshua 11:20 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
Understanding Joshua 11:20
The verse Joshua 11:20 states, "For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that He might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favor, but that He might destroy them, as the Lord commanded Moses." This passage has raised several theological questions, particularly regarding the nature of God's sovereignty and human free will.
Insights from Public Domain Commentaries
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Matthew Henry interprets this verse as illustrating God's active role in history and His ability to direct the hearts of men. He emphasizes that God may use the wickedness of individuals for His divine purposes. The hardening of the hearts of these kings was part of God's plan to bring judgment upon them while simultaneously fulfilling His promises to Israel.
Albert Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes elaborates that this "hardening" does not imply an arbitrary coercion but rather a judicial act stemming from their own inclinations. The kings' disregard for God led them to be more resolute against Israel, which ultimately served God's purpose in the unfolding of Israel's conquest of Canaan.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke comments on the theological implications of God hardening hearts. He suggests that this hardening illustrates both divine judgment and divine strategy. Clarke points out that such events set a precedent for understanding God’s providential control over nations and leaders throughout biblical history.
Key Themes and Theological Considerations
This verse touches on themes of divine sovereignty, human accountability, and the mystery of God's purposes. It prompts readers to reflect on questions such as:
- How does God interact with human free will?
- What does this reveal about the nature of God’s justice?
- What implications does this have for understanding God’s promises to His people?
Cross-References to Joshua 11:20
This verse connects with numerous other scriptures, illustrating a complex tapestry of biblical themes:
- Exodus 9:12 - God hardens Pharaoh's heart to showcase His power.
- Romans 9:18 - Stating God’s sovereignty in having mercy and hardening whom He wills.
- 1 Samuel 2:25 - The theme of God allowing the wicked to continue in their path.
- Proverbs 21:1 - The heart of kings is in God’s hand, aligning with His purposes.
- Isaiah 63:17 - Reflects on God giving the Israelites a spirit of wandering.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:11 - God sending strong delusion to those who do not love the truth.
- Revelation 17:17 - God putting it into the hearts of kings to fulfill His purpose.
Thematic Connections and Inter-Biblical Dialogue
Joshua 11:20 invites readers to explore the connections between Old and New Testament themes.
- Divine sovereignty is a continual theme throughout the books of the Bible, showing how God uses human actions in His grand narrative.
- Comparative analysis of God’s hardening of hearts in various contexts demonstrates the consistent aspect of God’s interaction with humanity.
- The prophetic writings often echo this motif, as they portray the consequences of nations turning away from God.
Studying and Understanding Biblical Cross-References
For those seeking to delve deeper into the connections between scriptures, here are some useful tools and methods:
- Bible concordance - A reference tool that lists biblical words and their occurrences.
- Bible cross-reference guide - Offers insights into related verses and themes.
- Cross-reference Bible study - A method to study themes contextually across different parts of the Bible.
- How to use Bible cross-references - Techniques for identifying and applying scriptural connections in study.
- Bible cross-reference system - Framework for creating links between verses based on themes or concepts.
Conclusion
Joshua 11:20 is a pivotal verse that not only provides insight into God's sovereignty but also encourages extensive examination of inter-Biblical correlations. By engaging with this verse and its cross-references, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between divine purpose and human agency.