Meaning of Joshua 11:21

This verse in Joshua 11:21 describes a decisive military action by Joshua and the Israelites to eliminate the Anakites from the promised land, specifically from the hill country of Judah and Israel. The Anakites were a formidable and ancient people known for their imposing stature and strength, often described as giants. Their eradication was part of God's command to cleanse the land of Canaanite inhabitants, thereby fulfilling the covenant promises made to Abraham and ensuring the purity of Israel's worship. This act was not simply a territorial conquest but a divinely ordained judgment against the idolatrous practices and moral corruption prevalent among these nations, establishing a holy nation set apart for God.

Context and Background

The conquest of Canaan, as detailed in the book of Joshua, was a prolonged and often brutal campaign. Following the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho and Ai, Joshua systematically moved to subdue the various Canaanite kingdoms. The Anakites, descendants of Anak, were particularly feared and represented a significant obstacle. They were concentrated in the hill country, including prominent cities like Hebron, Debir, and Anab. Previous reconnaissance missions, such as the one by the spies in Numbers 13, had highlighted the Anakites' intimidating presence, causing fear among the Israelite populace. This verse marks a crucial phase in the conquest where these formidable foes were finally dealt with, clearing the way for Israelite settlement.

Key Themes and Messages

Several key themes emerge from this passage:

• Divine Command and Obedience: The destruction of the Anakites was a direct command from God. Joshua's action demonstrates unwavering obedience to God's instructions, even when facing formidable opposition.
• Judgment and Purity: The eradication of the Anakites and other Canaanite groups served as a divine judgment against their sin and idolatry. It was also intended to prevent the Israelites from being corrupted by these practices, thus maintaining the purity of their covenant relationship with God.
• Fulfillment of Promise: This action was integral to God's promise to Abraham to give his descendants the land of Canaan. The removal of existing inhabitants was a necessary step in establishing Israel in their inheritance.
• The Nature of Warfare: The "total destruction" (Hebrew: herem) signifies a complete offering to God, meaning nothing was to be spared or kept for spoils. This highlights the seriousness of God's judgment and the uncompromising nature of His commands for holy war.

Spiritual Significance and Application

On a spiritual level, the Anakites can be seen as representing the formidable obstacles and "giants" in our own lives that hinder our spiritual progress and relationship with God. These could be deeply ingrained sinful habits, overwhelming fears, or powerful temptations. Joshua's victory over the Anakites symbolizes God's power to grant us victory over such spiritual adversaries when we trust in Him and obey His word. The command for total destruction emphasizes the need for complete surrender to God, eradicating sin from our lives rather than compromising with it.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is a critical juncture in the Old Testament narrative, demonstrating God's power to deliver His people and establish them in the land He promised. It sets the stage for the period of the Judges and the subsequent history of Israel, underscoring the importance of remaining faithful to God and maintaining the purity He demanded. The conquest of Canaan, including the defeat of the Anakites, serves as a prototype for God's redemptive work, culminating in the ultimate conquest of sin and death through Jesus Christ.

Analogies

One analogy for the destruction of the Anakites is a gardener diligently weeding a garden. The weeds (Anakites) are invasive, choke out the desired plants (Israelites), and can introduce disease. The gardener (Joshua/God) must remove them thoroughly to allow the healthy plants to flourish and bear fruit. Another analogy is a surgeon removing a cancerous tumor. The tumor (Anakites) is a threat to the entire body (Israel/humanity), and its complete removal is essential for health and survival, though it may be a painful process.

Relation to Other Verses

This passage is directly related to several other biblical texts:

• Numbers 13:33: This verse describes the spies' report of the Anakites, stating, "We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them." This highlights the fear the Anakites instilled.
• Deuteronomy 7:1-2: This passage instructs Israel to drive out the nations before them and not to make covenants with them, explicitly mentioning groups like the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, among whom the Anakites were prominent.
• Joshua 14:12-15: Caleb, who was one of the spies who saw the Anakites, later requests the hill country of Hebron, stating, "Now then, give me this hill country that the Lord promised me... It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out." This shows the legacy of the Anakites and the faith required to confront them.
• 1 Samuel 17: The story of David and Goliath, an Anakite descendant, echoes the theme of a seemingly insurmountable foe overcome by faith in God. Goliath's size and reputation are reminiscent of the Anakites.