LORD HARDENED THEIR HEARTS / JOSHUA 11:20

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(KJV) Joshua 11:20

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 favour, but that he might destroy them, as the Lord commanded Moses.

The Danger of a Hardened Heart: Understanding Joshua 11:20

We often love to focus on the attributes of God that bring us comfort: His boundless love, infinite mercy, and patient grace. However, Scripture also presents us with challenging passages that force us to look directly at His absolute holiness and righteous judgment. One such striking moment is found in the book of Joshua:

“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 had commanded Moses.” — Joshua 11:20 (NKJV)

At first glance, this verse can feel deeply uncomfortable. Why would a merciful God actively harden anyone’s heart?

To truly understand this sober warning, we have to look past the surface and examine the heavy reality of persistent human rebellion, divine patience, and the point where mercy gives way to certain justice.

1. God Exposes What Is Already Inside

A common misconception is that God forces innocent, soft-hearted people to turn against Him. Scripture reveals the exact opposite. The Canaanites had spent centuries building a culture of extreme, widespread wickedness, practicing horrific idolatry and systemic cruelty.

God does not infuse malice into a pure soul. Instead, when a person or a culture completely surrenders to evil, God steps back and brings their hidden rebellion entirely to the surface. He confronts them, and that holy confrontation exposes the deep-seated pride that was already operating in the dark.

2. The Multiplier Effect of Stubbornness

Have you ever noticed how a stubborn person reacts when they are caught red-handed? Often, rather than breaking down in apology, they double down on their defiance.

This is exactly what happens on a spiritual level. When people are already living in total, conscious rebellion against God, His direct confrontation makes them fiercely resist Him even more. Just as the sun softens wax but hardens clay, the exact same presence of God that leads a broken spirit to repentance will cause a proud, defiant heart to lock itself into an even tighter state of rebellion.

3. When Mercy Steps Down for Judgment

We must never forget that God’s patience with the inhabitants of the Promised Land was immense—He waited over 400 years for their sins to reach full measure before bringing judgment (Genesis 15:16). They had ample warnings; they heard of the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the fall of Jericho, yet they chose war instead of surrender (Joshua 2:9-11).

Joshua 11:20 serves as a historic milestone of a terrifying spiritual reality: there can come a definitive time when a person, or an entire nation, becomes so aggressively wicked that God finally withdraws His extended mercy. When the divine umbrella of protection and restraint is pulled back, judgment becomes an absolute certainty. As the New Testament warns us in Hebrews 10:26-31, willfully trampling underfoot the grace of God leaves us facing a fearful expectation of righteous judgment.

Keeping Our Hearts Tender

The takeaway for us today is not to look back at history with detached curiosity, but to guard our own souls with holy fear. Every time we choose a small sin, ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit, or justify our disobedience, we apply a thin layer of callousness to our hearts.

We must remain urgent in our repentance. Do not wait until tomorrow to surrender the areas where you are actively resisting God. Run to Him while His voice is loud, His mercy is available, and your heart is still capable of melting at His goodness.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with deep humility and reverence, recognizing that You are both a God of perfect mercy and a God of uncompromised justice. Lord, Your Word in Joshua 11:20 reminds us of how dangerous it is to coddle rebellion and resist Your voice. We ask right now that You would search our hearts. Cleanse us of any hidden pride, stubbornness, or willful disobedience that we have tried to keep covered.

Father, preserve us from a calloused spirit. Do not let us become numb to the conviction of Your Holy Spirit. We pray that You would smash the stone in our hearts and give us hearts of flesh—tender, responsive, and completely yielded to Your truth. Help us to live with a healthy, holy fear of Your Name, always running toward Your grace rather than trying to fight against Your sovereignty.

In the holy and mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

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LORD HARDENED THEIR HEARTS / JOSHUA 11:20

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Margarita Crews

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