Definition: And they smote all the souls that [were] therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying [them]: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 11:11. It’s a really powerful and dramatic verse that tells us about a devastating event in ancient Israel’s history. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Threat: The verse describes a massive attack on the city of Hazor. It was a significant battle, and the enemy (likely the Philistines) were determined to conquer the city. The Weapon: They used swords – specifically, the edge of the sword – to kill everyone inside. The Result: Complete Destruction: They killed every single person . There was no one left alive. The Burning: As a final act of destruction, they set Hazor on fire with fire. Let's unpack it further: "And they smote all the souls that [were] therein": This is a key part. "Souls" refers to people – individuals. The word "smote" means to strike or kill, and here, it’s implying a brutal, forceful killing. “utterly destroying them”: This emphasizes the complete annihilation of everyone inside. It wasn't just a few people; they were completely wiped out. “there was not any left to breathe": This is a chilling phrase – it means there was no one left to live. There was no more life in the city. “and he burnt Hazor with fire”: This shows that the fire wasn’t just a simple burning; it was deliberately used as a weapon of destruction, symbolizing the complete annihilation of the city and its people. What's the Significance? This verse is often seen as a symbol of God's judgment on sin and wickedness. It highlights: God’s Power: It shows God’s absolute power to destroy evil and punish those who stray from his path. The Consequences of Sin: The destruction of Hazor was a direct result of the people's rebellion and their refusal to obey God’s commands. A Warning: It serves as a warning to all people – to turn away from sin and seek God’s guidance. In short, this passage describes a horrific event where God utterly destroyed everyone inside a city, demonstrating his power and judgment against evil. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?