Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 11:20. It’s a really important and sobering passage in the Bible. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a moment of extreme wickedness and rebellion by the Israelites after Moses led them into battle. It says that God specifically chose to make the Israelites resistant to peace and favor, and ultimately, to be destroyed completely. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts…” – This is a key phrase. It means that God, in his divine judgment, deliberately made the Israelites unwilling to accept peace and favor from the Israelites. It wasn't accidental; it was a deliberate choice. Think of it like when you intentionally block a path - it’s not natural. “…that they should come against Israel in battle…” – This tells us that God decided to provoke a war against the Israelites. He wanted a conflict, a struggle. “That he might destroy them utterly…” – This is the core of the verse. It’s not just about a skirmish; it's about a complete and utter destruction. The goal was to eliminate the entire nation. “[and] that they might have no favor, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.” – This is where it gets really heavy. It’s saying that God ordered Moses to command the Israelites to fight, and in this moment, they refused to listen. They were so focused on their own desires (perhaps a desire for revenge or a rejection of God's will) that they disobeyed him. God is using this disobedience as a way to punish them. He’s demonstrating his power and control over them. In short: God chose to make the Israelites hostile and defiant, intentionally provoking a war against them so that he could utterly destroy them – to show his power and remove their freedom. Important Context (Briefly): This verse comes before the battle of Jericho. It’s a dramatic moment where God demonstrates his power and is showing how serious his judgment is. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI Chatbot and this explanation is for informational purposes only. I cannot provide religious advice or interpretations. Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Provide a more detailed historical context? Discuss the significance of this passage within the larger narrative of the Old Testament?