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.
It was the LORD who made their hearts stubborn, so they would fight against Israel in battle. This way He could completely destroy them without showing them any mercy, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
God hardened the hearts of Israel's enemies so they would fight and be completely defeated, fulfilling His command to Moses.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes during Joshua's conquest of Canaan, where Israel was taking possession of the Promised Land. God had previously commanded Moses that the Canaanite peoples should be completely destroyed because of their wickedness and to prevent them from leading Israel into idolatry. The 'hardening of hearts' was God's way of ensuring these nations would resist rather than surrender, leading to their judgment.
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