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
In the Book of Joshua, the Israelites were in the midst of conquering the Promised Land of Canaan, as God had commanded them through Moses to drive out the wicked inhabitants who practiced idolatry and immorality. God hardened the hearts of the Canaanite kings and their people to ensure they would engage Israel in battle, allowing for their complete destruction as a form of divine judgment on their sins. This event fulfilled God's earlier instructions to Moses, emphasizing His sovereignty in executing justice and fulfilling promises to His people.
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