Book of Joshua Warfare Quotes

How we cite our quotes:

Quote #7

They came out, with all their troops, a great army, in number like the sand on the seashore, with very many horses and chariots. All these kings joined their forces, and came and camped together at the waters of Merom, to fight with Israel. And the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will hand over all of them, slain, to Israel; you shall hamstring their horses, and burn their chariots with fire." (NRSV 11:4-6)

And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many. And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for tomorrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire. (KJV 11:4-6)

Defeat an army through solid stone? No problem. Defeat an army in the ruins of an ancient city? No sweat. Defeat an army armed with horses and chariots? Bring it on. Not only is Joshua's army unstoppable in hand-to-hand combat, but they can battle the horses like the Israelites are really centaurs.

Quote #8

All the spoil of these towns, and the livestock, the Israelites took for their booty; but all the people they struck down with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, and they did not leave any who breathed. (NRSV 11:14)

And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe. (KJV 11:14)

Warfare = souvenirs. And by souvenirs, we mean stealing other people's stuff after you've killed them. Classic.

Quote #9

Yet the Israelites did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites; but Geshur and Maacath live within Israel to this day. (NRSV 13:13)

Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day. (KJV 13:13)

As much as Joshua and the Israelites conquered Canaan, it's important to note that some Canaanite tribes continued to live in the land in harmony with the Israelites. Joshua—what an upstanding guy. How do you think the Israelites reacted to this decision?