Joshua 11:13
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.
American King James Version (AKJV)
But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.
American Standard Version (ASV)
But as for the cities that stood on their mounds, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
As for the towns made on hills of earth, not one was burned by Israel but Hazor, which was burned by Joshua.
Webster's Revision
But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.
World English Bible
But as for the cities that stood on their mounds, Israel burned none of them, except Hazor only. Joshua burned that.
English Revised Version (ERV)
But as for the cities that stood on their mounds, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.
Definitions for Joshua 11:13
Clarke's Joshua 11:13 Bible Commentary
The cities that stood still in their strength - The word תלם tillam, which we translate their strength, and the margin, their heap, has been understood two ways.
1. As signifying those cities which had made peace with the Israelites, when conditions of peace were offered according to the command of the law; and consequently were not destroyed. Such as the cities of the Hivites; see Joshua 11:19.
2. The cities which were situated upon hills and mountains, which, when taken, might be retained with little difficulty. In this sense the place is understood by the Vulgate, as pointing out the cities quae erant in collibus et tumulis sitae, "which were situated on hills and eminences." As the cities of the plain might be easily attacked and carried, Joshua destroyed them; but as those on mountains, hills, or other eminences, might be retained with little trouble, prudence would dictate their preservation, as places of refuge in any insurrection of the people, or invasion of their adversaries. The passage in Jeremiah, Jeremiah 30:18, Jerusalem shall be builded on her own heap, תלה tillah, if understood as above, conveys an easy and clear sense: Jerusalem shall be re-established on her Own Hill.
Barnes's Joshua 11:13 Bible Commentary
Render: "But the cities standing each on its own hill" (compare Jeremiah 30:18). The meaning is simply that, with the exception of Hazor, Joshua did not burn the cities, but left them standing, each on its former site. This site is spoken of as a hill, because such was the ordinary site chosen for cities in Canaan (compare Matthew 5:14).
Wesley's Joshua 11:13 Bible Commentary
11:13 In their strength - Heb. with their fence, walls or bulwarks, that is, which were not ruined with their walls in taking them. Save Hazor - Because this city began the war, and being the chief and royal city, might renew the war. If the Canaanites should ever seize upon it: which in fact they did, and settled there, under a king of the same name, Judges 4:2.