It seems an odd detail thrown into the account of Joshua leading the armies of Israel and conquering the promised land. Joshua took city after city, destroying one, but leaving the rest intact:

Yet Israel did not burn any of the cities built on their mounds—expect Hazor, which Joshua burned.

What’s the significance of these mounds? Were these burial places or sites of hidden treasure? The answer (after a bit of sleuthing) is much more simple and practical. Substitute hill for mound and Joshua’s strategy becomes clear.

These cities stood atop hills, natural positions of defense. The Lord promised the Israelites they would live in cities they did not build. These strongholds among the hills fulfilled that promise.

I find it fascinating that the Lord not only provided towns and villages in the valleys, but places of safety in case of future conflict. The Lord could have met his pledge with scattered cabins and tiny homes. But cities of strength—the best locations for living—filled the real estate portfolio he opened to the children of Israel.

God is better than we realize—trust in him. Like the Lord leading his children to the mounds, his goodness often comes in ways we fail to imagine.

Joshua 11 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Kai Pilger