Cities not burned, except Hazor — But Israel did not burn any of the cities that stood on their mounds (חִלִּם עַל־תִּלָּם), except Hazor alone, which Joshua burned. The exception makes Hazor's incineration particularly significant. Most cities are conquered and incorporated into Israel's holdings. Hazor alone is burned—its destruction is more total and irreversible. The standing on mounds indicates these are fortified settlements; their preservation suggests Israel's intention to occupy the conquered territory.

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