In their strength, Heb. with (for so this preposition is oft used, as Exo_35:12Lev_2:2Eze_16:37, &c.) their fence or fences, walls or bulwarks, i.e. which were not utterly ruined together with their walls in the taking of them.
Save Hazor only; which though taken by the Israelites, was not so much destroyed as other places were.
That did Joshua burn, 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.