Joshua 10 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Joshua 10

This chapter of the Book of Joshua recounts a pivotal moment in the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land. The author, likely Joshua himself, provides a detailed account of a decisive military victory that solidified the Israelites’ hold on the region. The Israelites faced a formidable alliance of Canaanite kings who sought to stop their advance as they continued their campaign to claim the land God had promised them. The events described in this chapter demonstrate God’s unwavering support for His chosen people and the importance of their obedience to His commands.

We see the Israelites engage in a dramatic battle, aided by a miraculous display of God’s power. This victory paves the way for further conquests, as the Israelites systematically subdue the remaining Canaanite strongholds. The chapter also foreshadows the eventual division of the land among the twelve tribes, as outlined in later chapters of the book.

Joshua 10:1-5

The kings in the region came together to form a coalition against the Israelites, as seen in Joshua 10:1-5. Adoni-Zedek, the king of Jerusalem, heard about how Joshua had conquered Ai and Jericho and how the Gibeonites had made peace with Israel. This news instilled fear among the kings of the region, prompting them to unite in opposition to the Israelites. Adoni-Zedek reached out to four other kings: Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon, to join forces against Joshua and the people of Israel.

This coalition of kings symbolizes a united front against the people of God. It is a reminder that when God’s chosen people begin to walk in His ways and experience victories, it can stir up opposition and resistance from those who do not align with His divine plans. The response of these kings highlights the spiritual battle that often ensues when God’s people advance in their calling and purpose. The enemy will try to gather forces to thwart God’s plans, but ultimately, they are no match for the power of God.

This alliance also serves as a testament to the importance of unity among believers. Just as these kings came together with a common goal, Christians are called to come together in unity, standing firm in faith and resisting the schemes of the enemy. The book of Ephesians emphasizes the importance of unity among believers in Ephesians 4:3, stating, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” When believers stand united in faith, they become a force to be reckoned with, just like the unity demonstrated by the enemy in this passage.

Joshua 10:6-11

A crucial moment in the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land is seen in Joshua 10:6-11. The context of this passage is that five Amorite kings had gathered together to attack the Gibeonites, who were allies of Joshua and the Israelites. The Gibeonites sent word to Joshua for help, and Joshua, true to his covenant with them, immediately mobilized his army to aid them. The Lord reassures Joshua in verse 8 not to be afraid of the kings, for He has given them into his hand. This is a powerful reminder of the Lord’s faithfulness and promise to be with His people in times of trouble. It echoes similar promises made in the Bible, such as in Deuteronomy 31:6 where God says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. The Lord hurled down large hailstones on the Amorite kings from the sky as Joshua and the Israelites pursued them, killing more of their enemies than the Israelites had slain with the sword. This miraculous intervention by God highlights His power and sovereignty over the forces of nature and emphasizes that victory ultimately comes from Him. It reminds us of passages such as Psalm 20:7, which says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

The defeat of the Amorite kings in this passage also symbolizes the victory of God’s people over their enemies when they trust in Him. It serves as a reminder that no opposition or challenge is too great for God to overcome on behalf of His faithful followers. This theme of God’s victory over enemies is prevalent throughout the Bible, such as in the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, where David’s trust in God leads to the defeat of the giant. Joshua 10:6-11 captures a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land, showcasing God’s faithfulness, power, and ultimate victory over enemies. It serves as a timeless reminder for believers to trust in God in the face of adversity, knowing that He is sovereign and able to bring about victory in any situation.

Joshua 10:12-15

Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, called upon the Lord in the midst of battle, creating a powerful and awe-inspiring moment in history in Joshua 10:12-15. The context is crucial here – Joshua and the armies of Israel were engaged in a pivotal battle against the Amorite kings. Joshua boldly prayed to God for the sun to stand still and the moon to halt until the victory was achieved as the day was drawing to a close and victory seemed uncertain.

The request Joshua made was extraordinary, asking for the laws of nature to be temporarily suspended to allow the Israelites to defeat their enemies. God heeded Joshua’s plea and answered his prayer by causing the sun to stand still in the sky and the moon to stop, extending the daylight and enabling the Israelites to secure a decisive victory over their enemies. This miraculous event showcased the immense power and authority of God, demonstrating that nothing is impossible for Him to accomplish.

This narrative serves as a profound reminder of God’s sovereignty over creation, highlighting His ability to intervene in the course of human events and showcase His power to those who place their trust in Him. Joshua’s faith and willingness to pray boldly in the face of adversity teach us about the importance of relying on God’s strength in times of need and seeking His guidance in all circumstances. This account underscores the significance of prayer in the life of a believer, showing that God is attentive to the cries of His people and is capable of performing extraordinary deeds on their behalf. This episode echoes the theme of God’s faithfulness and fulfillment of His promises throughout the Bible. Just as God had promised to be with Joshua and the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land, He demonstrated His faithfulness by granting them victory in this crucial battle. This event mirrors other instances in the Bible where God’s intervention in the face of impossible odds underscores His faithfulness to His people, such as the parting of the Red Sea for the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt (Exodus 14). Joshua’s bold prayer and God’s extraordinary response serve as a testament to the enduring nature of God’s promises and His willingness to act on behalf of those who trust in Him. The passage in Joshua 10:12-15 is a powerful testament to the faithfulness and power of God, as well as the importance of bold and unwavering faith in prayer. It serves as a reminder that nothing is beyond the reach of God’s providential care and that He is always ready to step in and work on behalf of His people when they call upon Him in faith. This miraculous event stands as a beacon of hope for believers, inspiring them to approach God with confidence and trust in His ability to bring about victories in the midst of their most challenging circumstances.

Joshua 10:16-21

The account of the culmination of the battle at Gibeon is seen in Joshua 10:16-21. The inhabitants of Gibeon had made a pact with Israel, seeking protection from the other surrounding kingdoms who had gathered together to attack them. This alliance forced Joshua and the Israelite army to come to Gibeon’s aid. The Amorite kings, upset that Gibeon had aligned with Israel, decided to march against Gibeon. The Lord caused confusion among the Amorite armies as the battle unfolded, and they began to flee before the Israelites. Joshua, in the midst of chaos, understood the importance of the moment and called out to the Lord. He prayed for the sun and moon to stand still, and remarkably, they did. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not go down for about a full day, giving the Israelites extended daylight to pursue their enemies and secure victory.

This miraculous event demonstrated the power and sovereignty of God. It showcased His ability to intervene in the affairs of men and alter the course of nature to bring about His purposes. The notion of the sun standing still at Joshua’s command is not meant to be a scientific account but rather a supernatural occurrence that underscores God’s authority over creation. This extraordinary act validated Joshua’s leadership and Israel’s divine mandate in claiming the Promised Land.

The significance of this event is not only in its immediate military implications but also in its broader theological implications. It serves as a reminder that the battle was not won by the strength or cunning of men but by the supernatural intervention of God in response to Joshua’s faith-filled prayer. This points to the importance of seeking God’s guidance and relying on His power in times of need. It echoes the principle found in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Joshua’s victory at Gibeon further solidified his standing as a mighty leader chosen by God to fulfill His promises to the Israelites. Joshua’s unwavering faith in God and his obedience to His commands set him apart as a model for future generations. His leadership exemplified the qualities of courage, trust, and reliance on God, which are essential for anyone seeking to walk in obedience to the Lord. God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and willingness to intervene on behalf of His people are powerfully demonstrated in the events described in Joshua 10:16-21. It underscores the importance of trusting in God, seeking His guidance, and recognizing that ultimate victory comes from Him alone. Joshua’s prayer for the sun to stand still stands as a testament to the miraculous ways in which God works for those who are faithful to Him.

Joshua 10:22-27

The specific account of the victory of the Israelites over five Amorite kings is seen in Joshua 10:22-27. Breaking down this passage:

Verse 22 starts with Joshua commanding his men to come near and put their feet on the necks of the defeated kings. This act symbolizes not only physical defeat but also a symbolic gesture of complete humiliation and submission. This display of dominance was a common practice in ancient warfare to signify total victory and subjugation of the enemy. It showed that the Israelites were not only militarily victorious but that their God was also greater than the gods of the defeated kings.

Moving on to verse 23, Joshua then assures his men that the Lord will give them victory over all their enemies. This unwavering faith in God’s promises and provision is a recurring theme in the Bible. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s power and faithfulness, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This trust in God’s promises gives the Israelites the confidence to face their enemies without fear.

Verse 24 describes the aftermath of the battle, with Joshua commanding that the five kings be brought out of the cave to him. The cave symbolizes darkness and hiding, but Joshua, representing the light and truth of God, brings these defeated kings out into the open. This can be seen as a metaphor for bringing the sins of the enemy into the light and exposing them to God’s justice. Joshua instructs his men in verse 25 to not be afraid or discouraged but to be strong and courageous, for the Lord will do to all their enemies what has been done to the five kings. This mirrors God’s repeated encouragement to Joshua to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9) and reminds us that as believers, we are called to face our enemies (both physical and spiritual) with confidence in God’s power and protection.

Finally, in verses 26-27, Joshua executes the five Amorite kings and hangs them on five trees until evening. This act serves as a public display of God’s judgment and the consequences of rebelling against Him. The hanging of the kings on trees also brings to mind the imagery of a curse, as anyone hung on a tree is considered accursed according to the Law (Deuteronomy 21:23). This event serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and disobedience against God. This passage in Joshua 10 not only recounts a specific historical event but also carries timeless messages about faith in God’s promises, the importance of courage in the face of enemies, the consequences of rebellion against God, and the ultimate victory that comes from aligning with His will. It reminds us of the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises and the necessity of obeying His commands to experience His victory in our lives.

Joshua 10:28-30

Joshua 10:28-30 presents us with a pivotal moment in the conquest of the Promised Land. Let’s break this verse down into important sections for deeper understanding:

1. “That day Joshua took Makkedah.”: Here, Joshua, the courageous leader chosen by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, captures the city of Makkedah. This victory is significant as it demonstrates God’s fulfillment of His promise to give the land to His people. Joshua’s military prowess combined with divine guidance showcases the importance of obedience, faith, and the power of God’s promises. Makkedah represents one more step towards the completion of fulfilling God’s covenant with His people, as promised to Abraham and Moses.

2. “He put the city and its king to the sword and totally destroyed everyone in it.”: This verse illustrates the severity of God’s judgment upon the inhabitants of Makkedah due to their wickedness. The destruction of the city and its king is a reminder of the inevitable consequences of disobedience and sin. God’s justice is not to be taken lightly, and it serves as a warning to all who oppose His plans and purposes. Throughout the Bible, we see a consistent theme of God holding His people accountable for their actions and expecting obedience to His commands. This verse emphasizes the importance of following God’s will and the consequences of rebellion.

3. “He left no survivors. And he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho.”: Joshua’s actions in dealing with the king of Makkedah mirror those taken when dealing with the king of Jericho. This comparison is significant in highlighting the consistency of God’s judgment and the importance of obedience. The destruction of both kings emphasizes the consequences of defiance against God’s chosen people and serves as a reminder of the Israelites’ mandate to drive out the pagan nations from the land. It also underscores the idea that God’s justice is impartial and operates according to His righteous standards. Joshua 10:28-30 not only recounts a specific military conquest but also holds profound theological implications. It emphasizes the themes of obedience, faithfulness, divine judgment, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The narrative of the conquest of Makkedah serves as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God and the importance of aligning oneself with His will. Joshua’s leadership and unwavering faith in God’s guidance set an example for future generations to trust in the Lord’s promises and faithfully follow His commands. The destruction of Makkedah and its king symbolize the righteousness and sovereignty of God, highlighting the overarching theme of God’s faithfulness throughout the Bible.

Joshua 10:31-33

Joshua and all Israel passed on from Libnah to Lachish, laid siege to it, and fought against it in Joshua 10:31-33. And the Lord gave Lachish into the hand of Israel, and he captured it on the second day and struck it with the edge of the sword, and every person in it, as he had done to Libnah. Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish. And Joshua struck him and his people, until he left none remaining.” This passage in the book of Joshua depicts the ongoing conquest of the Promised Land by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand the significance of the cities of Libnah and Lachish in this context. Libnah was one of the cities first conquered by Joshua as they advanced into the land of Canaan. The capture of Libnah demonstrated the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the land to the Israelites. Lachish, on the other hand, was a fortified city that posed a challenge to the Israelites. The fact that Lachish fell into the hands of Israel on the second day of the siege highlights the divine intervention and favor that accompanied the Israelites in their military campaigns. Horam, the king of Gezer, coming to help Lachish sheds light on the alliances and resistance faced by the Israelites as they advanced in their conquest. Despite the opposition, Joshua and the Israelites remained resolute and prevailed in battle, ultimately defeating Horam and his people. The decisive victories over these cities and kings further solidified the Israelites’ claim to the Promised Land and showcased the faithfulness of God in fulfilling his promises to his chosen people.

This passage underscores the themes of obedience, faith, and divine assistance that run through the narrative of Joshua. It serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God’s guidance and staying committed to his commands, even in the face of challenges and opposition. The victories of Joshua and the Israelites serve as a testament to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling his promises and the importance of remaining steadfast in the journey of faith. This account in Joshua parallels the larger narrative of God’s faithfulness and provision for his people throughout history in the broader context of the Bible. It echoes the Israelites’ journey from bondage in Egypt to the Promised Land and foreshadows the ultimate victory that believers in Christ will experience through their faith. The battles fought by Joshua and the Israelites serve as a symbolic representation of the spiritual warfare that followers of God engage in, relying on His strength and guidance for victory.

Joshua 10:34-35

Joshua and the Israelites continue the conquest of the southern Canaanite kings in Joshua 10:34-35. Let’s break down these verses into important sections for a more detailed commentary.

First, in verse 34, it states: “Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Lachish to Eglon; they took up positions against it and attacked it.” Lachish was a significant city in ancient Canaan, known for its strong fortifications. The fall of Lachish marked another military victory for the Israelites as they continued to fulfill God’s command to possess the Promised Land. This event signifies the progression of the Israelites in their mission to claim the land which God had promised to them.

The mention of Joshua leading all of Israel in these conquests highlights his leadership role in implementing God’s plan. Joshua was a faithful and obedient servant of God, carrying out His commands with courage and determination. His obedience and faith in God’s promises serve as an example for all believers to trust in God’s guidance and provision, even in the face of formidable challenges.

Verse 35 continues: “They captured it that same day and put it to the sword and totally destroyed everyone in it, just as they had done to Lachish.” Here, we see the decisive and swift action taken by the Israelites in completely defeating their enemies. The Israelites were instructed by God to utterly destroy the Canaanite nations in order to prevent them from leading Israel astray with their idolatrous practices. This underscores the theme of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands, even when they may seem harsh or difficult.

The destruction of Eglon serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and idolatry. Throughout the Bible, the importance of worshiping the one true God and avoiding the temptations of false gods is emphasized. The Israelites’ actions in these verses reinforce the principle that God’s people are called to live distinctively and obediently, separate from the sinful practices of the world around them. Reflecting on these verses from Joshua 10 reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s promises, following His commands, and remaining faithful in the face of opposition. Joshua’s leadership, the Israelites’ victories, and the destruction of the Canaanite cities all point towards the overarching theme of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the importance of obedience in the lives of believers. These events in Joshua 10 also foreshadow the ultimate victory believers have in Christ over sin and evil, as we journey towards our own promised land of eternal life in His presence.

Joshua 10:36-37

Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon to Hebron and fought against it in Joshua 10:36-37. They took the city and put it to the sword, together with its king, its villages, and everyone in it. They left no survivors, just as they had done to Eglon. They totally destroyed it and everyone in it.” These verses provide a glimpse into the conquest of the city of Hebron by Joshua and the Israelites. Hebron was a significant city in ancient times, known for its association with the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the book of Genesis. The context of this conquest is within the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites as commanded by God.

This account of the conquest of Hebron illustrates the severity of the judgment of the Canaanite cities by the Israelites. The language used in these verses is intense, emphasizing the complete destruction of the city and its inhabitants. The conquest of Hebron, like many other cities in Canaan, demonstrates the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the land to the descendants of Abraham. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and idolatry, as the Canaanites were known for their wicked practices, including child sacrifice.

The conquest of Hebron also highlights the role of Joshua as a military leader appointed by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua’s obedience to God’s commands and his leadership in the battles against the Canaanite kings are evident throughout the book of Joshua. His faith and courage serve as an inspiration for believers to trust in God’s promises and to follow His leading, even in the face of daunting challenges. The destruction of Hebron echoes the judgment that befell other cities like Jericho and Ai, where the Israelites were instructed to utterly destroy everything as an offering to the Lord. This motif of destruction and consecration underscores the holiness and sovereignty of God over the land of Canaan. It also underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands, as seen in the severe consequences of disobedience displayed in the defeat of Ai when Achan disobeyed God’s command regarding the devoted things (Joshua 7). The conquest of Hebron in Joshua 10:36-37 is a significant event in the history of Israel, demonstrating God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, the leadership of Joshua, the judgment upon the Canaanites, and the importance of obedience to God’s commands. This account serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the ultimate victory of God’s people when they trust in Him wholeheartedly.

Joshua 10:38-39

Joshua 10:38-39 states, “Then Joshua and all Israel with him turned back to Debir and fought against it. And he captured it with its king and all its towns. They struck them with the edge of the sword and devoted to destruction every person in it; he left no one remaining. Just as he had done to Hebron and to Libnah and its king, so he did to Debir and to its king. Joshua leads the Israelites in battle against Debir in these verses. The city of Debir was located in the hill country of Judah, near Hebron. After capturing Debir, Joshua not only defeated its king and inhabitants but also “devoted to destruction every person in it.” This phrase might be unsettling to some, but it is important to understand it in the historical and theological context of the Israelites. The concept of devoting cities or peoples to destruction was common in ancient warfare practices, signifying the complete dedication of the city and its inhabitants to God as an act of judgment for their sins and as a way to prevent them from influencing the Israelites towards idolatry.

This event in Joshua 10 serves as a reminder of God’s judgment against sin and the importance of obedience to His commands. It also foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will come upon all who reject God and His ways in the broader narrative of the Bible. Jesus teaches about the importance of repentance and the consequences of rejecting God’s salvation in the New Testament (Luke 13:1-5). This serves as a sobering reminder that God is both a God of mercy and justice, and that disobedience will not go unpunished.

Furthermore, when we look at the victories of Joshua in Hebron, Libnah, and Debir, we see a pattern of obedience and faithfulness leading to triumph. Hebron was the city where Abraham, the father of the Israelite nation, had received the promise from God. Libnah was another Canaanite city conquered by Joshua. Each victory not only solidified the Israelites’ control over the promised land but also demonstrated God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. Joshua’s leadership in the conquest of Canaan symbolizes the spiritual battle that believers face in their lives in a broader sense. The enemies the Israelites faced can be seen as representations of the spiritual struggles we encounter – sin, idolatry, disobedience. Just as Joshua led the Israelites to victory through faith and obedience, Christians are called to put on the armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18). These verses in Joshua 10 remind us of the importance of faith, obedience, and the consequences of rejecting God’s commands. They also point us towards the ultimate victory that believers have in Christ and the need to continually rely on Him in our spiritual battles.

Joshua 10:40-43

Important sections can be identified in Joshua 10:40-43. “So Joshua conquered the whole region—the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills, and the mountain slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors. He destroyed all that breathed, just as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded. Joshua and the Israelites achieve victory and conquest over the region as commanded by God in this section. This verse illustrates the fulfillment of God’s promise to deliver the land of Canaan into the hands of the Israelites. It reiterates the divine authority and power that was with Joshua as he led the people in battle. This act of total destruction may seem harsh to modern readers, but it needs to be understood in the context of the time when societies engaged in brutal warfare. The idea of God commanding such actions raises questions about divine justice and the concept of God’s sovereignty over all nations.

This section also highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Joshua followed God’s instructions without wavering, which ultimately led to the success of the Israelites in their conquest. Obedience to God’s Word is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the significance of aligning one’s actions with God’s will. Deuteronomy 28 promises blessings for obedience and pronounces curses for disobedience. Joshua exemplifies unwavering faith and obedience, serving as a role model for believers to trust in God’s plans regardless of the circumstances.

1. “Joshua subdued them from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza and from the whole region of Goshen to Gibeon. All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.”

This section emphasizes the extent of Joshua’s conquests, reaching from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza, and from Goshen to Gibeon. The mention of these specific locations serves to provide geographical context and demonstrate the breadth of the Israelites’ military achievements under Joshua’s leadership. It reinforces the idea that it was not by their own might or power that they conquered these lands, but by the divine intervention of God who fought for them.

The phrase, “the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel,” underscores the theme of divine assistance and intervention throughout Israel’s history. This concept is reiterated in Exodus 14:14, where it is stated, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” The Bible consistently portrays God as a protector and warrior on behalf of His people, emphasizing the importance of trusting in Him during times of conflict or struggle.

1. “Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.”

This final section brings the narrative full circle as Joshua and the Israelites return to Gilgal, their base camp. Gilgal holds significance as the place where the Israelites first encamped after crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Joshua 4:19). It served as a symbolic location representing their new beginning, and a reminder of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.

The act of returning to Gilgal can be seen as a moment of reflection and thanksgiving for the victories achieved and a recognition of God’s faithfulness throughout their conquest. It symbolizes the importance of acknowledging God’s role in their successes and the need to continually be grounded in their faith as they progress forward into the next phases of their journey. The act of returning to Gilgal serves as a reminder for believers today to reflect on God’s faithfulness in their lives and to always remain rooted in Him.

After Joshua 10

The sun stood still, and the moon halted, as the Israelites defeated their enemies. The Lord fought for them, raining down hailstones from the sky. The kings of the Amorites were captured and executed, and their lands were taken by the Israelites. This great victory demonstrated the power of the Lord and His faithfulness to His chosen people. Yet, the journey was far from over. The Israelites still faced many challenges and battles ahead as they sought to claim the land promised to them by God. The road to the Promised Land was long and arduous, but with the Lord’s guidance and protection, they would persevere.