Josué 10
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
Josué 10
Utley - “Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem” This name means “my Lord is just” or “righteous” and is related etymologically to the title “Melchizedek” (king is/of righteous, BDB 575) who was the priest/king of the city of Salem. This is the first use of the term “Jerusalem” in the Bible. The Septuagint has “Adoni-bezek” (a place name). The city was originally called “Salem” (cf. Gen. 14:18). Later, it is called Jebus (cf. Jdgs. 19:10, 11; 1 Chr. 11:4). It was given to Benjamin but it is right on the border with Judah. The lower city was captured in Joshua’s day but the upper city (fortress) was not captured until David’s day (cf. 2 Sam. 5:6ff). We learn from the archaeological discovery of the Amarna tablets, around 1400 B.C., that they called the city “Urusalem.” Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem - Personal name meaning, “the Lord is righteous” or “the god Zedek is righteous.” King of Jerusalem who gathered coalition of Canaanite kings to fight Gibeon after Joshua made a peace treaty with Gibeon (Joshua 10:1 ). Joshua marched to Gibeon's aid and defeated the coalition. Joshua made a public example of the kings before executing them (Joshua 10:22-26 ). He exposed their bodies on trees, a further sign of humiliation, since it postponed burial and a way to celebrate victory. Joshua carefully obeyed the law by taking them from the trees before nightfall (Deuteronomy 21:23 ). It is noticeable that the name is almost the equivalent of Melchizedek, מלכּיצדק , malkı̄cedheḳ , "king of righteousness," who was ruler of Jerusalem in the time of Abraham. Davis and Whitcomb note that "The Amarna letters indicate that Jerusalem was the center of political activity in the fourteenth century B.C. and was always conscious of its own security." And that the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were within their land - Gibeon was about 5 miles south of Jerusalem, so now the Gibeonite's are seen as enemies of the Canaanites. Isn't it interesting that the Gibeonites were seeking peace, but their efforts backfired and brought war! Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 1-6. When sinners leave the service of Satan and the friendship of the world, that they make peace with God and join Israel, they must not marvel if the world hate them, if their former friends become foes. By such methods Satan discourages many who are convinced of their danger, and almost persuaded to be Christians, but fear the cross. These things should quicken us to apply to God for protection, help, and deliverance. Related Resource: What is the significance of Ai in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org John Currid - A central aspect of the episode before us in this chapter is the power of prayer, and how God cares for his people by answering their prayers in the most mysterious ways. In his old age, George Müller was asked by a reporter how he had kept his orphanages financially afloat during all the many years of his ministry. Müller responded: No man on earth can say that I ever asked him for a penny. We have no committees, no collectors, no voting and no endowments. All has come in answer to believing prayer. My trust has been in God alone; He has many ways of moving the hearts of men to help us all over the world. While I am praying He speaks to this one and another, on this continent and on that, to send us help. Only the other evening, while I was preaching, a gentleman wrote me a cheque for a large amount for the orphans, and handed it to me when the service was over. Robert Murray M’Cheyne and Andrew Bonar, two ministers of the Church of Scotland, took an important journey in the 1830s. They were sent by the church to see the state of the Jews in Palestine and the effect that the Presbyterian mission to them was having. They were gone from Scotland for a number of months. M’Cheyne left his church in Dundee in the hands of William Burns, a young evangelist who would one day become a famous missionary to China. There was a great revival in Dundee under Burns’ preaching ministry. It is interesting to note that, the very day of the beginning of the revival, there is a statement in M’Cheyne’s diary that he had been in prayer all that Sunday for revival in his church. So what were the means of revival in the Dundee church? It was both Burns’ preaching and M’Cheyne’s praying. In Joshua 10:1–27 we shall see how God answers the prayer of Joshua. (Joshua: Strong and Courageous) Utterly destroy (destroy completely, devote)(02763) charam means to destroy, to doom, to devote. This word is most commonly associated with the Israelites destroying the Canaanites upon their entry into the Promised Land (Deut. 7:2; Josh. 11:20). This word is used regarding almost all the cities which Joshua's troops destroyed [e.g. Jericho, Jos 6:21; Ai, Jos8:26; Makkedah, Jos 10:28; Hazor, Jos 11:11] thus indicating the rationale for their destruction.Surrendering something irrevocably to God = devoting to service of God, excluding it from use or abuse of man &/or putting it under a ban for utter destruction. [Dt 7:2, 20:17] Usually haram meant a ban for utter destruction, compulsory dedication of thing impeding or resisting God's work which is considered to be accursed before God. Thus the basic idea = setting something aside strictly for God's use. Whatever was set aside was considered most holy by God & could not be sold or redeemed by any substitutionary measure. Once invoked it was absolutely compulsory. Charam - 47v - annihilate(1), covet(1), destroy them utterly(1), destroy utterly(1), destroyed them utterly(1), destroying(1), destroying them completely(2), destruction(2), devote(2), forfeited(1), set apart(1), sets apart(1), utterly destroy(11), utterly destroyed(22), utterly destroying(3). Exod. 22:20; Lev. 27:28; Lev. 27:29; Num. 21:2; Num. 21:3; Deut. 2:34; Deut. 3:6; Deut. 7:2; Deut. 13:15; Deut. 20:17; Jos. 2:10; Jos. 6:18; Jos. 6:21; Jos. 8:26; Jos. 10:1; Jos. 10:28; Jos. 10:35; Jos. 10:37; Jos. 10:39; Jos. 10:40; Jos. 11:11; Jos. 11:12; Jos. 11:20; Jos. 11:21; Jdg. 1:17; Jdg. 21:11; 1 Sam. 15:3; 1 Sam. 15:8; 1 Sam. 15:9; 1 Sam. 15:15; 1 Sam. 15:18; 1 Sam. 15:20; 1 Ki. 9:21; 2 Ki. 19:11; 1 Chr. 4:41; 2 Chr. 20:23; 2 Chr. 32:14; Ezr. 10:8; Isa. 11:15; Isa. 34:2; Isa. 37:11; Jer. 25:9; Jer. 50:21; Jer. 50:26; Jer. 51:3; Dan. 11:44; Mic. 4:13 Made peace (07999) shalam ) is a verb that means to be complete, to be safe, to be sound, to repay, to reward. The general meaning behind the root s-l-m is of completion and fulfillment--of entering into a state of wholeness and unity, a restored relationship. The Hebrew root denotes perfection in the sense that a condition or action is 'complete.' This word is normally used when God is keeping His people safe. In its simple form, this verb also means to be completed or to be finished. Henry Thorne has some thoughts on why God calls for these nations to be utterly destroyed - When one nation or people goes to war with another nation or people there is naturally some reason for it. The Bible as a reasonable book fully states the causes which led to the destruction of the Canaanites and the reason why the Israelites were brought in to occupy this land. The destruction of the Canaanites. Much false sympathy has been wasted upon the destruction of the Canaanites because the stress has been laid upon the driving them out and not upon their character, where it belongs and where the Scriptures place it. The abominations practiced in the name of religion were something awful ; every evil thing was worshiped. We have had the testimony of the Bible to this fact, now comes the word of the monuments Lenormant in his manual of the Ancient History of the East ( Vol. 3, p. 219) , has said that " no other nation has rivaled the Canaanites in the mixture of blood and debauchery with which they sought to honor the Deity.” This heathenism was so foul that fifteen hundred years later its spread in Rome was bewailed by the Satirists of the day. ( Juvenal Sat. 3. 62. ) Sodom and Gomorrah, where ten righteous men could not be found, were fit types of this unholy land, Some of these abominations are described in Leviticus 18:21-31 ; Deut 12:30-32.“ The chief god was Baal-the sun-who was worshiped under different names in different places, Moloch, Chemosh ," but everywhere his worship was fierce and cruel. “ His consort Ashtaroth, the Babylonian goddess, Istar, the goddess of love, worshiped as the morning star, Venus,” fostered abominations in her worship almost inconceivable in our times ; it was , ir one word, a worship of impurity. The driving out of the Canaanites is always represented in the Scriptures as a punishment for their sins. Lev. 18:24, 25. The destruction that has fallen upon all the ancient nations is represented by the prophets to be on account of sin. Even Israel, after repeated warning, was not spared. Jerusalem on account of her sins was finally devoted to an awful sack and ruin under the Romans. (A Series of Twenty-four Historical Bible Studies, from Genesis to Revelation) QUESTION - Why did God command the extermination / genocide of the Canaanites, women and children included? ANSWER - In 1 Samuel 15:2-3, God commanded Saul and the Israelites, “This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.'" God ordered similar things when the Israelites were invading the promised land (Deuteronomy 2:34; 3:6; 20:16-18). Why would God have the Israelites exterminate an entire group of people, women and children included? This is a difficult issue. We do not fully understand why God would command such a thing, but we trust God that He is just – and we recognize that we are incapable of fully understanding a sovereign, infinite, and eternal God. As we look at difficult issues such as this one, we must remember that God’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9; Romans 11:33-36). We have to be willing to trust God and have faith in Him even when we do not understand His ways. Unlike us, God knows the future. God knew what the results would be if Israel did not completely eradicate the Amalekites. If Israel did not carry out God’s orders, the Amalekites would come back to trouble the Israelites in the future. Saul claimed to have killed everyone but the Amalekite king Agag (1 Samuel 15:20). Obviously, Saul was lying—just a couple of decades later, there were enough Amalekites to take David and his men’s families captive (1 Samuel 30:1-2). After David and his men attacked the Amalekites and rescued their families, 400 Amalekites escaped. If Saul had fulfilled what God had commanded him, this never would have occurred. Several hundred years later, a descendant of Agag, Haman, tried to have the entire Jewish people exterminated (see the book of Esther). So, Saul’s incomplete obedience almost resulted in Israel’s destruction. God knew this would occur, so He ordered the extermination of the Amalekites ahead of time. In regard to the Canaanites, God commanded, “In the cities of the nations the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. Completely destroy them — the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites — as the LORD your God has commanded you. Otherwise, they will teach you to follow all the detestable things they do in worshiping their gods, and you will sin against the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). The Israelites failed in this mission as well, and exactly what God said would happen occurred (Judges 2:1-3; 1 Kings 11:5; 14:24; 2 Kings 16:3-4). God did not order the extermination of these people to be cruel, but to prevent even greater evil from occurring in the future. Probably the most difficult part of these commands from God is that God ordered the death of children and infants as well. Why would God order the death of innocent children? (1) Children are not innocent (Psalm 51:5; 58:3). (2) These children would have likely grown up as adherents to the evil religions and practices of their parents. (3) These children would naturally have grown up resentful of the Israelites and later sought to avenge the “unjust” treatment of their parents. Again, this answer does not completely deal with all the issues. Our focus should be on trusting God even when we do not understand His ways. We also must remember that God looks at things from an eternal perspective and that His ways are higher than our ways. God is just, righteous, holy, loving, merciful, and gracious. How His attributes work together can be a mystery to us – but that does not mean that He is not who the Bible proclaims Him to be.GotQuestions.org Related Resources: (all from Gotquestions.org) Does God killing people make Him a murderer? Why did God command the Israelites to completely destroy the Midianites in Numbers 31:17? Why did God condone such terrible violence in the Old Testament? Why did the Israelites take the Canaanites as slaves instead of destroying them as they were instructed? What happened during the conquest of Canaan? George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 Adoni-zedek. This name, signifying lord of righteousness, is very nearly akin to that of Melchizedek, king of righteousness, who reigned at the same place upwards of 400 years before. He might have been a descendant as well as successor of this distinguished personage, or the name, in one form or the other, may have been common, like Pharaoh in Egypt, or Abimelech in Gerar, to the royal line. How the epithet righteous came to be connected with the title of the kings of this remarkable city it is not possible now to determine. Viewed in connexion with its subsequent history, it must be regarded as not a little remarkable, though from the case of this individual it does not appear to have been always a true index of the character of him who bore it. King of Jerusalem. The name Jerusalem here occurs for the first time in the scriptures. The original designation of the city seems to have been Salem, Gen. 14:18; Ps. 76:2, as it was called in the time of Melchizedek, though whether he were its founder is altogether uncertain. It was afterwards called ירושלים Yerushalayim, Jerusalem, a name supposed to be compounded of יראו yiru (from ראה rââh, to see), and שלם shâlam, peace, and signifying vision of peace, or more literally, they shall see peace, in prophetic allusion to the gospel of peace, which was afterwards to issue from thence. Reland, Schultens and others, it is true, derive it from ירוש yerūsh and שלם shâlam, possession of peace, but we prefer the former, and are not unwilling to believe, with Masius, that the name carries in it a latent reference to the incident mentioned, and the words employed Gen. 22:14, ‘And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.’ The Hebrew יראח yireh or jireh, seems to have been affixed to the ancient denomination Salem, and thus to have formed the word Jerusalem, mystically pointing to the vision of peace which Abraham saw in the future sacrifice that was to be offered up in the latter day on that same memorable mount or in its immediate vicinity. Moriah, one of the mountains of Jerusalem, signifying vision of God, is derived from the same root, and was probably so called for the same reason. After coming into the possession of the Jebusites, it was occasionally called Jebus, Josh. 18:28; Judg. 19:10, 11, from the inhabitants, but it seems never to have been familiarly known by that appellation among the Israelites. It is probable that the city retained in the main the name of Salem, which it had in the days of Abraham, till the Israelites came into the land of Canaan, and that it was called Jerusalem by them when they first took possession of it. Consequently it is so called by anticipation in this place. It was doubtless overruled in providence that a name should be bestowed on the place pre-intimating the nature of the glorious events by which it was afterwards to be distinguished. Had utterly destroyed. Heb. יחרימה ya’harimâh, had made a curse, had devoted.’ Were among them. Had made alliance with them, had come over to their interest, had put themselves under their protection, and so were entitled henceforth to dwell together with them in the country without being exterminated or disturbed. Joshua 10:2 that he feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty. feared: Jos 2:9-13,24 Ex 15:14-16 De 11:25 28:10 Ps 48:4-6 Pr 1:26,27 Pr 10:24 Heb 10:27,31 Rev 6:15-17 the royal cities: 1Sa 27:5 2Sa 12:26 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries That he feared greatly - God's great and mighty acts were made evident to men, so that men might fear Him. Of course there are different types of fear, one type like Rahab had which drives one to seek forgiveness from Yahweh (cf Jos 2:9-13+) and another type of fear which causes one to draw away from Yahweh out of dread of consequences of one's sin (we see this latter coming to full fruition in the last days when God begins to pour out His final wrath on the sinful, Christ rejecting world - see the reaction of men "drawing back" in Rev 6:15-17+). In the present context fear led to foolish attempts to resist the people of God. Because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty - If a great city capitulated, then it boded ill for the other city states, for it removed one more barrier against the advancing Israelite army. Adoni-zedek saw that it would be important to recover this key city. And so a key Canaanite city in league with Israel caused the Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem and the citizens of the city to be greatly alarmed because Gibeon "was a large city, like one of the royal cities" (NET). To add to their fear, the Gibeonite soldiers had the reputation of being strong warriors. This was an act of treachery for a Canaanite city to covenant with the enemy Israel. Note the description royal cities which does raise the possibility that although no king is every mentioned as associated with the Gibeonites, the word "royal" (mamlāḵāh) does raise the possibility that they did have a king (cf. 1Sa 27:5; 2Sa 12:26–30)
Josué 10
Utley - It is interesting to me to see the relationship between the sovereign word of God recorded in v. 8 and the required human effort recorded in vv. 9 and 11. Although God assured them of the victory, they still had to prepare for the battle and form a strategy to defeat the Canaanites. It is this tension between God’s sovereignty and man’s free will that is found so often in the Bible. Utley - “Do not fear them” The verb is a Qal IMPERFECT, used in a JUSSIVE sense. It is a recurrent message of God to His people. 1. Abraham—Gen. 15:1 2. Hagar—Gen. 21:17 3. Isaac—Gen. 26:24 4. Israel (by Moses)—Exod. 14:13; 20:20; Deut. 1:21; 20:3; 31:6 5. Israel (by Joshua)—Josh. 8:1; 10:25 George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 8. And the Lord said unto Joshua. More correctly ‘for the Lord had said;’ as we cannot suppose that Joshua undertook this expedition before he had sought counsel of God, and received the encouragement contained in the ensuing words. Without some such encouragement as this, Joshua might have thought that this formidable host was sent against him and his new allies as a judgment upon him for negotiating an unlawful treaty. The verse properly falls into a parenthesis. I have delivered them into thy hand. The usual form of speech to express the absolute certainty of a future event. Joshua 10:9 So Joshua came upon them suddenly by marching all night from Gilgal. all night: 1Sa 11:9-11 Pr 22:29 24:11,12 Ec 9:10 2Ti 2:3 4:2 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Joshua 8:3 So Joshua rose with all the people of war to go up to Ai; and Joshua chose 30,000 men, valiant warriors, and sent them out at night. Joshua 11:7 So Joshua and all the people of war with him came upon them suddenly by the waters of Merom, and attacked them. (Source: The Bible Knowledge Commentary) A DIFFICULT FORCED NIGHT MARCH Forced march - any march that is longer than troops are accustomed to and maintained at a faster pace than usual, generally undertaken for a particular objective under emergency conditions. So Joshua came upon them suddenly by marching all night from Gilgal - Joshua heard come up to us quickly and responded quickly! Here we see the exercise of man's responsibility. And we also see Joshua and Israel being willing to do it for Gentiles, because they had entered into covenant with them. In verse 8 God had given them into his hands, but here Israel must "use their hands" against the enemy. While it was 25 miles, it was also associated with an traversing into an elevation area (probably a climb of around 4000 feet). If you have ever hiked in the mountains, clearly this is a significant climb for an army carrying their supplies and weapons. And to do it at night adds another variable of difficulty. Humanly speaking the Israelites would have been exhausted on reaching the battleground, not exactly a recipe for certain victory! And yet the Israeli forces undertake a surprise attack on the five kings. Davis points out "that verse 9 shows how divine reassurance (v. 8) does not stifle but stimulates human ingenuity (the surprise attack), how God’s comfort does not sedate but calls forth his servant’s activity. Yahweh." (Joshua: No Falling Words)
Josué 10
Utley - “that the LORD threw large stones from heaven on them” Here is God using natural means with supernatural timing and intensity (exactly like the plagues of Egypt). In reality more of the enemy died from the hailstones (cf. Isa. 30:30) than from the Israelites’ sword. This shows the tension between Josh 10:8 and Josh 10:9 in a different way. Kelso remarks that "The crossing of the Jordan at high flood and the cyclonic hail storm at Aijalon are of special theological significance, for Baal was the great Canaanite storm god who was supposed to control the rain, the hail, the snow and the floods of Palestine. These episodes proved that Baal was as powerless before Yahweh in Palestine as he had been in the episode of the plagues in Egypt." Archaeology and Our Old Testament Contemporaries, Paul P Enns - Several factors indicate the miraculous nature of the victory: (l)God gave supernatural strength to Israel, enabling them to fight after having marched twenty-five miles during the night. (2) The Lord rained hailstones on the Amorites (10:11). (3) More Amorites were killed by the hailstones than by Israel's swords. (4) The hailstones struck only the Amorites despite the close pursuit by the Israelites (cf. Exod. 9:25-26). (Joshua) Rod Mattoon on hailstones -God demonstrated that Hadad and Baal, the storm gods of the Canaanites, were powerless. More were killed by hailstones than by the sword. Miraculously God’s people were not killed by the stones. Hailstones are not to be taken lightly. On May 1, 1888, two-hundred and fifty people were killed in a hailstorm in Moradad, India. The largest hailstone recorded in America was seventeen and a half inches in circumference and weighed 1.67 pounds. It landed in Kansas in 1970. In the book of Revelation, the hailstones will fall in the Tribulation weighing over one hundred pounds (Revelation 16:16–21). (Treasures From Joshua) Henry
Josué 10
Utley - "This was a Hebrew idiom of contempt (literally, “to cut” or “to sharpen,”Qal PERFECT, cf. Ex 11:7), which refers to other Canaanite tribes. As YHWH did in His victory over Egypt, so now He does a similar thing (silence the Canaanites, i.e. Ex 11:7)." NET NOTE - Heb “no man sharpened [or perhaps, “pointed”] his tongue against the sons of Israel.” Cf. NEB “not a man of the Israelites suffered so much as a scratch on his tongue,” which understands “sharpened” as “scratched” (referring to a minor wound). Most modern translations understand the Hebrew expression “sharpened his tongue” figuratively for opposition or threats against the Israelites. George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 21. All the people returned to the camp at Makkedah. That is, the whole detachment which Joshua had sent out to scour the country and cut off the remaining straggling Canaanites. Probably a temporary encampment had been formed here for the accommodation of the army after the victory, in consequence of the kings being imprisoned in a cave near it. In peace. Safe and sound. See Gen. 28:21; Judg. 8:9. Vulg. ‘Unhurt and in the same number.’ None moved his tongue. That is, none of the Canaanites; or, as the verb has no nominative, we may understand ‘dog,’ from Ex. 11:7; implying that their victory was so complete, that not even a dog dared to bark against them. Comp. Judith 11:13. They were struck dumb with astonishment; they were so utterly confounded by the display of supernatural power put forth in behalf of Israel, that they presumed not to breathe a whisper of insult or reproach. As the Israelites marched in triumph through their towns and villages, so far from venturing to lift a hand against them, they did not even open their lips. It is a proverbial expression, intimating a freedom from any kind of insult or molestation. ‘When a person speaks of the fear to which his enemy is reduced, he says, “Ah! he dares not now to shake his tongue against me.” “He hurt you! the fellow will not shake his tongue against you.” ’ Roberts. See a similar mode of speech Ex. 11:7. The Chal. renders it, ‘There was no hurt or loss to Israel, for which any man should afflict his soul.’ Whether or no this be the sense of the words, such was no doubt the fact. When the army came to be reviewed after the battle, there was none slain, none wounded none missing, not one Israelite had occasion to lament the loss of a friend or the loss of a limb. The original is very express that not one single Israelite was harmed either by word or weapon. So complete, so superhuman, so glorious was the victory. Such a consummation fitly shadows forth the glorious end of that warfare in which, as soldiers of Jesus Christ, we profess to be engaged. When the last enemy shall be destroyed, the last alarm hushed, the last victory gained, and all the ransomed of the Most High shall come to the camp of their Almighty Leader, in final peace and rest, all the envy, the opposition, the hatred, the malice that was cherished against the Saviour and the saints, will have become extinguished for ever. ‘The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads; and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.’ Joshua 10:22 Then Joshua said, "Open the mouth of the cave and bring these five kings out to me from the cave." 1Sa 15:32 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JOSHUA COMMANDS AN AUDIENCE WITH FIVE KINGS Then Joshua said, "Open the mouth of the cave and bring these five kings out to me from the cave - It was time for these evil pagan kings to meet their Maker! This meeting with the human Joshua, was but a pale preview to their future meeting with the divine Joshua, Jesus the Judge of all mankind, John recording Then I saw a great white throne and Him (Jesus - cf Jn 5:22, 27) who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great (INCLUDING THESE FIVE KINGS!) and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Rev 20:11-15+) George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 22. Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, &c. Rosenmüller, after Usher, suggests that this was probably done the next day after the defeat of the confederated kings; but although it is clear that a vast amount of action was compressed into the space of a single day, yet we are not to forget that the day was miraculously lengthened by the special interposition of the Most High. Joshua 10:23 And they did so, and brought these five kings out to him from the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon. Jos 10:1,3,5 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Map Showing Possible Locations of Towns Mentioned (From Peninsula Bible Church) FIVE KINGS BROUGHT OUT And they did so, and brought these five kings out to him from the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon - The rolling away of the stone and first glimmers of light may have given these kings a glimmer of hope that "Surely we will be spared," but all hope would soon be dashed by the heel of a boot and the edge of a sword! Joshua 10:24 And it came about when they brought these kings out to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the chiefs of the men of war who had gone with him, "Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings." So they came near and put their feet on their necks. put your feet: De 33:29 Jdg 8:20 Ps 2:8-12 18:40 91:13 107:40 110:1,5 Ps 149:8,9 Isa 26:5,6 60:11,12 Mal 4:3 Ro 16:20 Rev 2:26,27 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOT A NECK MASSAGE A NECK MESSAGE! And it came about when they brought these kings out to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the chiefs of the men of war who had gone with him, "Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings." So they came near and put their feet on their necks - Notice it is the chiefs or commanders of the Israelite forces who are given this honor. The neck symbolized one's strength and thus to place one's feet on their necks was a symbolic gesture indicating complete defeat and subjugation and it was a custom in the Middle East. (See Feet on Neck Idiom) Joshua's action recalls Paul's words in Romans 16:20+ that... The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. There is a greater day of subjugation of all the enemies of the divine Joshua, Paul recording... For He must reign until He has put all His enemies UNDER HIS FEE. 26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death. 27 For HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him.(1 Cor 15:25-27+, cf Heb 1:13) Davis - Now this act was not simple barbarism nor a mere macho move. It was, if one might speak loosely, a sacrament. Joshua’s words in verse 25 explain the action: ‘Don’t be afraid and don’t lose your nerve; be strong and bold, for this is what Yahweh will do to all your enemies with whom you are fighting.’ The leaders’ feet upon the necks of these prostrate kings was an acted parable, an assuring sign, of how Yahweh would certainly place all their enemies beneath them. The symbolic action is intended as a visible encouragement to the people of God. (Joshua: No Falling Words) Campbell explains that "following an eastern custom of conquerors, often pictured on Egyptian and Assyrian monuments, Joshua instructed his field commanders to put their feet on the kings’ necks." (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament or Here) Utley "The surviving warriors and leaders were subjected to humiliating treatment in the ancient Near East." There are several verbal metaphors used which may be derived from actual events. 1. putting your foot on the neck of the defeated foe a. Gen. 49:8 b. Josh. 10:24 2. treading on the enemy a. 2 Sam. 22:39 b. Ps. 44:5 c. Ps. 60:12 d. Ps. 108:13 e. Isa. 63:3 (of YHWH) (this may relate to Gen. 3:15) 3. vanquished as footstool a. 1 Kgs. 5:3 b. Ps. 18:38 c. Ps. 47:3 d. Ps. 110:1 (a–c may relate to metaphor #2) George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 24. All the men of Israel. Heb. כל איש ישראל kol ish Yisrael, all the man, or manhood of Israel, i. e. all the men of war, the flower and prime of the army by whom the recent victory had been obtained. We have already remarked, in the notes on ch. 9:6, that the term ‘men’ is often used in a peculiarly emphatic sense, to denote the chief men, or the princes of the congregation. A passage strikingly confirmative of this usage occurs Deut. 29:10, ‘Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders and your officers, (with) all the men of Israel.’ Here the ‘with,’ as indicated by the Italics, is not found in the original, and the sense undoubtedly is, ‘even all the men of Israel,’ making the clause to stand simply in opposition with what goes before. Put your feet upon the necks of these kings. Not as a personal insult to the kings, but symbolically, in token not only of the present complete victory, but of the absolute subjection to which all their adversaries would finally be reduced, as Joshua himself explains it in the next verse. ‘This in the East is a favorite way of triumphing over a fallen foe. When people are disputing, should one be a little pressed, and the other begin to triumph, the former will say, “I will tread upon thy neck, and after that beat thee.” A low caste man insulting one who is high, is sure to hear some one say to the offended individual, “Put your feet on his neck.” ’ Roberts. In like manner, we are also taught to regard our victories past as pledges of future and greater conquests.—The severity enjoined towards the vanquished kings, though abhorrent to our humane feelings, was right, because it was commanded, Deut. 20:16, 17, and it was important that in doing the Lord’s work the Israelites should be taught the lesson elsewhere inculcated by the prophet, Jer. 4:8; ‘Cursed be he that doeth the Lord’s work deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.’ The act here mentioned was in fulfilment of the prediction, Deut. 33:29, ‘Thou shalt tread upon their high places,’ on which see Note. Joshua 10:25 Joshua then said to them, "Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies with whom you fight." Fear: Jos 1:9 De 31:6-8 1Sa 17:37 Ps 63:9 77:11 2Co 1:10 2Ti 4:17,18 be strong: Eph 6:10 Will do: De 3:21,22 7:19 Ro 8:37 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries OTHER SOLDIERS PUT FEET ON KING'S NECKS Joshua then said to them, "Do not fear (yare) or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies with whom you fight (lacham) - This would seem to explain the symbolic foot on neck gesture in the preceding passage. Joshua passes on to the warriors what he had heard from Yahweh "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”(Jos 1:9) The victory over the 5 Amorite kings was just a "preview of coming attractions!" Notice the repeated pattern "the LORD will do" and "you fight" (God's sovereignty/Man's responsibility). In context the phrase thus the LORD will do to all your enemies depicts Israel's feet on the necks of all the enemy kings! This would encourage faithfulness and fearlessness. Be strong (chazaq) in the Septuagint is a command in present imperative (in the NT it calls for us to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) and is the verb andrizo which literally means "act like men!" This is the same command Paul issued to the disciples of Jesus at Corinth - Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love. (1Cor 16:13-14+) Comment - All these commands are in the present imperative thus all necessitate dependence on the Holy Spirit to obey! General Joshua is doing for his men what the Lord had done for Him back in Joshua 10:8 "“Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands; not one of them shall stand before you.” Joshua's words were to encourage and fortify their faith for warriors without faith were not a good thing in war as shown in the following passages... Deuteronomy 20:8 “Then the officers shall speak further to the people and say, ‘Who is the man that is afraid and fainthearted? Let him depart and return to his house, so that he might not make his brothers’ hearts melt like his heart.’ Judges 7:3 “Now therefore come, proclaim in the hearing of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is afraid and trembling, let him return and depart from Mount Gilead.’” So 22,000 people returned, but 10,000 remained. Grant has an interesting comment - It is instructive that encouragement for the people of God was required in times of victory as well as in defeat. It was after the debacle at Ai that the Lord had spoken to Joshua (8:1) and now, in the aftermath of victory, His words are the same. In times of victory and discouragement the Christian needs a word from the Lord. (What the Bible Teaches - Joshua Judges Ruth) Davis - The encouragement Joshua gives in verse 25 is the very same he had received. God had previously ordered Joshua not to ‘lose your nerve’ (Joshua1:9) and had repeatedly commanded him to ‘be strong and bold’ (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9). Now (10:25) Joshua passes on the encouragement he had received from Yahweh (cf. 2 Cor. 1:4). (Joshua: No Falling Words)
Josué 10
Utley - From Deut. 21:22-23 we learn what a humiliating act this was in the eyes of the Jews. To be unburied was worse than being dead. We can see how Joshua used this as a sign to ridicule this united Canaanite opposition to the Israeli advance. George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 27. At the time of the going down of the sun. Whether this was on the evening of the day so miraculously lengthened out, or of the following, has been doubted by commentators. But if the fact of the preternatural extension of the day be admitted, we can see no objection to this view. Cast them into the cave. ‘That which they thought would have been their shelter, was made their prison first, and then their grave. So shall we be disappointed in that which we flee to from God; yet to good people the grave is still “a hiding-place,” Job 14:3.’ Henry. Laid great stones in the cave’s mouth. Mainly, we presume, for the same reason that a similar monument was raised over the place where Achan was stoned and burnt, ch. 7:26, to perpetuate the memory of the event in connexion with the disgrace and ignominy of the culprits who suffered there. Masius remarks, without specifying his authority, that ‘those who have visited this region say, that the cave is still shown in a hill near Makkedah, its mouth being closed by a wall, to preserve it as a monument.’ Seven Stone Memorials in Joshua Gilgal a reminder of God’s faithfulness in bringing Israel safely across the Jordan into the Promised Land Over Achan a reminder of Israel’s potential for unfaithfulness and of the dire consequences that result over the king of Ai a monument to Israel’s second chance and restoration Joshua engraves a copy of the law a reminder of Israel’s duty to live in obedience to the divine “Torah,” or “instruction” over Amorite kings at Gibeon a reminder of God’s gracious action in defending Israel’s covenant with a Canaanite city peace in the land of Gilead a witness to the unity of the Transjordanian tribes with Israel west of the Jordan covenant renewal at Shechem a reminder of Israel’s duty to serve the Lord, who fulfilled every promise in bringing them into the land Joshua 10:28 Now Joshua captured Makkedah on that day, and struck it and its king with the edge of the sword; he utterly destroyed it and every person who was in it. He left no survivor. Thus he did to the king of Makkedah just as he had done to the king of Jericho. Makkedah: Situated, according to Eusebius, 8 miles east from Eleutheropolis. It was afterwards assigned to the tribe of Judah. Jos 15:41 them: Jos 10:32,35,37,39 6:21 De 7:2,16 20:16,17 Ps 21:8,9 110:1 Lu 19:27 1Co 15:25 he had done: Jos 10:30 8:2 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Joshua's Central and Southern Campaigns From Holman Bible Atlas (available for purchase in digital or Hardcover) © 1998 B&H Publishing Group used by permission. Please do not reproduce. (Click map to enlarge) JOSHUA UTTERLY DESTROYS MAKKEDAH Joshua 10:28-42 describe the rest of the southern campaign. And remember from the overview chart at the top of the page, this extensive warfare (Joshua 6-12) which took about 7 years was the necessary preparation for the longer process (about 18 years) of occupation of the land (Joshua 13-22). Constable on Joshua 10:28-39 - Seven other victories followed the battle at Gibeon. In the record of these encounters the writer highlighted two important facts. Israel was obedient to God’s command to exterminate the Canaanites in these cities. Second, it was Yahweh who gave Israel’s enemies into her hands (Joshua 10:30, 32). The purpose of Joshua’s raids was to destroy the military capability of these city-states and to instill fear and confusion in the remaining Canaanites. Archaeology has confirmed that many of these cities did not suffer violent destruction at this time. Now Joshua captured Makkedah on that day, and struck (nāḵāh)it and its king with the edge of the sword; he utterly destroyed (charam) it and every person who was in it. He left no survivor (sarid). Thus he did to the king of Makkedah (map) just as he had done to the king of Jericho - The city was also under the ban, devoted to God as had been Jericho and Ai. Utley - “he utterly destroyed it and every person who was in it. He left no survivor” The holy war (herem, cf. 8:8) judgment is repeated several times (Hiphil, cf. 8:22; 10:28, 30, 33, 39, 40; 11:8, 14; Num. 21:35; Deut. 2:34; 3:3). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 28-43. Joshua made speed in taking these cities. See what a great deal of work may be done in a little time, if we will be diligent, and improve our opportunities. God here showed his hatred of the idolatries and other abominations of which the Canaanites had been guilty, and shows us how great the provocation was, by the greatness of the destruction brought upon them. Here also was typified the destruction of all the enemies of the Lord Jesus, who, having slighted the riches of his grace, must for ever feel the weight of his wrath. The Lord fought for Israel. They could not have gotten the victory, if God had not undertaken the battle. We conquer when God fights for us; if he be for us, who can be against us? Alan Carr - Joshua 10:28, 35 We Must Fight Daily—Please note that the battles Israel fought seemed to come day by day. Their’s was a life of battles! The same is true for the child of God. Our battles will confront us daily. Therefore, we must arise each day with the willingness to fight our battles faithfully for the glory of God!) Let me say this to those who may be waiting on easier times to begin serving the Lord. You may never have an easier time! You and I are not promised one more day upon this earth. The only day I have to fight my battles is today. Tomorrow may never come for me! Therefore, let me say to you that if you have something to do for the Lord, do it today! If you have something to give to the Lord, give it today! If there is someone you need to tell about Jesus, tell them today! Tomorrow may never dawn on you! James 4:17!) (Joshua 10:6-14 Valuable Lessons For The Day Of Battle) Rod Mattoon on Joshua 10:28-42 - This was the Southern Campaign. These cities guarded the approach to the southern highlands. Centuries later Sennacherib and Nebuchadnezzar followed the same military strategy. The common phrase here is “The Lord delivered.” God delivers us from our enemies. He delivers us from sinful habits and behavior that destroys our lives. Hidden insights in the names of the cities reveal the enemies of Christians that Jesus Christ helps us to overcome. * Makkedah (vs. 28)= The Hebrew root means “to blaspheme, curse, pierce (piercing words). * Libnah (vs. 29)= It means “whiteness.” It was used to describe the corruption of leprosy, the whiteness of death. In Genesis 49:12, it is associated with prosperity and materialism. There is nothing wrong with financial success as long as greed and covetousness don’t take root in the heart. This is what ends up destroying the effectiveness of many believers. * Lachish (vs. 31) = It means “obstinate or rebellion.” * King Horam (vs. 33)= It means “high spirited, lofty.” A reminder of what pride does to a person. * Gezer (vs. 33)= It means “to divide.” This is what criticalness and divisiveness does to people. * Eglon (vs. 34)= It means “calf.” This reminds me of false teaching as Israel worshiped a golden calf. * Hebron (vs. 36)= It means “confederation, fellowship.” This reminded me of conformity or yoking up with this world; to worldliness. * Debir (vs. 38)= Debir means “to speak.” I am reminded of the sins of the tongue that can be so destructive to God’s servants. Piercing words, materialism, covetousness, rebellion, pride, a critical, divisive spirit, false teaching, worldliness, and sins of the tongue are all enemies of the believer. The city that was not conquered in this chapter was Jerusalem. It was very troublesome to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin until it was finally conquered by David. An important lesson here is this, “If sin is not confronted, confessed, and conquered in our life, it will eat away at our life like an infected sore. "(Treasures From Joshua) George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 28. That day Joshua took Makkedah. (map) The same day on which the kings were hung, and which we have already remarked was probably the day subsequent to that on which the sun stood still. Yet it is possible that the sense may be, that about that time—not on the identical day—he took the city of Makkedah. It might have been a day or two later. The king thereof he utterly destroyed. Heb. החרים he’harim, devoted, made a curse. All the souls. Heb. כל נפש kōl nëphesh, all the soul. That is, all the people, men women, and children; for it would appear from ch. 11:14, that the cattle and spoils were given to the conquerors. As he did unto the king of Jericho. How he had dealt with this king we are not expressly informed. Probably he had been first slain, and then hanged up, as was the king of Ai and the five kings here mentioned. Joshua 10:29 Then Joshua and all Israel with him passed on from Makkedah to Libnah, and fought against Libnah. Libnah: This city was situated in the south of Judah, and in the district of Eleutheropolis, according to Eusebius and Jerome. It is probably the Libnah in the neighbourhood of which the Israelites encamped. Jos 12:15 15:42 21:13 Nu 33:20 2Ki 8:22 19:8 Jer 52:1, as he did, Jos 10:28 6:21 8:2,29 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE BATTLE AGAINST LIBNAH Then Joshua and all Israel with him passed on from Makkedah to Libnah, and fought against Libnah - More utter destruction. This next section summarize Joshua and Israel's conquest of the southern (Joshua 10:29-43) and then is followed by the description of the northern regions (Joshua 11:15) of the land God had promised them. George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 29. And all Israel with him. That is, all of Israel that had been engaged with him in this late expedition. Unto Libnah. A city in the tribe of Judah near its western border, not far from Makkedah, about twelve miles west or south-west from Jerusalem. It was afterwards given to the priests, ch. 21:13. Even its ruins have now disappeared. Joshua 10:30 And the LORD gave it also with its king into the hands of Israel, and he struck it and every person who was in it with the edge of the sword. He left no survivor in it. Thus he did to its king just as he had done to the king of Jericho. Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries YAHWEH GIVES LIBNAH TO ISRAEL And the LORD gave it (handed it) also with its king into the hands of Israel - While this is the only record of this phrase in these last verses, surely a similar statement could be made for each of the following conflicts! It is vital that we see that it was the LORD who gave Israel victory over their enemies. Joshua 10:30 The LORD gave it also with its king into the hands of Israel, and he struck it and every person who was in it with the edge of the sword. He left no survivor in it. Thus he did to its king just as he had done to the king of Jericho. Joshua 10:32 The LORD gave Lachish into the hands of Israel; and he captured it on the second day, and struck it and every person who was in it with the edge of the sword, according to all that he had done to Libnah. Joshua 10:42 Joshua captured all these kings and their lands at one time, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel. Joshua 11:6 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid because of them, for tomorrow at this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel; you shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.” Joshua 11:8 The LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, so that they defeated them, and pursued them as far as Great Sidon and Misrephoth-maim and the valley of Mizpeh to the east; and they struck them until no survivor was left to them. Every victory Israel had over their enemies, God gave them. THOUGHT - Every victory we as disciples of Christ experience, is a victory that the LORD gives us. Of course, we still have to play a part in attaining the victory even as Joshua did, and our part in a word is simply to trust and obey. It is never just "let go and let God" (Keswick movement) but "let God and let's go!" Let me illustrate it in what Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones calls the most important passage in the Bible related to the sanctification of believer. The passage is Romans 8:13b where Paul writes "if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Do you see the "Let God" component? Clearly it is the Holy Spirit's enablement (giving us both the desire and the power - Php 2:13NLT+). And what is our role? Killing sin is our job for the remainder of our time on earth, which no furloughs, no time off (because "putting to death" is in the present tense [continual action], active voice [calls for a personal, volitional choice, a choice of our will - God will enable us but will not force us] and indicative mood [mood of reality - JUST DO IT!]) Related Resources: These are worth your investment of time!!! A Call for Action - Romans 8:12-13 - D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones - Mp3 The Way of Sanctification - Romans 8:12-13 - D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones - Mp3 Sin and the Christian - Romans 8:12-13 - D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones - Mp3 Sin and the Body - Romans 8:12-13 - D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones - Mp3 And he struck (nāḵāh) it and every person who was in it with the edge of the sword. He left no survivor (sarid) in it. Thus he did to its king just as he had done to the king of Jericho - Take no prisoners policy continued. Joshua's obedience was the key to victory over the enemy (cf Josh 11:9, 12, 15, 20), working in synch with the Captain of the hosts of the LORD, Who gave Joshua the victory. Joshua 10:31 And Joshua and all Israel with him passed on from Libnah to Lachish, and they camped by it and fought against it. Lachish: Jos 10:3,5 12:11 15:39 2Ki 19:8 2Ch 11:9 Isa 37:8 Mic 1:13 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE BATTLE AGAINST LACHISH And Joshua and all Israel with him passed on from Libnah to Lachish, and they camped by it and fought against it - See discussion of Lachich above. TSK note on Lachish was also situated in the south of Judah, seven miles south from Eleutheropolis, according to Eusebius and Jerome. It appears to have been anciently a very strong place; for though the people were panic struck, and the Israelites flushed with success, yet Joshua could not reduce it till the second day; and the king of Assyria afterwards was obliged to raise the siege. George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 31. Unto Lachish. Situated a few miles directly south of Libnah, near the western limits of Judah. It was probably a strongly fortified place, as Joshua could not take it till the second day, and Sennacherib afterwards was obliged to ‘raise the siege.’ 2 Kings, 19:8; Is. 37:8. Nothing is here said of the king of Lachish, as he was one of the five who had been executed before. Joshua 10:32 And the LORD gave Lachish into the hands of Israel; and he captured it on the second day, and struck it and every person who was in it with the edge of the sword, according to all that he had done to Libnah. to Libnah: Jos 10:30 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries YAHWEH GIVES LACHISH TO ISRAEL And the LORD gave Lachish into the hands of Israel; and he captured it on the second day, and struck (nāḵāh) it and every person who was in it with the edge of the sword, according to all that he had done to Libnah - This was a large city and the only city it took two days to defeat. Lachish is mentioned 8x in Joshua 10 - Jos. 10:3; Jos. 10:5; Jos. 10:23; Jos. 10:31; Jos. 10:32; Jos. 10:33; Jos. 10:34; Jos. 10:35; Jos. 12:11; Jos. 15:39; 2 Ki. 14:19; 2 Ki. 18:14; 2 Ki. 18:17; 2 Ki. 19:8; 2 Chr. 11:9; 2 Chr. 25:27; 2 Chr. 32:9; Neh. 11:30; Isa. 36:2; Isa. 37:8; Jer. 34:7; Mic. 1:13. Clearly this was an strategic city for Joshua to defeat! Archaeology of Lachish - With regard to Lachish (mentioned in Joshua 10:3–31) Ussishkin, who worked there since 1973, concludes: “All evidence seems to indicate that the large city of Level VI came to a sudden end and was destroyed by fire. This was the conclusion of the British expedition … and it is supported by fresh evidence from Areas P and S. We agree with Albright … that the destruction of Level VI city should be attributed to the invading Israelites, as recorded in the Old Testament.” (1978:92; cf. also Mazar 1992:283). (See Wikipedia article on Tel Lachish) Related Resources: Wikipedia article on Tel Lachish Bridgeway Bible Dictionary Lachish Easton's Bible Dictionary Lachish Fausset Bible Dictionary Lachish Holman Bible Dictionary Lachish -- Excerpt = "Place name meaning “obstinate.” An important Old Testament city located in the Shephelah (“lowlands”) southwest of Jerusalem. It has usually been identified in modern times with the archaeological site called tell ed-Duweir. The same site has more recently come to be called tel Lachish. Lachish is also mentioned in ancient Egyptian, Assyrian and Babylonian records.The earliest reference to Lachish is in the Amarna letters (about 1400 B.C). It was evidently one of the important Canaanite cities of the time. Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Lachish Smith Bible Dictionary Lachish Watson's Theological Dictionary Lachish 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica Lachish International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Lachish Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Lachish McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Lachish Lachish (2) The Jewish Encyclopedia Lachish Joshua 10:33 Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish, and Joshua defeated him and his people until he had left him no survivor. Gezer: Gezer was situated on the confines of Ephraim and Manasseh, between Beth-horon and the sea; and is evidently the village of Gazara mentioned by Eusebius, four miles (north) from Nicopolis or Emmaus. Jos 12:12 16:3,10 21:21 Jdg 1:29 1Ki 9:16,17 1Ch 6:67 20:4 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JOSHUA DESTROYS LACHISH'S ALLY Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish, and Joshua defeated (nāḵāh) him and his people until he had left him no survivor (sarid) George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 33. Horam king of Gezer. There was a city of this name in the tribe of Ephraim twenty miles southwest of Jerusalem, ch. 16:3, 10; Judges 1:19. But this seems too remote from the scene of action. The probability is, that it was some place in the tribe of Judah but little distant from Lachish, the king of which either as an ally of the king of Lachish, or for his own security, offered to aid in resisting the further progress of Joshua. ‘Thus wicked men are often snared in their counsels, and, by opposing God in the way of his judgments, bring them sooner upon their own heads.’ Henry. Joshua 10:34 And Joshua and all Israel with him passed on from Lachish to Eglon, and they camped by it and fought against it. Eglon: This town appears to have been no great distance from Lachish, with which it is mentioned, ch. 15:39, as one of the cities given to Judah. Jos 10:3 12:12 15:39 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ISRAEL FIGHTS AGAINST EGLON And Joshua and all Israel with him passed on from Lachish to Eglon, and they camped by it and fought against it George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 34. Unto Eglen. Another city of Judah, near to Lachish, and fifteen miles from Jerusalem. See Map. Joshua 10:35 And they captured it on that day and struck it with the edge of the sword; and he utterly destroyed that day every person who was in it, according to all that he had done to Lachish. on that day: Jos 10:32 utterly: Jos 10:37 Lev 26:44 Job 19:10 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries EGLON DEFEATED AND UTTERLY DESTROYED And they captured it on that day and struck (nāḵāh) it with the edge of the sword; and he utterly destroyed (charam) that day every person who was in it, according to all that he had done to Lachish Campbell - First he took Makkedah (v. 28), Libnah (v. 29), Lachish (v. 31), and Eglon (v. 34). These cities, ranging roughly from north to south, guarded the approaches to the southern highlands. Centuries later both Sennacherib and Nebuchadnezzar followed the same strategy in their attacks on Judah. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament or Here) George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 35. Took it on that day. The same day on which they encamped against it. Joshua 10:36 Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon to Hebron, and they fought against it. Hebron: Jos 10:3,5 14:13,14 15:13,54 21:13 Ge 13:18 Nu 13:22 Jdg 1:10 2Sa 5:1-5 15:9,10 1Ch 12:23,28 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ISRAEL FIGHTS AGAINST HEBRON Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon to Hebron, and they fought against it - Joshua leads and all Israel follows him. Utley - 10:36–37 The capture of Hebron is a good example of conflicting data or partial data recorded in the OT. There are several different traditions about its capture. 1. Josh. 10:36–37—Joshua completely destroyed it, its leadership and its surrounding villages 2. Josh. 14:6–14; Judg. 1:20—Caleb captured the city, hills and the Anakim (giants) 3. Jdg. 1:10—Judah captured the city, hills and the descendants of Anak (the giants) This is one of many examples of the confusion which modern interpreters face in trying to sort out the historical aspects of this period. It is helpful to remember that the OT is a combination of history and theology. It is not modern, western, chronological, cause and effect, recording of events! We may not know the exact details of the military encounters but the theology is consistent! George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 36, 37. Unto Hebron—and the king thereof. Probably a successor to him who had been slain and hanged before, v. 23, 26. The rank which this city evidently held among its sister cities doubtless made it important that, in such a crisis as the present, a new head should be immediately appointed.—Though now taken, the city of Hebron seems afterwards to have fallen back into the hands of the Canaanites, which made it necessary for Caleb to take it a second time as related, ch. 15:14; Judges 1:10. The case appears to have been the same in regard to some other of the places captured on this occasion. Judges 1:11–13. The reason of it was, that Joshua, in his rapid conquests, contented himself with taking, demolishing, and burning those cities, but did not garrison any of them for fear of weakening his army. The scattered Canaanites in several instances no doubt took advantage of this, returned, repeopled, and put in a state of defence, the cities from which they had been expelled. Hence the Israelites were obliged to conquer them a second time. So the Christian in his spiritual warfare finds it as much as he can do to keep possession of the ground which he has once gained. His old enemies are incessantly returning upon him. His battles must be fought and his victories achieved anew. The lusts which appeared to be slain, are ever and anon giving signs that they still live; and are intent upon regaining their former ascendency. This makes it dangerous to remit our activity for a single hour. Constant vigilance is the grand condition of final triumph. All the cities thereof. The cities subject to its jurisdiction and dependant upon it; so that Hebron was properly speaking a metropolis, i. e. a mother city. Such too was Gibeon, spoken of above, v. 2; ch. 9:17. Joshua 10:37 And they captured it and struck it and its king and all its cities and all the persons who were in it with the edge of the sword. He left no survivor, according to all that he had done to Eglon. And he utterly destroyed it and every person who was in it. king: From ver. 23, we learn that the king of Hebron was one of the five whom Joshua slew and hanged on five trees at Makkedah. This slaying of the king of Hebron, therefore, must either refer to what had already been done, or the Hebronites had set up another, whom Joshua now slew when he took the city. according: Jos 10:35 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ISRAEL UTTERLY DESTROYED HEBRON And they captured it and struck (nāḵāh)it and its king and all its cities and all the persons who were in it with the edge of the sword. He left no survivor (sarid), according to all that he had done to Eglon. And he utterly destroyed (charam) it and every person who was in it. Joshua 10:38 Then Joshua and all Israel with him returned to Debir, and they fought against it. Debir: Debir was situated in the south of the tribe of Judah, near Hebron. The expression of Joshua's returning to Debir, probably denotes, that having carried his conquests in the southern parts as far as Gaza, (ver. 41,) which was in the south-west angle of Canaan, he then marched back to besiege Debir. Jos 12:13 15:15,49 21:15 Jdg 1:11-15 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ISRAEL FIGHTS AGAINST DEBIR Then Joshua and all Israel with him returned to Debir, and they fought against it Campbell - Joshua next drove into the heart of the southern region and defeated its two chief walled cities, Hebron (v. 36) and Debir (v. 38). But Jerusalem and Jarmuth, two of the five confederates (v. 5), were bypassed. No explanation is given as to why the defeat of the city of Jarmuth is not mentioned. As for Jerusalem, no doubt Israel’s troops were too weary to undertake this difficult task as they returned to camp at Gilgal. At any rate this pagan “island” in the land was to be troublesome to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin until it was conquered by David (2 Sam. 5:7). (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament or Here) George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 38. And Joshua returned. That is, turned his course, began to march in a new direction. It is not implied that he had been at Debir before; but that having now advanced to the southwest as far as he thought fit, even as far as Gaza, v. 41, he turned and directed his course towards Gilgal, lying to the northeast, and fell upon Debir on his way. This city was in the tribe of Judah, about thirty miles southwest of Jerusalem and ten miles west of Hebron. It was also called Kirjath-Sepher, ch. 15:15, and Kirjath-Sannah, ch. 15:19, perhaps from its being one of the seats of learning among the Canaanites; the name Kirjath-Sepher signifying the city of books or of letters. The Canaanites having subsequently retaken it, Caleb, to whom it fell by lot, gave his daughter Achsah in marriage to Othniel for his bravery in having carried it by storm, ch. 15:16. It was afterwards given to the priests, ch. 21:15, but no trace of it is to be found at the present time. Joshua 10:39 And he captured it and its king and all its cities, and they struck them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed every person who was in it. He left no survivor. Just as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir and its king, as he had also done to Libnah and its king. left no survivor: Jos 10:33,37,40 11:8 De 3:3 2Ki 10:11 Ob 1:18 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DEBIR UTTERLY DESTROYED And he captured it and its king and all its cities, and they struck (nāḵāh) them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed (charam) every person who was in it. He left no survivor (sarid). Just as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir and its king, as he had also done to Libnah and its king. Woudstra - The last city mentioned is Debir. Joshua turned toward it since Debir was 11 miles southwest of Hebron. It was strategically located between the southland (Negeb) and the Shephelah. Its earlier name had been Kiriath-sepher, "city of books". Like Hebron, Debir had to be recaptured at a later point in Israel's history (cf. 14:6-15; 15:15-17; Judg. 1:10-13). The fate of Debir is like that of the other cities. The narrator links explicitly what happened to Debir with the fate of Hebron and Libnah. This enhances the sombre monotony of destruction which characterizes this passage. (The Book of Joshua The New International Commentary)
Josué 10
Utley - 10:40 In v. 40 several topological and geographical areas are mentioned. 1. “the hill country,” BDB 249, refers to the highlands of Judah, cf. 11:3, 21; 15:48; 18:12; 20:7; 21:11 (not 11:2) 2. “the Negev,” BDB 616, means the semi-arid pasture lands of southern Judah, cf. 15:19, 21–23 3. “the lowlands,” BDB 1050, strip of land west of the Judean hill country, cf. 15:33 (not 11:2) 4. “the slopes,” BDB 78, the hillsides to the east of the Judean hills, sloping toward the Dead Sea, cf. 12:8 (on eastern side of Jordan, cf. 12:3; 13:20; Deut. 3:17; 4:49) George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 40. Smote all the country of the hills. Overrun as a conqueror, subdued and took possession of all the southern section of Canaan, familiarly known by the appellation of ההר Hahar, i. e. the hill-country, which subsequently fell to the lot of Judah. Of this mountainous region Burckhardt says, the whole country between Tekoa and Hebron is finer and better cultivated than in the neighborhood of Jerusalem; while the sides of the hills, instead of being naked and dreary, are richly studded with the oak, the arbutus, the Scotch fir, and a variety of flowering shrubs. Of the hitherto unknown tract south of Hebron, Bankes, Leigh, Irby and Mangles inform us that three days to the south of Hebron, they passed towards the Dead Sea through a country well cultivated, but extremely uninteresting: eight or nine miles beyond Kerek they found themselves on the borders of an extensive desert, entirely abandoned to the wandering Bedouins. A tribe of Jellaheen Arabs here told them, that in years of scarcity they were accustomed to retire into Egypt. The same necessity compelled Jacob to the same expedient: and the custom seems handed down from the patriarchs. See Russell’s Palestine. Of the South. That is, of Canaan. The southern part of the tribe of Judah and Idumea was designated by the general term, the south. Gen. 20:1. Of the vale. Heb. השפלה hashshephëlâh the low country, i. e. the level champaign on the Mediterranean Sea, extending from Joppa to the borders of Egypt. Deut. 1:7; Judg. 1:9; Jer. 17:26. The springs. Heb. חאשדות hâashdoth, the descents, i. e. probably the slopes or declivities of mountains, tracts formed by the washing down of the mountains, and so capable of cultivation. See Num. 21:15; Deut. 3:17. Destroyed all that breathed. That is, of mankind; for they kept the cattle for spoil. Joshua 10:41 And Joshua struck them from Kadesh-barnea even as far as Gaza, and all the country of Goshen even as far as Gibeon. Kadesh-barnea: Jos 14:6,7 Nu 13:26 32:8 34:4 De 9:23 Gaza: Ge 10:19 Jdg 16:1,21 1Sa 6:17 Zec 9:5 Ac 8:26 all the country: The country of Goshen, mentioned here, seems to have been in the south of Judah; and to have taken its name from the city of Goshen, situated in the same tribe. Jos 11:16 15:51 Gibeon: Jos 10:2,12 1Ki 3:5 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JOSHUA STRIKES ALL THE LAND And Joshua struck (nāḵāh) them from Kadesh-barnea (map) even as far as Gaza (map), and all the country of Goshen even as far as Gibeon (map) - Along with Joshua 10:40, this passage is a summary of the geographical limits of the southern campaign. Don Anderson - It is not known what is meant by the reference: "the whole region of Goshen . " It has not yet been verified archaeologically. This was the name of the location where Jacob and the whole nation lived while they had their tenure in the land of Egypt. Perhaps someone has named a fertile part of the southern section of the land of Israel by this name Goshen . If so , this would be the southern point and Gibeon would be the northern point where the original conflict started. Matthews - The author’s point is the encompassing victory that the Lord gives. Kadesh Barnea and Gaza mark the southern border, along the east–west direction. Kadesh (Ain el-Qudeirat) is in north Sinai, the infamous site where Israel refuses to enter the land. Gaza (Tell Harube) sits in the southwest region in the coastal plain (Gen. 10:19). Gaza is a member of the Philistine pentapolis (five cities ruled by five “lords”) during the settlement period and is one of the cities that has not been totally conquered (13:3), although it is temporarily controlled (11:22; Judg. 1:18–19). “Goshen to Gibeon” describes the south–north axis. Goshen is a city at the southern border toward the Negev (11:16; 15:51), not to be confused with the residence of the Israelites in the Egyptian delta (Gen. 47:27). (Joshua Teach the Text Commentary) George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 41. All the country of Goshen. Not the country of that name in Egypt, the former residence of the Hebrews, but a place so called in Judah, fourteen miles south of Hebron, ch. 11:16; 15:51. Joshua 10:42 And Joshua captured all these kings and their lands at one time, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel. because: Jos 10:14 Ex 14:14,25 De 20:4 Ps 44:3-8 46:1,7,11 80:3 118:6 Isa 8:9,10 43:4 Ro 8:31-37 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JOSHUA VICTORIOUS BECAUSE LORD FOUGHT FOR ISRAEL And Joshua captured all these kings and their lands at one time (in one campaign), because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel - NET = "Joshua captured in one campaign all these kings and their lands." The victorious campaign was not due to the military prowess of Israel but the mighty power of Israel's God. THOUGHT - Beloved, when we experience victory over our enemies, we need to acknowledge that the Source of our victory was (is) the strong arm of the LORD. Give Him ALL the glory! Matthews - Joshua takes all the southern area in one war, a remarkable feat—one that could be achieved only because the Lord “fought for Israel.” ...Although Jerusalem and Jarmuth are part of the coalition, they are not named as cities destroyed, suggesting that the two cities survive (on Jerusalem’s fate, see Judg. 1:8; 15:63; 2 Sam. 5:5–16). (Joshua Teach the Text Commentary) J