Joshua 10:31
Then Joshua and all Israel with him passed on from Libnah to Lachish and laid siege to it and fought against it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's striking here is the stark repetition of action: "encamped against it, and fought against it." This isn't just a military movement; it shows the relentless, systematic nature of God's judgment falling on these cities, with Joshua and Israel acting as the instruments of that severe, unfolding justice.
Following the conquest of Libnah, Joshua and the entire Israelite army immediately marched to Lachish, setting up camp and initiating a battle against the city. This action is part of a swift, continuous campaign where Joshua systematically conquered multiple cities in southern Canaan, all under the powerful, direct intervention of God who was fighting for His people.
How could Joshua conquer so many cities in such a short time? The answer lies not just in military strategy, but in God's direct intervention.
Joshua's campaign against the southern kings was incredibly swift. After defeating the kings in battle and taking Makkedah, Joshua moved on to Libnah, and then immediately to Lachish. The text emphasizes the rapid succession of these victories, with cities being taken on the very next day or even the same day.
This rapid conquest wasn't due to superior Israelite military technology or tactics alone. The ancient commentators highlight that prolonged sieges would have been expected given the fortifications of these cities. The incredible speed points to divine assistance, with God clearing the path and weakening the enemy. This shows that God's work is often far beyond human capability.
Joshua didn't rest after one victory. He pressed on, demonstrating a commitment to completing the mission God had given him.
The passage shows Joshua and the entire host of Israel moving from one city to the next without pause. After taking Libnah, they immediately moved to besiege and fight against Lachish. This relentless advance wasn't aimless wandering; it was a systematic execution of God's command to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan.
This illustrates a profound obedience and determination. Joshua understood that the task was not complete until all the land was subdued, and he pursued this goal with singular focus. It serves as a powerful example of persevering in faith, even when the path is difficult or dangerous.
Understand the original words
tsur · Hebrew Verb
A military action where an army surrounds a city to cut off supplies and force surrender or create a breach in the walls. In the conquest narrative, it signifies the persistent and systematic approach of Israel under divine command.
This verse captures a moment within a swift, divinely aided military campaign. The rapid succession of captured cities highlights God's direct intervention in fighting for Israel, a crucial aspect of their conquest.
Late 15th Century BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Following the death of Moses, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River, initiating the military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan.
Late 15th Century BC
Battle of Ai and Early Victories
After initial successes, including the fall of Jericho and Ai, the Israelites face setbacks but continue their campaign under divine guidance.
Late 15th Century BC
Southern Campaign Initiated
Following a decisive victory against a coalition of northern kings, Joshua turns his attention to the southern regions of Canaan.
Late 15th Century BC
Fall of Libnah
Joshua and the Israelite army capture the fortified city of Libnah, a strategic stronghold in southern Canaan.
Late 15th Century BC
This verse immediately precedes the one in question and describes the swift conquest of Makkedah, highlighting the rapid succession of victories that characterized Joshua's campaign.
Joshua 10:32This verse describes the fall of Lachish on the second day, emphasizing God's direct intervention in delivering the city into Israel's hands, just as He had done with Libnah.
Joshua 10:40This verse summarizes the extensive conquest of the southern land by Joshua, reinforcing the idea that the fighting against cities like Lachish was part of a larger, divinely orchestrated campaign.
This verse from a later period in Israel's history shows Samuel calling the people to repentance and service to the Lord, a stark contrast to the unrepentant Canaanites who were being judged in Joshua's time.
This New Testament passage echoes the sentiment of divine support in battle, asserting that if God is for us, no enemy can truly stand against us, mirroring the truth seen in Joshua's victories where God fought for Israel.
calvinJoshua 10:29-43: "Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah:"
And the LORD delivered it also, and the king thereof, into the hand of Israel; and he smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain in it; but did unto the king thereof as he did unto the king of Jericho.
Tradiditque Jehova illam etiam in manum Israel, et regem ejus, et percussit eam acie gladii, omnemque animam quae erat i…
gillJoshua 10:31: "And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it:"
And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish,.... Which, according to Bunting (d), was eight miles from Libnah, and twenty miles from Jerusalem to the southwest of this city; see Joshua 10:5 , and encamped against it, and fought against it; for it seems this city stood out, and would not surrender at once, which obliged Joshua to encamp ab…
What's striking here is the stark repetition of action: "encamped against it, and fought against it." This isn't just a military movement; it shows the relentless, systematic nature of God's judgment falling on these cities, with Joshua and Israel acting as the instruments of that severe, unfolding justice.
Following the conquest of Libnah, Joshua and the entire Israelite army immediately marched to Lachish, setting up camp and initiating a battle against the city. This action is part of a swift, continuous campaign where Joshua systematically conquered multiple cities in southern Canaan, all under the powerful, direct intervention of God who was fighting for His people.
Following the conquest of Libnah, Joshua and the entire Israelite army immediately marched to Lachish, setting up camp and initiating a battle against the city. This action is part of a swift, continuous campaign where Joshua systematically conquered multiple cities in southern Canaan, all under the powerful, direct intervention of God who was fighting for His people.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Joshua 10:31 is available in the Sola app.
Siege and Capture of Lachish
The Israelite army moves to Lachish, a major Canaanite city, encamping and fighting against it for at least two days before its capture.
Late 15th Century BC
Defeat of King of Gezer
The king of Gezer arrives to aid Lachish but is defeated by Joshua along with his forces, preventing further immediate reinforcement of the city.
Late 15th Century BC
Continued Southern Conquest
After Lachish, Joshua's forces swiftly move on to conquer Eglon, Hebron, and Debir, completing a rapid sweep of southern Canaan.
"Then Joshua and all Israel with him passed on from Libnah to Lachish and laid siege to it and fought against it." — What's striking here is the stark repetition of action: "encamped against it, and fought against it." This isn't just a military movement; it shows the relentless, systematic nature of God's judgment…
