Joshua 10:38-39
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What's easy to miss here is that Joshua and all Israel returned to Debir to fight it. This wasn't a city conquered in the initial sweep, but rather a place they deliberately went back to after conquering others, implying it may have escaped their attention earlier or posed a particular challenge. It highlights the thoroughness of their conquest, leaving no stronghold unchecked.
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. And they struck them with the edge of the sword and devoted to destruction every person in it; he left none remaining. Just as he had done to Hebron and to Libnah and its king, so he did to Debir and to its king.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a stunning victory in the valley, Joshua and the Israelite army swiftly moved to conquer several key cities in the southern hill country. After taking Hebron and other surrounding towns, they turned back to conquer Debir, a city they had previously bypassed, completing their sweep through the region before returning to their camp at Gilgal.
Joshua's campaign seems to be winding down, but then he does something unexpected: he turns back. Why re-engage a city that wasn't directly in his path?
The text tells us that Joshua and all of Israel "returned... to Debir and fought against it." This wasn't a mistake or an afterthought.
A Deliberate Return
Commentators note that Joshua had advanced significantly south and west, even reaching Gaza. Debir wasn't on the most direct route back to the camp at Gilgal. This suggests a strategic decision to consolidate gains and ensure no pockets of resistance were left behind.
Securing the Conquest
This return to Debir highlights that conquering territory wasn't just about winning battles; it was about securing the land. Leaving strongholds unconquered could pose a future threat. Joshua's actions demonstrate a thoroughness in completing the mission God had given them.
The conquest of Debir, like the cities before it, was swift and decisive. What's the underlying power enabling such rapid victories?
The recurring theme throughout this section of Joshua is that Israel's success wasn't solely due to their military might.
The LORD Fought for Israel
Multiple times, the text emphasizes that "the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel" (Joshua 10:42). This is the divine assurance that underpins every victory.
Divine Authority in Judgment
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Commentary points out that the severe judgment upon these cities, including the destruction of all inhabitants, was not Joshua's initiative but God's direct command. This removes any charge of cruelty and underscores God's righteous judgment against the deep-seated sin of the Canaanites.
The Pattern of Victory
From Makkedah to Debir, the pattern is consistent: Israel engages, and God delivers the victory. The speed and completeness of these conquests were meant to be a clear sign of God's power and faithfulness to His promises.
This verse captures a moment within a swift and divinely aided military campaign. The rapid fall of multiple cities, including Debir, highlights God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel.
Early 13th Century BC
Israelite Conquest of Canaan Begins
Following the death of Moses, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River to begin the military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan as promised by God.
Early 13th Century BC
Battle of Gibeon and the Sun Stood Still
A decisive victory for Israel where a coalition of Amorite kings is defeated. A famous miracle occurs where the sun and moon stand still to allow Joshua's army to complete the destruction of their enemies.
Early 13th Century BC
Consolidation of Southern Canaan
After the victory at Gibeon, Joshua campaigns through southern Canaan, conquering key cities like Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, and Hebron in rapid succession.
Early 13th Century BC— this verse
Conquest of Debir
Joshua and the Israelite army, after conquering Hebron, turn back to capture and destroy the city of Debir, completing the subjugation of the southern region.
Early 13th Century BC
Return to Gilgal
After the extensive campaigns in the south, Joshua and the entire Israelite host return to their base camp at Gilgal, marking the end of this phase of the conquest.
This passage lays the groundwork for the commands of conquest and utter destruction that Joshua is now carrying out, emphasizing the need to drive out nations and not make alliances.
Joshua 1:9This verse speaks to Joshua's commission to be strong and courageous, a theme powerfully illustrated by his relentless campaign against the fortified cities of Canaan.
1 Samuel 15:3This verse shows a similar command for utter destruction against the Amalekites, highlighting the consistent divine judgment against those who opposed God's people and commands.
Psalm 136:10-22This psalm recounts God's mighty acts in delivering Israel from their enemies, including the conquest of the land and its kings, echoing the events described in Joshua 10.
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 10:38: "And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and fought against it:"
And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir,.... A city, according to Kimchi, which he passed by when he went to Hebron, and did not fight against it; but, when he had taken Hebron, returned and took it; and which Bunting (h) says was but a mile from it, and twenty two miles from Jerusalem, towards the south; it is the same with Kirjathsepher and Kirjathsannah, Joshua 15:15 ; the city of a…
What's easy to miss here is that Joshua and all Israel returned to Debir to fight it. This wasn't a city conquered in the initial sweep, but rather a place they deliberately went back to after conquering others, implying it may have escaped their attention earlier or posed a particular challenge. It highlights the thoroughness of their conquest, leaving no stronghold unchecked.
Following a stunning victory in the valley, Joshua and the Israelite army swiftly moved to conquer several key cities in the southern hill country. After taking Hebron and other surrounding towns, they turned back to conquer Debir, a city they had previously bypassed, completing their sweep through the region before returning to their camp at Gilgal.
Following a stunning victory in the valley, Joshua and the Israelite army swiftly moved to conquer several key cities in the southern hill country. After taking Hebron and other surrounding towns, they turned back to conquer Debir, a city they had previously bypassed, completing their sweep through the region before returning to their camp at Gilgal.
"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. And they struck them with the edge of the sword and devoted to destruction every person in it; he left none…" — What's easy to miss here is that Joshua and all Israel returned to Debir to fight it. This wasn't a city conquered in the initial sweep, but rather a place they deliberately went back to after conq…
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Last reviewed October 2026
