Joshua 10:40
So Joshua struck the whole land, the hill country and the Negeb and the lowland and the slopes, and all their kings. He left none remaining, but devoted to destruction all that breathed, just as the LORD God of Israel commanded.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While it sounds like a complete, brutal annihilation, the phrase "all that breathed" here is specifically contrasted with the cattle, implying that only people were destroyed, not the livestock, which would have been taken as spoil. This detail highlights that even within seemingly total judgment, there were specific divine commands guiding what was to be taken and what was to be left.
This verse summarizes a sweeping military conquest of southern Canaan, following a major victory against a confederation of kings. Joshua systematically defeated and destroyed these cities and their inhabitants, leaving no one alive, fulfilling God's direct commands for the land's purification. The following verses will then describe Joshua's return to the Israelite camp at Gilgal, marking the end of this phase of conquest.
Joshua's victory wasn't just one battle; it was a sweeping conquest across diverse landscapes. What does this thoroughness tell us about God's plan?
Joshua 10:40 paints a vivid picture of the extent of Israel's victory, covering "all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs." This wasn't a partial victory or a strategic withdrawal.
Complete Subjugation
The text emphasizes that Joshua "left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed." This comprehensive destruction, extending to all living beings in the conquered territories, highlights the absolute nature of God's command and the thoroughness required in fulfilling it. It wasn't about occupying territory; it was about purging the land of a people whose sin had reached a point of no return.
Geographical Completeness
The mention of hills, south, vale, and springs signifies that no region was spared. Every corner of the land designated for Israel was brought under subjugation. This complete conquest was essential for establishing a pure nation, free from the corrupting influences of the Canaanites, as intended by God.
The phrase "as the LORD God of Israel commanded" is crucial. How does this anchor Joshua's actions and vindicate the Israelites?
The concluding phrase, "as the LORD God of Israel commanded," serves a vital purpose. It shifts the focus from Joshua's military prowess to God's sovereign decree.
Divine Authority Over Human Action
This command wasn't born out of human cruelty or a desire for conquest. It originated from God, the ultimate authority. By attributing the actions to God's command, the text shields Joshua and Israel from accusations of unwarranted violence. It clarifies that their actions, however severe they might appear to human eyes, were acts of obedience to a divine mandate.
God's Judgment on Sin
The commentators emphasize that this was God's "just indignation" against a wicked people. The Canaanites were deeply entrenched in practices like idolatry, incest, and child sacrifice. God's judgment, enacted through Israel, was a righteous consequence for their pervasive sinfulness. This destruction was a purging, making way for a nation that would honor Him.
Understand the original words
YHWH Elohei Yisrael · Hebrew Proper Noun
YHWH, the personal, covenantal name of the God of Israel, who revealed Himself as the I AM, the Creator and Redeemer of His people.
This verse marks the culmination of a swift and brutal military campaign in southern Canaan, emphasizing that the complete destruction of the inhabitants was a direct command from God, intended as judgment for their wickedness.
~1406 BC
Israel Crosses the Jordan River
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites miraculously cross the Jordan River, entering the promised land of Canaan after 40 years in the wilderness.
~1406 BC
Fall of Jericho and Ai
The Israelites conquer the fortified city of Jericho, followed by the city of Ai, marking the initial stages of their military campaign in Canaan.
~1406 BC
Gibeonite Deception
The Gibeonites cunningly secure a treaty with Israel by pretending to be from a distant land, leading to a future alliance but also complicating Israel's conquest.
~1406 BC
The Southern Campaign Begins
In response to the Gibeonites being attacked by an alliance of kings, Joshua launches a swift military campaign into southern Canaan.
~1406 BC
This passage directly lays out God's command to Israel to utterly destroy the nations in the Promised Land, mirroring the action described in Joshua 10:40 and explaining the divine mandate behind it.
Leviticus 18:24-28These verses describe the abominations of the Canaanite nations, providing the theological justification for their destruction as a means of purifying the land and preventing Israel from being corrupted.
1 Samuel 15:3This passage shows Saul failing to obey God's command to utterly destroy the Amalekites, highlighting the importance of complete obedience in carrying out God's judgments, and contrasting with Joshua's faithfulness.
Romans 11:22Paul reflects on God's dealings with Israel and the nations, speaking of God's severity towards those who fall, which echoes the severe judgment executed upon the Canaanites by Joshua.
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…
bensonJoshua 10:40: "So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded."
Joshua 10:40 . All that breathed — That is, all mankind; they reserved the cattle for their own uses. As God had commanded — This is added for the vindication of the Israelites, whom God would not have to suffer in their reputation for executing his commands;…
While it sounds like a complete, brutal annihilation, the phrase "all that breathed" here is specifically contrasted with the cattle, implying that only people were destroyed, not the livestock, which would have been taken as spoil. This detail highlights that even within seemingly total judgment, there were specific divine commands guiding what was to be taken and what was to be left.
This verse summarizes a sweeping military conquest of southern Canaan, following a major victory against a confederation of kings. Joshua systematically defeated and destroyed these cities and their inhabitants, leaving no one alive, fulfilling God's direct commands for the land's purification. The following verses will then describe Joshua's return to the Israelite camp at Gilgal, marking the end of this phase of conquest.
This verse summarizes a sweeping military conquest of southern Canaan, following a major victory against a confederation of kings. Joshua systematically defeated and destroyed these cities and their inhabitants, leaving no one alive, fulfilling God's direct commands for the land's purification. The following verses will then describe Joshua's return to the Israelite camp at Gilgal, marking the end of this phase of conquest.
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A Typological Warning
This event also serves as a profound type, foreshadowing the ultimate judgment on impenitent sinners who reject God's grace. Just as the Canaanites faced destruction for their sin, all who ignore the salvation offered through Jesus Christ will face eternal wrath.
Victory at Gibeon and Aijalon
Joshua decisively defeats the allied Amorite kings, with a miraculous intervention of a prolonged day to ensure complete victory.
~1406 BC— this verse
Conquest of Southern Cities
Joshua systematically captures and destroys five key cities in southern Canaan, including Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir, executing their kings and populations as commanded.
~1406 BC
Consolidation of Southern Conquest
Following the swift defeat of the southern coalition, Joshua secures control over the entire region, from the mountains to the plains, fulfilling God's command.
"So Joshua struck the whole land, the hill country and the Negeb and the lowland and the slopes, and all their kings. He left none remaining, but devoted to destruction all that breathed, just as the LORD God of Israel commanded." — While it sounds like a complete, brutal annihilation, the phrase "all that breathed" here is specifically contrasted with the cattle, implying that only people were destroyed, not the livestock, whic…
