Joshua 10:28 - Meaning and Application

Joshua used his great victory well and made the most of what he had gained. That is one of the marks of a good commander. He did not waste the advantage God had given him.

Joshua first took several cities that belonged to the kings he had already defeated in open battle. These included Lachish (Joshua 10:31-32), Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35), and Hebron (Joshua 10:36-37). Jerusalem and Jarmuth were not taken at this time. Perhaps Joshua’s men were too tired after their hard work, or perhaps they were satisfied with what they had already won and missed a chance they would never again find so easy. Later, those cities were not taken without trouble (Judges 1:8; 2 Samuel 5:6).

He also took three more royal cities: Makkedah, where the five kings had hidden, which brought Joshua there in pursuit and helped speed its fall (Joshua 10:28), Libnah (Joshua 10:29-30), and Debir (Joshua 10:38-39). One other king also came out to help Lachish after its king had fallen. That was Horam, king of Gezer, who either out of friendship or for his own safety tried to block Joshua’s advance, and he was destroyed with all his army (Joshua 10:33). Wicked people often trap themselves in their own plans, and when they resist God’s judgments, they bring them down on their own heads sooner.

Joshua’s campaign brought a large part of southern Canaan under Israel’s control (Joshua 10:40-42), the land south of Jerusalem that later fell mostly to Judah. The account highlights how quickly Joshua moved. He rushed from city to city, and though each one held out to the end, he took them all in a short time, either the same day (Joshua 10:28) or within two days (Joshua 10:32). When the enemy was shaken by the defeat of their armies and the death of their kings, Joshua wisely pressed his advantage. Much can be done in a short time when people stay active and use their chances well.

The account also shows how severe Joshua was with those he defeated. He spared no one, men, women, or children. He put to death all who remained alive in those cities (Joshua 10:28, 10:30, 10:32, 10:35), and he left none alive (Joshua 10:40). Nothing could excuse this in war except that they were doing what the Lord God of Israel commanded (Joshua 10:40). That was enough to justify their actions and show that they were serving God’s justice.

God did this for several reasons. First, he was showing his hatred of the idol worship and other evil practices of the Canaanites. Their destruction shows how great their guilt was, since the punishment was so severe when their sin had fully grown. Second, God was showing his love for Israel by giving many lives for their sake (Isaiah 43:4). When the nations are driven out to make room for God’s people (Psalm 80:8), it shows how highly God valued Israel and how deeply they should have felt bound to live for his glory. Third, this pointed ahead to the final destruction of all stubborn enemies of the Lord Jesus, who reject his grace and must one day feel his wrath. Those who ignore God will be sent to hell, and that will do no wrong to God’s perfect goodness.

The spoil from these cities was divided among the soldiers who had taken it, and the cities with their land were soon to be divided among the tribes, because the Lord fought for Israel (Joshua 10:42). They could not have won without God. When God fights for his people, they conquer. If God is for us, who can be against us?