Joshua 10:10

KJV

And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} discomfited {H2000} them before {H6440} Israel {H3478}, and slew {H5221} them with a great {H1419} slaughter {H4347} at Gibeon {H1391}, and chased {H7291} them along the way {H1870} that goeth up {H4608} to Bethhoron {H1032}, and smote {H5221} them to Azekah {H5825}, and unto Makkedah {H4719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI threw them into confusion before Isra'el and defeated them in a great slaughter at Giv'on, pursuing them along the road that goes up from Beit-Horon, and beating them back to 'Azekah and all the way to Makkedah.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, pursued them along the ascent to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah discomfited them before Israel, and he slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:10 describes the Lord's decisive intervention in the battle between Israel and the Amorite coalition, demonstrating His active role as a divine warrior on behalf of His people. This verse details the initial phase of the rout, where God Himself instills panic and confusion among the enemy forces, leading to a massive slaughter and relentless pursuit across significant geographical locations in the southern campaign, ultimately securing a comprehensive victory for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the larger narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan, specifically detailing the southern campaign in the Book of Joshua. Immediately preceding this event, the Gibeonites, through deception, secured a covenant with Israel, much to the chagrin of the surrounding Canaanite kings. In response, a powerful coalition of five Amorite kings, led by Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem, formed an alliance to punish Gibeon for its defection and to prevent further Israelite expansion. Gibeon, under attack, appealed to Joshua for help, reminding him of their covenant. Joshua, honoring the treaty, swiftly marched his forces from Gilgal for an overnight surprise attack, trusting in the Lord's explicit promise of victory found in [Joshua 10:8](/joshua/10-8 "Joshua 10:8 - God's Promise of Victory"). Joshua 10:10 then details the initial, divinely orchestrated phase of the battle, setting the stage for the miraculous hailstones and the sun standing still in the subsequent verses ([Joshua 10:11-14](/joshua/10-11 "Joshua 10:11-14 - The Hailstones and the Sun Standing Still")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan occurred in the Late Bronze Age, a period characterized by city-states and regional alliances. The Amorites were a prominent people group in the region, often depicted in biblical texts as formidable adversaries. The geographical locations mentioned—Gibeon, Bethhoron, Azekah, and Makkedah—trace a significant route from the central highlands down into the Shephelah (foothills) and then westward. This pursuit route highlights the strategic importance of the terrain, moving from higher ground to lower valleys, which would have made the enemy's flight even more perilous. Culturally, this period was marked by polytheistic worship among the Canaanites, often involving child sacrifice and other abominable practices, which the Israelites were commanded to eradicate as part of God's judgment upon the land. The battle itself reflects ancient warfare tactics, including surprise attacks, pursuit, and the total annihilation of enemy forces, though here, these human efforts are clearly overshadowed by divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 10:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Central to this verse is the theme of **Divine Intervention and Faithfulness**, where God actively fights on behalf of His people, fulfilling His covenant promises to grant them the land of Canaan and protect them from their enemies. The phrase "the LORD discomfited them before Israel" unequivocally attributes the victory to God's direct hand, not merely Israel's military prowess. This underscores **God's Overwhelming Power** and sovereignty over creation and human affairs, a theme further amplified by the subsequent miraculous events of the hailstones and the sun standing still ([Joshua 10:11-14](/joshua/10-11 "Joshua 10:11-14 - The Miraculous Victory at Gibeon")). The battle also serves as a crucial moment in the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as God continues to drive out the inhabitants of the land before Israel, enabling them to possess the Promised Land, a promise first made to Abraham in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham"). Furthermore, the narrative highlights the importance of **Obedience and Covenant Loyalty**, as Joshua's commitment to the Gibeonite treaty, despite its dubious origins, leads to God's powerful intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Discomfited (Hebrew, _hāmām'_):** This verb signifies "to throw into confusion," "to rout," "to disturb with a great noise," or "to put to panic." It implies a divinely induced terror or mental disarray that causes an enemy to lose composure, cohesion, and the will to fight effectively, leading to their utter defeat. It's not merely a human military maneuver but a supernatural disarming of the enemy's resolve. This same word is used elsewhere to describe God's intervention against Egypt at the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:24](/exodus/14-24 "Exodus 14:24 - God Discomfits the Egyptians")). Its use here emphasizes that the victory was fundamentally God's doing.
* **Slaughter (Hebrew, _makkāh'_):** This noun means "a blow," "a strike," or "a defeat," often referring to a severe military defeat or a great loss of life in battle. When combined with "great" (_gedolah_), as in "great slaughter," it denotes a devastating and comprehensive defeat, emphasizing the totality of the destruction inflicted upon the enemy. It underscores the overwhelming nature of God's judgment and the completeness of Israel's victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD discomfited them before Israel":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine agency behind the victory. The "them" refers to the Amorite kings and their armies. The Lord Himself, not merely Israel's military might, caused their confusion and panic. This divine intervention was "before Israel," meaning Israel was the beneficiary and witness of God's direct action, reinforcing His covenant faithfulness.
* **"and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon":** Following the initial divine discomfiture, the physical destruction began. The "great slaughter" indicates a decisive and devastating defeat of the Amorite forces at the initial point of conflict, Gibeon. This was not a minor skirmish but a catastrophic loss for the enemy, setting the tone for the entire pursuit.
* **"and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron":** The battle transitioned from a static engagement to a relentless pursuit. The "way that goeth up to Bethhoron" refers to a strategic ascent from Gibeon, indicating that the enemy was fleeing southwestward. This phrase emphasizes the sustained pressure and the complete rout of the enemy, who were not merely defeated but actively pursued.
* **"and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah":** This final phrase details the extensive geographical reach of the pursuit and the continued destruction of the enemy. Azekah and Makkedah are locations further to the southwest, in the Shephelah region. The use of "smote" (a general term for striking or killing) reinforces the ongoing and widespread nature of the slaughter. The mention of these specific locations highlights the completeness of the victory, as the enemy was pursued and destroyed over a significant distance, leaving no opportunity for regrouping or escape.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 10:10 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Divine Intervention**, where the text explicitly attributes the victory to "the LORD" who "discomfited them." This highlights God's active role as the primary agent of Israel's success, rather than solely human military prowess. The phrase "great slaughter" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the overwhelming and complete nature of the defeat rather than a literal numerical count, underscoring the totality of God's judgment. The verse also utilizes **Geographical Progression**, tracing the enemy's flight from Gibeon, through Bethhoron, to Azekah, and finally to Makkedah. This detailed geographical description not only provides a vivid sense of the battle's scope but also emphasizes the relentless and far-reaching nature of the pursuit and destruction. Finally, the repeated use of verbs denoting violent action—"discomfited," "slew," "chased," "smote"—creates a sense of **Climax and Intensification**, building towards the ultimate annihilation of the enemy forces and reinforcing the decisive nature of God's victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:10 serves as a profound testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His identity as a divine warrior who actively fights for His people. The victory is not attributed to Israel's military might or strategic genius, but unequivocally to the Lord's direct intervention. This highlights the theological truth that true victory, especially in the face of overwhelming odds, comes from God alone. It underscores His sovereignty over nations and His commitment to fulfilling His promises, particularly the promise to give Israel the land of Canaan. This event foreshadows God's ongoing work throughout history, demonstrating that when His people walk in obedience and trust, He is powerfully at work on their behalf, often in supernatural ways. It is a reminder that God's power is not limited by human limitations or the strength of adversaries.

* [Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - The LORD Your God Will Fight For You")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - God's Arm, Not Ours, Gives Victory")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 10:10 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that the battles we face, whether spiritual, emotional, or practical, are ultimately fought and won by God. Just as the Lord "discomfited" Israel's enemies, He is capable of bringing confusion and defeat to the forces that oppose us. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereignty and power, recognizing that our strength is insufficient for the challenges of life. It urges us to walk in obedience, as Joshua did in honoring the Gibeonite covenant, knowing that our faithfulness often opens the door for God's miraculous intervention. When we feel overwhelmed or outnumbered, this passage assures us that the Lord is a mighty warrior who stands with His people, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled and His glory is revealed. Our role is to remain faithful, to pray, and to step out in obedience, allowing Him to fight the battles we cannot.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel overwhelmed, and how can Joshua 10:10 encourage you to trust in God's power rather than your own?**
* **How does the concept of God "discomfiting" the enemy change your perspective on spiritual warfare or personal struggles?**
* **What specific covenant promises of God are you relying on today, and how does this verse affirm His faithfulness to those promises?**
* **How might your obedience, even in challenging or inconvenient circumstances, open the door for God's powerful intervention in your life?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "the LORD discomfited them"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "discomfited" (הָמַם, _hamam_) implies that God threw the Amorite armies into a state of panic, confusion, and disarray. This was not merely a military maneuver by Israel but a supernatural intervention by God that caused the enemy to lose their composure, their will to fight, and their ability to organize effectively. It signifies a divinely induced terror that led to their rout and ultimate defeat. This concept is seen elsewhere in the Old Testament, such as when God "discomfited" the Egyptians at the Red Sea, causing their chariots to become bogged down and their army to be thrown into chaos ([Exodus 14:24](/exodus/14-24 "Exodus 14:24 - God Discomfits the Egyptians")). It highlights that the victory was fundamentally God's doing, not Israel's.

**Why is the geographical detail important in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of specific locations—Gibeon, Bethhoron, Azekah, and Makkedah—is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides historical and geographical authenticity to the narrative, allowing readers to trace the actual path of the battle and pursuit. Secondly, it emphasizes the immense scale and completeness of the victory. The enemy was not just defeated at one point but relentlessly pursued and destroyed over a significant distance, from the central highlands down into the Shephelah. This extensive pursuit demonstrates the totality of God's judgment and the comprehensive nature of Israel's triumph, leaving no opportunity for the enemy to regroup or escape. It underscores that this was a decisive and overwhelming victory, divinely orchestrated and executed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 10:10, with its depiction of the Lord as a divine warrior who discomfits and slays His enemies, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Joshua led Israel in a physical conquest of a promised land, Jesus leads His people in a spiritual conquest, overcoming the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the devil. The "discomfiture" of the Amorites by God foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over the powers of darkness. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the Lion of Judah who has conquered ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah Has Conquered")). The "great slaughter" points to the final and complete annihilation of evil that Christ will accomplish, culminating in His return when every enemy will be put under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")). Believers today do not fight with carnal weapons but stand firm in the victory already secured by Christ, knowing that He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and provides the true rest and inheritance that the land of Canaan merely symbolized ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8 - The True Rest in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 18:14

Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

Joshua 16:3

And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.

Joshua 16:5

¶ And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was [thus]: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;

Joshua 15:35

Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

Judges 4:15

And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all [his] chariots, and all [his] host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off [his] chariot, and fled away on his feet.

Joshua 10:11

And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, [and] were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: [they were] more which died with hailstones than [they] whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.

1 Samuel 7:10

And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.