Joshua 10:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, as they fled {H5127} from before {H6440} Israel {H3478}, and were in the going down {H4174} to Bethhoron {H1032}, that the LORD {H3068} cast down {H7993} great {H1419} stones {H68} from heaven {H8064} upon them unto Azekah {H5825}, and they died {H4191}: they were more {H7227} which died {H4191} with hailstones {H1259}{H68} than they whom {H834} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} slew {H2026} with the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As they fled before Isra'el down the road to Beit-Horon, ADONAI threw huge hailstones down on them all the way to 'Azekah, and they died; more died because of the hail than because Isra'el had killed them with the sword.

Berean Standard Bible

As they fled before Israel along the descent from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD cast down on them large hailstones from the sky, and more of them were killed by the hailstones than by the swords of the Israelites.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth-horon, that Jehovah cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more who died with the hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:11 vividly recounts a miraculous divine intervention during Israel's conquest of Canaan. As the Amorite coalition fled from the pursuing Israelite army down the strategic Beth-horon pass, the LORD supernaturally unleashed massive hailstones from heaven upon them. This act of divine judgment resulted in more enemy casualties than those inflicted by the Israelite sword, securing a decisive and undeniable victory for God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Israel's central campaign in Canaan, specifically following the Gibeonite alliance (as detailed in [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception and Treaty")). When a coalition of five Amorite kings besieged Gibeon in retaliation for their treaty with Israel, Gibeon appealed to Joshua for help. Joshua, demonstrating remarkable obedience and leadership, led an all-night march from Gilgal to Gibeon, launching a surprise attack that routed the Amorite forces (as described in [Joshua 10:9-10](/joshua/10-9-10 "Joshua 10:9-10 - Rout of the Amorites")). Joshua 10:11 then describes the extraordinary divine intervention that occurred during the enemy's flight, immediately preceding the even more astonishing miracle of the sun and moon standing still at Joshua's command, which allowed Israel to complete the victory before nightfall (see [Joshua 10:12-14](/joshua/10-12-14 "Joshua 10:12-14 - The Sun and Moon Stand Still")). This sequence of supernatural events underscores God's active, overwhelming, and indispensable presence in the conquest.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The geographical setting for this event is the central highlands of Canaan, a region characterized by rugged terrain and strategically important passes. The "going down to Bethhoron" (H1032, _Bêyth Chôwrôwn_) refers to a steep, winding descent from the Gibeon plateau towards the Shephelah (lowlands). This pass was a natural escape route but also a perilous choke point, making the fleeing army particularly vulnerable. In the ancient Near East, warfare was often perceived as a contest between the gods of opposing nations. The account in Joshua 10:11 served not only as a historical record but also as a profound theological declaration: Yahweh, the God of Israel, was demonstrably superior to the Canaanite deities, actively fighting for His people and wielding the very elements of creation as His weapons. This divine intervention would have been interpreted by both Israelites and Canaanites as irrefutable evidence of Yahweh's unparalleled power and sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 10:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Intervention and Sovereignty**, asserting that Israel's victories were not merely the result of their military prowess but primarily due to God's direct and supernatural involvement. The hailstones were a divine weapon, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation and His active participation in fulfilling His promises, echoing the declaration that [the LORD your God is He who fights for you](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - God Fights for Israel"). Secondly, it showcases **God's Power and Judgment**, as the hailstones inflicted a far greater toll than human weaponry, serving as a clear act of divine judgment upon those who resisted God's plan for the land of Canaan. This parallels earlier divine judgments through natural phenomena, such as the devastating [plague of hail in Egypt](/exodus/9-22 "Exodus 9:22 - The Plague of Hail"). Lastly, the event reinforces the **Fulfillment of Promise**, confirming God's faithfulness to His covenant pledges to give Israel the land and to be with them in battle, solidifying their confidence in His presence and support throughout the daunting task of conquest.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This refers to H3068, the covenant name of God, Yahweh. Its use here emphasizes that the event was not a random meteorological occurrence but a deliberate, personal, and covenantal act of the God of Israel. It highlights His active involvement and faithfulness to His people, distinguishing Him from the passive deities of the surrounding nations.
* **cast down (Hebrew, _shâlak'_):** This verb (H7993) denotes a forceful, intentional, and decisive action. It is not merely that hailstones fell, but that the LORD "threw down" or "hurled" them, underscoring the direct and aggressive nature of His intervention. This verb implies a deliberate targeting and execution of divine will, demonstrating God's active role as a divine warrior.
* **great stones (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_ H1419, _ʼeben'_ H68) / hailstones (Hebrew, _bârâd'_ H1259):** The initial description "great stones" is clarified by the subsequent mention of "hailstones." While hailstorms are natural phenomena, the context demands a supernatural interpretation. The "greatness" (H1419) refers not only to their immense size and destructive power but also to their devastating, targeted, and overwhelming effect, far exceeding a typical weather event. The term _bârâd_ (H1259) for hail is also used in the plagues of Egypt (e.g., [Exodus 9:23](/exodus/9-23 "Exodus 9:23 - Hail in Egypt")), linking this event to God's past displays of power and judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel":** This clause establishes the immediate tactical situation, indicating that the Amorite forces were already in disarray and actively retreating under pressure from the Israelite pursuit. Their flight suggests a state of vulnerability and panic, making them susceptible to further divine judgment.
* **"[and] were in the going down to Bethhoron":** This specifies the precise geographical location where the divine intervention occurred. The "going down" (H4174, _môwrâd'_) to Beth-horon (H1032, _Bêyth Chôwrôwn'_) describes a narrow, steep, and treacherous pass, which would have concentrated the fleeing army, thereby maximizing the impact of the subsequent hailstones.
* **"that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died":** This is the core of the miraculous intervention. It explicitly states that the "LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_) Himself was the divine agent, directly "casting down" (H7993, _shâlak'_) destructive "great stones" (H1419, _gâdôwl'_ H68, _ʼeben'_) from the sky. The phrase "unto Azekah" (H5825, _ʻĂzêqâh'_) indicates the extensive geographical area over which this divine judgment occurred, covering a significant portion of the Amorite retreat route and resulting in widespread death.
* **"[they were] more which died with hailstones than [they] whom the children of Israel slew with the sword":** This climactic statement emphasizes the overwhelming nature of God's intervention. It quantifies the divine contribution to the victory, asserting that the supernatural casualties inflicted by the hailstones far exceeded those inflicted by Israel's military might (H2026, _hârag'_ with H2719, _chereb'_). This highlights God's sovereign power and ensures that the glory for the victory is attributed primarily to Him, not to human strength or strategy.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 10:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the declaration that "more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword." While likely literally true, its primary function is to emphasize the overwhelming and disproportionate nature of divine intervention compared to human effort, ensuring God receives ultimate credit for the victory. The event itself serves as a **Theophany** or **Divine Manifestation**, where God directly reveals His presence and power through a visible, tangible act in creation, much like the plagues in Egypt or the parting of the Red Sea. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: the enemy fled from the sword of Israel, only to be met by a far more devastating and inescapable judgment from the heavens. Finally, the "great stones" or hailstones function as **Symbolism**, representing God's absolute control over nature and His ability to use any element of creation as an instrument of His will and judgment against His enemies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:11 stands as a powerful testament to God's active and sovereign involvement in human history, particularly in the fulfillment of His covenant promises. It underscores the truth that Israel's success in conquering Canaan was not a matter of military superiority alone, but overwhelmingly a demonstration of Yahweh's divine power and faithfulness. This event reveals God as the Divine Warrior, fighting on behalf of His people, exercising His justice against those who oppose His will, and demonstrating His absolute control over creation. The hailstones are a concrete manifestation of God's judgment and His commitment to establishing His people in the promised land, ensuring that His purposes would be accomplished regardless of the strength of human opposition. It reinforces the theological principle that ultimate victory belongs to the LORD.

* [Exodus 9:22-26](/exodus/9-22-26 "The Plague of Hail in Egypt")
* [Psalm 18:13-14](/psalms/18-13-14 "Psalm 18:13-14 - God's Thunder and Hail Against Enemies")
* [Revelation 16:21](/revelation/16-21 "Revelation 16:21 - Great Hailstones of Final Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 10:11 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that our God is not a distant, passive deity, but an active, sovereign, and intervening Lord who fights for His people. When we face overwhelming challenges, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or spiritual battles that feel beyond our strength, this verse calls us to remember that God's power far exceeds any human or demonic opposition. It instills confidence that He can intervene in ways we cannot comprehend, turning the tide of circumstances through supernatural means. Our call is to walk in obedience and faithful reliance, trusting that the God who cast down hailstones for Israel is the same God who is for us, capable of delivering us and accomplishing His purposes, even when our own efforts seem insufficient. This account strengthens our faith in God's protective hand and His ultimate victory over all that opposes His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this account challenge our understanding of God's active involvement in the world today, especially in seemingly "natural" events?**
* **In what "battles" or challenges are we tempted to rely solely on our own strength or strategies, and how might Joshua 10:11 encourage us to trust in God's supernatural intervention?**
* **What does this miracle teach us about God's justice and His ultimate victory over evil, both in history and in the future?**

### FAQ
**Was the hail in Joshua 10:11 a natural phenomenon or a miracle?**

Answer: While hailstorms are natural occurrences, the account in Joshua 10:11 describes a miraculous event due to its precise timing, specific targeting, and unprecedented lethality. It was not merely a coincidentally severe storm. The text explicitly states "the LORD cast down great stones from heaven," indicating direct divine agency. The hailstones fell specifically on the fleeing Amorite army, covering a significant stretch from Beth-horon to Azekah, and were so effective that "more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword." This combination of divine causation, strategic precision, and overwhelming effect elevates it far beyond a typical weather event, marking it as a supernatural intervention by God to secure victory for Israel. It demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His willingness to use natural elements as instruments of His will, as seen previously in the [plagues of Egypt](/exodus/9 "The Plague of Hail").

**Why did God use hailstones as a weapon in this battle?**

Answer: God's choice of hailstones as a weapon in Joshua 10:11 is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over all creation. He is not limited to human means or conventional warfare; He can command the very elements to fight on behalf of His people. Secondly, it serves as a clear sign of divine judgment. Hail was previously used as an instrument of judgment against Egypt during the Exodus (e.g., [Exodus 9:22-26](/exodus/9-22-26 "The Plague of Hail")). By using hailstones against the Amorites, God reiterated His power to punish those who opposed His will and His people, linking this event to His past acts of deliverance and judgment. Thirdly, it ensured that the victory was unequivocally attributed to God, not to Israel's military might. The fact that more died by hail than by the sword left no doubt that the success was divinely orchestrated, reinforcing the theme that [the battle is the LORD's](/1_samuel/17-47 "The Battle is the LORD's").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic intervention of God in Joshua 10:11, where He acts as the Divine Warrior casting down judgment from heaven, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and decisive victory of Jesus Christ. Just as the LORD fought for Israel against their physical enemies, Jesus, the true and greater Joshua, came to conquer the spiritual enemies of humanity: sin, death, and Satan. His victory was not achieved through hailstones or swords, but through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, triumphing over the powers of darkness (as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The promise that [the gates of hell shall not prevail](/matthew/16-18 "The Church and the Gates of Hell") against His church echoes the divine assurance of victory. Furthermore, the image of God's judgment from heaven finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's future return, when He will come as the righteous judge, bringing final justice upon all who oppose Him, and establishing His eternal kingdom (as described in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Christ as the Rider on the White Horse")). Thus, Joshua 10:11 points to the sovereign power of God, fully manifested in Christ, who has secured the ultimate victory for His people, not just over earthly foes, but over the very forces of evil and death.

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

Isaiah 28:2

Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, [which] as a tempest of hail [and] a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand.

Exodus 9:22

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt.

Exodus 9:26

Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel [were], was there no hail.

Judges 5:20

They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.

Revelation 11:19

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Psalms 77:17

The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad.

Psalms 77:18

The voice of thy thunder [was] in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.