Joshua 10:21

KJV

And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the people {H5971} returned {H7725} to the camp {H4264} to Joshua {H3091} at Makkedah {H4719} in peace {H7965}: none moved {H2782} his tongue {H3956} against any {H376} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

all the people returned safely to Y'hoshua at the camp in Makkedah; and no one said a word against any of the people of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

The whole army returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one dared to utter a word against the Israelites.

American Standard Version

that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:21 marks the triumphant conclusion of Israel's decisive southern campaign, portraying the complete and secure return of the victorious army to their base at Makkedah. It powerfully underscores the divine protection and overwhelming success granted to Joshua and the Israelites, emphasizing the profound peace and absence of any opposition or complaint that followed their divinely orchestrated victory, signifying God's total vindication of His people and the terror He instilled in their enemies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement to the pivotal southern campaign described in [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Southern Campaign"). The preceding narrative details a dramatic sequence of events: the Gibeonites' plea for help against a coalition of five Amorite kings led by Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem, God's miraculous intervention with a devastating hailstorm, and the unprecedented cosmic event where [the sun and moon stood still](/joshua/10-12 "Joshua 10:12-14 - The Sun Stands Still") at Joshua's command, enabling Israel to achieve a total rout of the Amorite forces. The captured Amorite kings were then publicly humiliated and executed at Makkedah, signifying the crushing defeat of a major opposition and the complete subjugation of their strongholds. Thus, the return of the people to Makkedah "in peace" is not merely a logistical detail but a theological declaration of decisive victory and the elimination of immediate threats, setting the stage for further conquests.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Canaan during the late Bronze Age, a region characterized by numerous independent city-states, each with its own king and army. The Amorites were a prominent group among the Canaanite peoples, known for their fortified cities and military prowess. The Israelite conquest, as depicted in Joshua, was often characterized by "holy war" or *herem*, where enemies and their possessions were devoted to destruction as an act of worship and judgment. The phrase "none moved his tongue" reflects the common ancient Near Eastern understanding of total defeat and psychological subjugation, where the vanquished were utterly silenced, unable to offer resistance, complaint, or even a whisper of defiance. Makkedah, likely a cave or a fortified city, served as a temporary base of operations, and its security after such a major battle underscored the profound fear that had fallen upon the land, fulfilling earlier divine promises to [instill dread and fear of Israel upon all peoples](/deuteronomy/2-25 "Deuteronomy 2:25 - God Instills Fear").

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 10:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Victory and Protection**, underscoring that Israel's success was not by their own might but by God's direct and miraculous intervention, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to fight for His people. Secondly, it emphasizes **Perfect Peace and Security**, a state of complete well-being and freedom from danger that was a direct result of God's judgment upon Israel's enemies and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. This peace is a tangible manifestation of God's presence and blessing. Thirdly, the verse speaks to **Overwhelming Authority**, both of God and His divinely appointed leader, Joshua. The complete silencing of opposition, whether from defeated foes or potential internal dissent, reinforces Joshua's leadership and the profound awe God had instilled in the surrounding nations. Finally, this moment of peace and secure possession of the land serves as a significant foretaste of the broader promise of [God giving Israel rest from all their enemies](/joshua/21-44 "Joshua 21:44 - God Gives Rest From Enemies"), a recurring and central theme throughout the book, culminating in the complete settlement of the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (שָׁלוֹם, _shalom_):** This Hebrew word signifies far more than the absence of conflict. It denotes completeness, wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and tranquility. In this context, it describes a state of absolute security and divine favor following a decisive victory. The return "in peace" means the army was unharmed, the mission was accomplished without further threat, and God's protective presence ensured their safety and well-being. It implies a comprehensive cessation of hostilities and a divinely established order.
* **Moved his tongue (חָרַץ אֶת־לְשֹׁנוֹ, _charatz et-leshono_):** This vivid idiomatic expression literally means "sharpened his tongue" or "wagged his tongue." It conveys the idea of uttering a sound, a complaint, a threat, a curse, or even a whisper of dissent. The negation "none moved his tongue" therefore signifies an absolute and profound silence of opposition. It paints a picture of such overwhelming victory and divine terror that no one dared to speak ill of Israel, complain about the campaign, or even whisper defiance, either from within the Israelite ranks or, more significantly, from the surrounding, now terrified, Canaanite populations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace:":** This clause signifies the successful completion of the military operation and the safe return of the entire Israelite army. The phrase "in peace" is crucial, indicating that the journey back was unmolested, free from ambush or further skirmishes. This peace is a direct result of God's decisive intervention and the complete routing of the enemy. It underscores the divine protection over Israel, ensuring their safety even in enemy territory after such a major engagement. Makkedah served as a central point of command and a place of security.
* **"none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel."** This powerful statement emphasizes the absolute nature of the victory and the terror that had fallen upon the land. It means that no one, neither surviving enemies nor any potential internal dissenters, dared to utter a word of complaint, protest, or threat against the Israelites. This silence is not merely a lack of verbal opposition but a profound psychological and spiritual subjugation of the surrounding peoples, fulfilling God's promise to put the dread of Israel upon the nations. It highlights the overwhelming awe and fear that God had instilled, making Israel's position unassailable and their peace absolute.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 10:21 employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound message. The phrase "none moved his tongue" is a powerful **Idiom**, vividly expressing the complete absence of opposition or complaint. It is a metaphorical way of saying that the enemy was utterly silenced, not just physically but psychologically, demonstrating a profound level of fear and submission. This idiom also functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute and total nature of the victory and the resulting peace. While it might be literally true that no one spoke against them, the hyperbole underscores the overwhelming sense of security and divine vindication. Furthermore, the "peace" described carries **Symbolism** of divine blessing and covenant faithfulness. It is not merely a temporary lull in fighting but a sign of God's presence and His fulfillment of promises to give His people rest and security in the land. The return to "camp" at Makkedah symbolizes the establishment of a secure base and the beginning of the realization of their promised inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:21 profoundly illustrates God's active sovereignty in the affairs of His people, demonstrating that true peace and security are ultimately derived from His powerful intervention and faithfulness to His covenant. The total silencing of the enemy's tongue is a theological statement about God's ability to subdue all opposition, not merely through physical force but by instilling a deep, supernatural dread. This peace is a foretaste of the complete rest God promised Israel in the land, a rest contingent on their obedience and His continued presence. It highlights the divine warrior motif, where God fights for Israel, ensuring their triumph and establishing their dominion. This victory is not just military but also spiritual, showcasing God's judgment on the wicked and His protective care for His chosen nation.

* [Deuteronomy 28:7](/deuteronomy/28-7 "Deuteronomy 28:7 - Victory Over Enemies")
* [Psalm 46:9](/psalms/46-9 "Psalm 46:9 - God Makes Wars Cease")
* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 10:21 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that our ultimate peace and security come from God's sovereign power and His commitment to fight for us. In a world often filled with conflict, opposition, and uncertainty, this verse encourages us to trust in a God who can not only deliver us from our enemies but also silence all forms of opposition—whether spiritual, relational, or circumstantial. The "peace" Israel experienced was a result of their obedience and God's active presence. Similarly, our peace is found in walking in obedience to Christ and resting in His finished work. When we face overwhelming challenges or feel threatened, we can take comfort in the truth that the Lord is our protector and defender. Just as He instilled fear in the hearts of Israel's enemies, He can subdue the voices of doubt, fear, and accusation that rise against us, bringing a profound stillness and security to our souls. This verse calls us to move forward in faith, confident that God goes before us, ensuring our safe return and ultimate triumph in His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "peace" described in Joshua 10:21 differ from a mere absence of conflict, and what does this imply about God's provision for His people?**
* **In what ways do we experience "tongues moved against us" today, and how can the truth of God's silencing power apply to these situations?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the relationship between obedience to God's commands and the experience of His peace and security in our lives?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful Hebrew idiom (חָרַץ אֶת־לְשֹׁנוֹ, _charatz et-leshono_) that literally means "no one sharpened his tongue" or "no one wagged his tongue." Its significance is multifaceted. First, it denotes an absolute and profound silence of opposition. After such a devastating defeat, neither the surviving Canaanites nor any internal dissenters dared to utter a word of complaint, threat, or even a whisper of defiance against Israel. This indicates a complete psychological subjugation and a deep, supernatural dread that God had instilled in the hearts of the surrounding nations, fulfilling promises like those found in [Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "Deuteronomy 2:25 - God Instills Fear"). Second, it underscores the totality of God's victory and the security of His people. It's not just that the physical battle was won, but that all forms of verbal or psychological resistance were utterly quelled, signifying a comprehensive peace and divine vindication.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The peace and security experienced by Israel in Joshua 10:21, a direct result of God's decisive victory over their enemies, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Joshua brought a temporary, earthly rest to Israel through military conquest, Christ brings an eternal, spiritual rest and peace to all who believe. The silencing of the enemy's tongue in Joshua foreshadows Christ's triumph over all spiritual adversaries—Satan, sin, and death. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")), and securing for His people a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")). He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and through His blood, He has made peace ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through Christ's Blood")). The "rest" that Israel entered under Joshua was but a shadow of the true Sabbath rest that remains for the people of God in Christ ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest")). In Him, we find not just the absence of conflict, but the fullness of *shalom*—wholeness, security, and reconciliation with God, where no accusation or threat can ultimately stand against those whom God has justified ([Romans 8:33](/romans/8-33 "Romans 8:33-34 - God Justifies Us")).

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

Exodus 11:7

But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

Isaiah 57:4

Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, [and] draw out the tongue? [are] ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.