Joshua 10:24

KJV

And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when they brought out {H3318} those kings {H4428} unto Joshua {H3091}, that Joshua {H3091} called {H7121} for all the men {H376} of Israel {H3478}, and said {H559} unto the captains {H7101} of the men {H582} of war {H4421} which went {H1980} with him, Come near {H7126}, put {H7760} your feet {H7272} upon the necks {H6677} of these kings {H4428}. And they came near {H7126}, and put {H7760} their feet {H7272} upon the necks {H6677} of them.

Complete Jewish Bible

After they had brought the five kings to Y'hoshua, he summoned all the men of Isra'el and said to the commanders of the soldiers who had gone with him, "Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings." They came and put their feet on their necks.

Berean Standard Bible

When they had brought the kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had accompanied him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So the commanders came forward and put their feet on their necks.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when they brought forth those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the chiefs of the men of war that went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:24 records a profoundly symbolic and pivotal moment in Israel's conquest of Canaan, where the five defeated Amorite kings, brought forth from their hiding place, are publicly humiliated and utterly subjugated. Under Joshua's command, the Israelite captains place their feet upon the necks of these vanquished rulers. This dramatic act served as a powerful, visible declaration of God's absolute dominion over all earthly powers, His righteous judgment against the Canaanite nations, and a profound assurance to the Israelite army of His unfailing faithfulness to deliver the Promised Land into their hands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic and divinely orchestrated Battle of Gibeon, a miraculous victory where the Lord Himself intervened by casting hailstones and causing the sun and moon to stand still, enabling Israel to decisively rout a confederation of five Amorite kings (Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon). After their armies were scattered, these kings fled and sought refuge in a cave at Makkedah, as detailed in [Joshua 10:16](/joshua/10-16 "Joshua 10:16 - The Five Kings Hide in a Cave"). Joshua's initial strategic command was to seal the cave entrance while the pursuit of the fleeing Amorite forces continued, preventing their escape and ensuring their complete destruction ([Joshua 10:17-20](/joshua/10-17-20 "Joshua 10:17-20 - Pursuit and Rout of the Amorites")). Once the pursuit was complete and the enemy largely annihilated, Joshua ordered the capture and public presentation of the kings from the cave. The symbolic act of subjugation in [Joshua 10:24](/joshua/10-24 "Joshua 10:24 - Kings Subjugated") serves as a powerful visual culmination of this divine victory, directly preceding Joshua's words of encouragement and assurance to the Israelite army in [Joshua 10:25](/joshua/10-25 "Joshua 10:25 - Joshua's Words of Encouragement"), reinforcing their confidence in God's ongoing commitment to the conquest.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of placing one's foot upon the neck of a defeated enemy was a deeply ingrained and universally understood symbol of absolute conquest, total subjugation, and profound humiliation throughout the ancient Near East. This practice is extensively documented in archaeological findings and historical records, including reliefs from ancient Egypt depicting pharaohs trampling their foes, Assyrian steles showcasing conquering monarchs with a foot on a prostrate enemy, and other iconography from the region. It was far more than a mere physical gesture; it constituted a powerful political, psychological, and religious statement. This public display signified the complete stripping of power, dignity, and authority from the vanquished, unequivocally asserting the victor's supreme dominion and ownership. For the Israelites, this act was a public declaration that the gods and kings of Canaan were utterly defeated by Yahweh, the God of Israel, and that their land and people were now irrevocably subject to His covenant people, fulfilling divine promises of conquest.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 10:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it vividly illustrates the theme of **Divine Victory and Judgment**, demonstrating God's active and direct involvement in delivering Israel's enemies into their hands. This event is a clear manifestation of God's righteous justice against those who opposed His people and His divine plan for the Promised Land, echoing prior promises of total victory found in [Deuteronomy 7:24](/deuteronomy/7-24 "Deuteronomy 7:24 - God Delivers Enemies to Israel"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Total Subjugation and Humiliation**, as the literal act of placing feet on the necks of the kings visually declared Israel's absolute triumph and the complete stripping of power from the Amorite rulers. This was a public, undeniable sign of their utter defeat and the transfer of authority. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Empowerment and Assurance** for the Israelite army. By having the military captains perform this act, Joshua was not only humiliating the enemy but also empowering his military leaders and assuring the entire army that the Lord would enable them to overcome all future adversaries, thereby building courage and faith for the continued conquest of Canaan ([Joshua 10:25](/joshua/10-25 "Joshua 10:25 - Joshua's Encouragement to the Army")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kings (Hebrew, _melek'_):** As defined by H4428, a "king" (מֶלֶךְ) refers to a monarch or royal ruler. In this context, these five kings embodied the political, military, and even religious authority of their respective city-states. Their public humiliation and subjugation symbolized the complete overthrow of their kingdoms, their pagan deities, and their collective resistance to Israel's God and His people. Their defeat represented the foundational collapse of Canaanite sovereignty in the region.
* **Feet (Hebrew, _regel'_):** From H7272, "feet" (רֶגֶל) refer to the physical extremities used in walking, but biblically and culturally, they often symbolize authority, dominion, and possession. The act of placing one's foot upon a defeated foe signifies complete conquest, the establishment of control, and the utter subjugation of the enemy. Here, the feet of the Israelite captains represent the delegated authority and power of God, exercised through His covenant people, to utterly defeat and dominate their enemies.
* **Necks (Hebrew, _tsavvâʼr'_):** Derived from H6677, the "neck" (צַוָּאר) refers to the back of the neck, often associated with strength, pride, and resistance (as in being "stiff-necked"). To place a foot upon the neck of a foe is the ultimate act of breaking their will, crushing their strength, and forcing complete submission. It signifies the utter humiliation and complete incapacitation of the enemy, rendering them powerless and subservient.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua":** This introductory clause sets the critical scene, marking the culmination of the pursuit and capture of the five Amorite kings. Their being "brought out" from their hiding place in the cave at Makkedah signifies their complete capture and the definitive end of their resistance, marking the successful completion of the initial phase of the battle and pursuit.
* **"that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him":** This highlights the deliberate and public nature of the ensuing symbolic act. Joshua specifically summons "all the men of Israel," indicating that this was intended as a grand public spectacle for the entire army to witness. His direct address to the "captains of the men of war"—the military leaders who had "walked" (H1980, _hâlak'_) with him in battle—underscores their role in physically carrying out this symbolic act, thereby empowering them and solidifying their authority within the army.
* **"Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings":** This is Joshua's direct, imperative command, forming the core of the verse. It is a directive for an immediate, physical, and highly symbolic action. The instruction to "put" (H7760, _sûwm'_) their "feet upon the necks" is a visceral command for the captains to physically demonstrate their complete dominion over these defeated rulers, embodying the total victory God had granted them.
* **"And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them":** This final clause confirms the immediate, obedient, and successful execution of Joshua's command. The captains' swift action underscores their faith in Joshua's leadership and, by extension, in God's power and promises. It signifies the successful completion of the symbolic act, publicly cementing the defeat of the Amorite kings and the undeniable triumph of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 10:24 is profoundly rich in **Symbolism** and **Imagery**. The act of placing feet upon the necks of the defeated kings is a powerful visual symbol of complete and utter subjugation, dominion, and humiliation. It serves as a non-verbal declaration of victory that transcends mere words, communicating absolute conquest in a way that would have been immediately understood and deeply impactful to all present in the ancient Near East. This **Imagery** is vivid and visceral, designed to instill both fear in the vanquished and unwavering confidence in the victorious. Furthermore, the event functions as a **Public Spectacle**, deliberately enacted before "all the men of Israel." This public performance serves not only to humiliate the enemy but also to embolden the Israelite army, reinforcing their trust in God's power and their own authority as His chosen instruments. The dramatic nature of the scene contributes significantly to the overall narrative of divine intervention and Israel's divinely-granted triumph throughout the book of Joshua.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This powerful scene in Joshua 10:24 serves as a profound theological statement about God's absolute sovereignty, His covenant faithfulness, and His righteous judgment. It demonstrates that the Lord is actively and directly involved in the affairs of His people, fighting their battles and meticulously fulfilling His promises to give them the land. The public humiliation of these kings underscores the biblical truth that no earthly power, no matter how formidable, can ultimately stand against the sovereign will of God. Those who oppose His divine plan and His covenant people will ultimately face His decisive judgment. This event is a tangible manifestation of God's power to subdue all enemies before His people, providing a foundational assurance that His purposes will prevail. It also serves as a potent foreshadowing of a greater, ultimate victory over all forms of evil, rebellion, and spiritual opposition.

* [Deuteronomy 7:24](/deuteronomy/7-24 "Deuteronomy 7:24 - God's Promise to Deliver Enemies")
* [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed King")
* [Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 - God Crushes Satan Underfoot")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today are not called to engage in literal physical warfare against human enemies or to replicate the ancient act of placing feet on necks, the spiritual principles embedded in Joshua 10:24 remain profoundly relevant for the Christian life. This passage serves as a potent reminder that God grants victory over spiritual adversaries. Just as the Amorite kings were utterly defeated and publicly humiliated, so too can believers, through Christ, find strength and triumph over the forces of darkness, the persistent grip of sin, and the spiritual opposition that seeks to undermine their faith. It encourages us to walk confidently in the authority given to us in Christ, knowing that our true battle is not against "flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). This narrative builds profound faith, assuring us that God is actively with us in our spiritual struggles and that ultimate victory is guaranteed through Him. It calls us to confidently stand on the promises of God, knowing that He has already disarmed and triumphed over the powers that seek to enslave and defeat us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How did the public nature of this victory likely impact the Israelite army's faith and confidence for the ongoing conquest?**
* **What "kings" or strongholds in your personal life (e.g., habitual sins, crippling fears, negative thought patterns, spiritual oppression) need to be brought out and subjected to Christ's absolute authority?**
* **In what specific ways does this historical event encourage you to trust God for decisive victory in your current spiritual battles and challenges?**
* **How can you, as a believer, practically "put your feet upon the necks" of spiritual enemies through prayer, unwavering faith, and consistent obedience to God's Word?**

### FAQ
**Why was this act of putting feet on necks considered appropriate or necessary in ancient times?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, this act was a common, universally understood, and highly potent symbol of absolute conquest, total subjugation, and the victor's complete dominion over the vanquished. It was a powerful, non-verbal declaration of political, military, and even divine supremacy. For the Israelites, it was not merely an act of human vengeance but a public demonstration of God's righteous judgment against the idolatrous and wicked nations of Canaan, fulfilling His explicit promise to deliver them into Israel's hands ([Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1-2 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Destroy Canaanites")). It served to instill profound fear in remaining enemy populations and bolster unwavering confidence in the Israelite army, reinforcing their belief that their God was indeed fighting for them and securing their promised inheritance.

**Does this verse have any direct application for Christians today, given its violent context?**

Answer: While Christians are certainly not called to literal physical warfare against human enemies or to replicate this specific ancient act, the profound theological principles embedded in the passage remain profoundly applicable. The scene symbolizes God's ultimate and decisive victory over all opposing powers. For believers, this translates powerfully into the realm of spiritual warfare, where Christ has already secured the ultimate triumph over sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). We are called to stand firm in the victory Christ has already secured, recognizing that through Him, we have been granted authority over spiritual enemies. The promise that "the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" ([Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 - God Crushes Satan Underfoot")) is a direct New Testament fulfillment and spiritual extension of this very principle, assuring believers of their ultimate triumph over evil through Christ's indwelling power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic scene in Joshua 10:24, where the Israelite captains place their feet upon the necks of the defeated Amorite kings, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Joshua's temporary, earthly victory over human kings foreshadows Christ's eternal, cosmic, and decisive triumph over all spiritual powers and authorities. The kings subdued by Joshua represent the forces of darkness—sin, death, and the devil—that hold humanity captive and oppose God's reign. Just as Joshua's victory was a public demonstration of God's power and faithfulness, so too Christ's resurrection and glorious ascension are the ultimate public declaration that He has "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 King who, according to prophetic scripture, must reign "until he has put all his enemies under his feet" ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies are Subdued")). The powerful imagery of God crushing Satan under the feet of believers ([Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 - God Crushes Satan Underfoot")) is a direct extension of Christ's finished work, empowering His church to live in the reality of His decisive victory. Therefore, Joshua 10:24 points us unmistakably to the Lamb of God, who not only takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) but also reigns supreme, with all things subjected to His glorious and eternal dominion ([Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ's Supremacy Over All Things")).

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

Revelation 2:26

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Revelation 2:27

And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Malachi 4:3

And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts.

Romans 16:20

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.

Psalms 107:40

He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, [where there is] no way.

Psalms 110:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Psalms 149:8

To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;