Joshua 10:26

KJV

And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening.

KJV (with Strong's)

And afterward {H310} Joshua {H3091} smote {H5221} them, and slew {H4191} them, and hanged {H8518} them on five {H2568} trees {H6086}: and they were hanging {H8518} upon the trees {H6086} until the evening {H6153}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With that, Y'hoshua struck them and put them to death, hanging them on five trees, where they remained hanging until evening.

Berean Standard Bible

After this, Joshua struck down and killed the kings, and he hung their bodies on five trees and left them there until evening.

American Standard Version

And afterward Joshua smote them, and put them to death, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:26 recounts the decisive execution and public display of the five Amorite kings by Joshua, immediately following Israel's miraculous victory over their confederation. This act served as a profound demonstration of God's unwavering judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanite nations and a powerful, visible declaration of Israel's divine authority and triumph in the ongoing conquest of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the dramatic narrative of Israel's battle against a formidable confederation of five Amorite kings—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. These kings had united to attack Gibeon, a city that had recently made a peace treaty with Israel ([Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Treaty")). In response to Gibeon's plea, Joshua led a swift and decisive counter-attack. The battle was marked by extraordinary divine intervention, including a hailstorm that killed more enemies than the sword, and the miraculous prolongation of daylight, allowing Israel to complete their victory ([Joshua 10:11-14](/joshua/10-11 "Joshua 10:11-14 - Divine Intervention in Battle")). After their defeat, the five kings fled and hid in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua's men trapped them there, and after the pursuit of the fleeing armies, the kings were brought out. Joshua then commanded his captains to place their feet on the kings' necks, a symbolic act of complete subjugation and victory ([Joshua 10:24-25](/joshua/10-24 "Joshua 10:24-25 - Subjugation of the Kings")), culminating in their execution and public display as described in verse 26.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of executing defeated enemies and publicly displaying their bodies was a common, albeit brutal, custom in the ancient Near East. Such displays served as powerful deterrents, demoralizing the remaining opposition and solidifying the conqueror's authority. However, Israel's actions were distinct in their adherence to specific Mosaic Law. The command to take down the bodies before evening ([Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Law Concerning Hung Bodies")) was unique, preventing the land from being defiled overnight and distinguishing Israel's practices from the more prolonged and extreme displays of other nations. The Canaanites, whose kings were executed, were known for their egregious idolatry, child sacrifice, and moral corruption, which had reached a point where divine judgment was mandated for the cleansing of the land and the preservation of Israel's holiness ([Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Abominations of the Land")).
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 10:26 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. It underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** against the persistent wickedness of the Canaanite nations, fulfilling God's promise to dispossess them due to their abominations ([Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - God's Judgment on Nations")). The passage also highlights **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, as He empowers Israel to conquer the land He swore to their ancestors ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Joshua's actions demonstrate **Obedience to God's Commands**, particularly the instructions regarding the *cherem* (devotion to destruction) against the Canaanites, ensuring the purity of Israel's worship and land ([Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy Canaanites")). Finally, the public display serves as a potent symbol of **Divine Victory and the Establishment of Israel's Authority**, signaling to all remaining inhabitants the futility of resisting the God of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** This verb signifies a forceful strike or blow, often resulting in injury or death. In the context of warfare, it frequently denotes a decisive defeat or a fatal blow. Here, it is used in conjunction with "slew," emphasizing the comprehensive and final nature of the judgment meted out to the kings.
* **Slew (Hebrew, _harag'_):** This word specifically means to kill or slay. Paired with "smote," it underscores the direct and intentional killing of the kings, indicating their execution rather than just being wounded. It highlights the definitive end of their reign and their lives.
* **Hanged (Hebrew, _talah'_):** This term means to hang or suspend. Crucially, in this context, it refers to the public display of the already executed bodies, not the method of execution itself. This was a common practice in the ancient world to humiliate the defeated and serve as a warning. The subsequent clause, "until the evening," directly references the Mosaic Law in [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Law of the Hanged Body"), which stipulated that a body hung on a tree must be taken down before nightfall to avoid defiling the land. This detail emphasizes Joshua's meticulous adherence to God's law even in the midst of conquest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them,"**: This clause describes the immediate action taken by Joshua following the symbolic act of his captains stepping on the kings' necks. "Smote" and "slew" are strong verbs indicating the direct and violent execution of the five kings. This was not a random act of brutality but a deliberate fulfillment of divine judgment against the leaders of the confederation that had resisted God's people and whose wickedness had reached its full measure.
* **"and hanged them on five trees:"**: After their execution, the bodies of the five kings were publicly displayed. The phrase "hanged them" (Hebrew _talah_) indicates that their bodies were suspended on trees, likely as a stark visual warning and a demonstration of complete victory and humiliation. This act was a common ancient Near Eastern practice to demoralize enemies and assert dominance, but for Israel, it carried the added theological weight of God's public judgment.
* **"and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening."**: This final clause is highly significant as it demonstrates Israel's strict adherence to the Law of Moses, specifically [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Law of the Hanged Body"). This law commanded that if a person was executed and displayed on a tree, their body must be taken down and buried before sunset. This was to prevent the land, which God had given to Israel, from being defiled overnight by the presence of a cursed body. This detail underscores Joshua's obedience and Israel's commitment to maintaining ritual purity even in the context of warfare and conquest.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 10:26 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. The act of hanging the kings on trees serves as potent **Symbolism**, representing the complete and utter defeat of the enemies of God and Israel. It is a visual declaration of divine judgment and the futility of resisting the Lord's chosen people. The number "five" (five kings, five trees) adds a layer of specific detail, emphasizing the totality of the victory over this particular confederation. Furthermore, the explicit mention of the bodies hanging "until the evening" is a crucial instance of **Allusion** to the Mosaic Law found in [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Law Regarding Hanging Bodies"). This detail highlights Joshua's unwavering **Obedience** to God's commands, even in the midst of the brutal realities of war, reinforcing the theme that Israel's conquest was not merely human aggression but a divinely ordained and regulated act. This adherence to the law also provides a subtle **Contrast** with the practices of surrounding nations, who might leave bodies exposed for much longer, underscoring Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and their commitment to His holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:26 stands as a stark testament to the severity of God's judgment against unrepentant sin and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. The execution and public display of the Amorite kings were not arbitrary acts of war but a divinely mandated cleansing of the land, which had been defiled by the abominable practices of its inhabitants. This event underscores the holiness of God and His intolerance for wickedness, while simultaneously affirming His faithfulness to Israel in granting them the promised land. It teaches that God's justice is absolute, and those who persistently oppose His will and corrupt His creation will ultimately face His righteous wrath.

* [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Law Concerning Bodies Hung on a Tree")
* [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - God's Judgment on Wicked Nations")
* [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the graphic nature of this passage can be challenging for modern readers, it offers profound spiritual insights when viewed through a theological lens. It compels us to grapple with the reality of God's justice and the consequences of unrepentant sin. For ancient Israel, this act was a powerful reminder of God's active presence in their battles and His commitment to establishing His people in the land. For believers today, it serves as a sober reminder that sin has real and grave consequences, and that God is ultimately sovereign over all earthly powers. It also calls us to consider our own spiritual battles, recognizing that just as God empowered Joshua to overcome physical enemies, He equips us to overcome spiritual strongholds and temptations through Christ. Our obedience, like Joshua's, is crucial in living out our faith and participating in God's ongoing work in the world. This passage encourages us to trust in God's power to deliver and to stand firm against the forces that oppose His kingdom, knowing that ultimate victory belongs to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's judgment in Joshua 10:26 shape your view of His character and holiness?**
* **In what ways might the "spiritual strongholds" in our lives today parallel the physical enemies Israel faced, and how can we apply the principles of God's victory?**
* **What does Joshua's meticulous obedience to the Mosaic Law, even in the context of warfare, teach us about the importance of adherence to God's Word in all circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why did Joshua "hang" the kings if they were already dead? Was this a form of execution or something else?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "hanged" (תָּלָה, _talah_) in this context refers to the public display of the bodies, not the method of execution itself. The kings were already "smote" and "slew" (killed) by Joshua. Publicly displaying the bodies of defeated enemies was a common practice in the ancient Near East, serving as a powerful visual deterrent and a symbol of complete victory and humiliation over the defeated. For Israel, it also served as a stark declaration of God's judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanite kings and their idolatrous practices. This act was deliberately carried out to demoralize the remaining Canaanite inhabitants and confirm Israel's divinely ordained authority over the land, while also adhering to the specific Mosaic Law of taking the bodies down before evening ([Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Law Regarding Bodies Hung on a Tree")).

**How can we reconcile the apparent brutality of this passage with God's loving character?**

Answer: Reconciling such passages requires understanding the historical and theological context. The Canaanites had reached a point of extreme moral depravity, including child sacrifice and widespread idolatry, which had "filled up their measure of iniquity" ([Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")). God's command for their dispossesssion and judgment was not arbitrary but a righteous response to profound evil, intended to cleanse the land and protect Israel from moral corruption. It demonstrates God's holiness and justice, which are as fundamental to His character as His love and mercy. While challenging to our modern sensibilities, this act underscores the severity of sin and God's unwavering commitment to righteousness, even when it involves severe judgment. It reminds us that God is not only a God of compassion but also a just judge who will not tolerate unrepentant wickedness indefinitely.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 10:26, with its depiction of kings hung on trees as a sign of judgment and victory, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. While the Old Testament scene portrays the physical defeat of earthly enemies and the display of their bodies, it subtly foreshadows the ultimate spiritual victory achieved by Christ on the cross. The tree, a symbol of curse and public display in Joshua's time ([Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Law of the Hanged Body")), becomes the very instrument of our salvation through Jesus. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law") declares that Christ "became a curse for us—for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.'" Thus, Jesus, the true King, was "hanged on a tree," not for His own sin, but to bear the curse of humanity's sin, conquering the spiritual enemies of sin, death, and the devil. His public display on the cross was not a sign of His defeat, but the ultimate demonstration of His triumph over all principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Just as Joshua's victory secured the land for Israel, Christ's victory on the tree secures eternal life and freedom for all who believe, ushering in a new kingdom where sin and death are ultimately vanquished, and the true Lamb of God is exalted ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Lifted Up")).

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

Joshua 8:29

And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, [that remaineth] unto this day.

Numbers 25:4

And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel.

2 Samuel 21:9

And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell [all] seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first [days], in the beginning of barley harvest.

Esther 2:23

And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

Deuteronomy 21:22

And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:

Deuteronomy 21:23

His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged [is] accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance.

1 Samuel 15:33

And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.