Joshua 10:27

KJV

And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, [that] Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid, and laid great stones in the cave's mouth, [which remain] until this very day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass at the time {H6256} of the going down {H935} of the sun {H8121}, that Joshua {H3091} commanded {H6680}, and they took them down {H3381} off the trees {H6086}, and cast {H7993} them into the cave {H4631} wherein they had been hid {H2244}, and laid {H7760} great {H1419} stones {H68} in the cave's {H4631} mouth {H6310}, which remain until this very {H6106} day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At sunset Y'hoshua gave an order, and they lowered them from the trees and threw them into the cave where they had hidden themselves, then laid big stones at the mouth of the cave; and there they remain to this day.

Berean Standard Bible

At sunset Joshua ordered that they be taken down from the trees and thrown into the cave in which they had hidden. Then large stones were placed against the mouth of the cave, and the stones are there to this day.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had hidden themselves, and laid great stones on the mouth of the cave, unto this very day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:27 concludes a pivotal day in Israel's conquest of Canaan, detailing Joshua's immediate obedience to Mosaic Law by commanding the removal of the five Amorite kings' bodies from the trees at sunset. These kings, who had sought refuge in a cave, were subsequently cast back into that very cave, which was then sealed with large stones, serving as a lasting monument to God's decisive judgment and Israel's triumph.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 10:27 serves as the concluding act of a dramatic narrative arc within the book of Joshua, specifically following the decisive victory over the southern coalition of Amorite kings. The preceding verses [Joshua 10:1-26](/joshua/10-1 "Joshua 10:1-26 - The Defeat of the Southern Kings") recount the miraculous intervention of God, who fought for Israel by sending hailstones and famously causing the sun and moon to stand still, enabling a prolonged pursuit and slaughter of the enemy. After the capture of the five kings who had hidden in the cave at Makkedah [Joshua 10:16](/joshua/10-16 "Joshua 10:16 - The Kings Hide in the Cave"), Joshua publicly humiliated and executed them, hanging their bodies on trees as a stark warning and a display of divine justice. Verse 27, therefore, marks the transition from the public display of judgment to the proper, law-abiding disposal of the bodies, ensuring compliance with the Mosaic covenant before the day's end.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Joshua 10 unfold during Israel's initial campaigns to conquer the land of Canaan, a period marked by intense military conflict and the implementation of God's judgment against the idolatrous and morally corrupt Canaanite nations. The practice of hanging executed individuals on trees was a common ancient Near Eastern method of public display, signifying extreme disgrace and a curse. However, Mosaic Law, specifically articulated in [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Law Concerning Hanged Bodies"), explicitly forbade leaving a body on a tree overnight, as it was considered a defilement of the land and a sign of divine curse. Joshua's strict adherence to this command, even amidst the chaos and triumph of battle, underscores the paramount importance of covenant obedience in ancient Israelite society, reflecting their unique relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Joshua. Foremost is the theme of **Obedience to Mosaic Law**, as Joshua's precise timing for the removal of the bodies directly fulfills the command in [Deuteronomy 21](/deuteronomy/21 "Deuteronomy 21 - Various Laws"). This highlights Israel's commitment to God's covenant even in the heat of conquest. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Justice and Judgment**, demonstrating the finality of God's wrath against the wicked Canaanite kings. Their initial refuge in the cave becoming their permanent tomb symbolizes the inescapable nature of God's judgment, a recurring motif throughout the conquest narrative (e.g., [Joshua 6:21](/joshua/6-21 "Joshua 6:21 - Destruction of Jericho")). Finally, the phrase "which remain until this very day" serves as a **Narrative Marker of Historical Authenticity**, a common biblical idiom that affirms the enduring truth and verifiable nature of the events for subsequent generations, emphasizing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel regarding the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"going down of the sun" (Hebrew, _bo' haššemeš'_):** This phrase literally means "the coming in of the sun" or "the setting of the sun." It denotes the precise moment of sunset, which marked the end of one day and the beginning of the next in the Israelite calendar. The specificity of this timing is crucial, directly referencing the Mosaic command in [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - Law Concerning Hanged Bodies") that a body hanged on a tree must be buried before nightfall, lest the land be defiled. This detail highlights Joshua's meticulous obedience to God's law, even in the aftermath of a major military victory.
* **"trees" (Hebrew, _'ets'_):** In this context, "trees" refer to the wooden poles or stakes upon which the bodies of the executed kings were hung. Hanging on a tree was a public display of extreme disgrace and a sign of being cursed by God, as explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - Law Concerning Hanged Bodies"). The removal of the bodies from the trees before nightfall was essential to avoid defiling the land and to acknowledge the sacredness of the promised land, even when dealing with the executed enemies of God.
* **"great stones" (Hebrew, _'ăbānîm gĕdōlōt'_):** This phrase emphasizes the substantial size and weight of the stones used to seal the cave's mouth. These were not mere pebbles but large, heavy rocks, signifying a permanent and irreversible sealing. The use of "great stones" underscores the finality of the kings' defeat and burial, transforming their initial hiding place into an inescapable tomb. This physical act serves as a powerful symbol of the absolute triumph of God's judgment over His enemies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun,"**: This opening clause establishes the precise temporal setting for the actions that follow. It emphasizes the critical moment of sunset, which was mandated by Mosaic Law as the deadline for removing executed bodies from public display. This detail immediately signals Joshua's adherence to the divine command, even amidst the logistical demands of a major military campaign.
* **"[that] Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees,"**: This phrase highlights Joshua's direct leadership and the immediate execution of his orders by the Israelite army. The act of "taking them down" refers to the removal of the bodies of the five Amorite kings, who had been publicly displayed on trees as a sign of their defeat and God's judgment. This action was in direct compliance with the law found in [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Law Concerning Hanged Bodies"), which prohibited leaving a hanged body overnight.
* **"and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid,"**: This clause describes the specific manner and location of the bodies' disposal. The kings were not given a formal burial but were "cast" (a forceful action implying disrespect and finality) into the very cave where they had initially sought refuge from Joshua's army [Joshua 10:16](/joshua/10-16 "Joshua 10:16 - The Kings Hide in the Cave"). This act carries profound symbolic weight, transforming their attempted sanctuary into their permanent tomb, underscoring the inescapable nature of God's judgment.
* **"and laid great stones in the cave's mouth,"**: This action signifies the complete and irreversible sealing of the cave. The "great stones" denote a substantial and permanent barrier, ensuring that the bodies would remain undisturbed and the judgment against the kings would be final. This physical act serves as a powerful visual testament to the absolute defeat of the enemies of Israel and their God.
* **"[which remain] until this very day."**: This concluding phrase is a common narrative marker in biblical texts, affirming the historical authenticity and lasting impact of the event. It suggests that the sealed cave served as a tangible landmark or memorial for generations to come, providing verifiable evidence of God's decisive victory and the fulfillment of His promises. It bridges the past event with the present reality of the original audience, reinforcing the truthfulness of the account.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 10:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is prominent, as the cave that initially served as a desperate refuge for the five kings (their attempt to escape judgment) ultimately becomes their permanent tomb. This reversal of fortune powerfully underscores the futility of resisting God's will and the inescapable nature of His judgment. The act of "casting" the bodies into the cave, rather than a respectful burial, also contributes to the sense of **Degradation** and finality for the defeated kings. The phrase "great stones" functions as **Symbolism**, representing the absolute and irreversible nature of divine judgment and the sealing of the kings' fate. Finally, the concluding phrase, "which remain until this very day," is a classic **Narrative Marker** or **Aetiological Note**. This device serves to affirm the historical veracity of the account for the original audience, pointing to a tangible, enduring physical sign of the event, thereby reinforcing the truth and lasting impact of God's actions in history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:27 profoundly illustrates the intersection of divine judgment and human obedience within the covenant framework. It highlights that even in the aftermath of a miraculous victory, God's people are called to meticulous adherence to His revealed will. The swift and public disposal of the kings' bodies, in accordance with the Deuteronomic law, underscores the holiness required of Israel and the land God had given them. This act was not merely a practical clean-up but a theological statement: God's judgment is absolute, and His people must reflect His holiness in all their actions, even those concerning their defeated enemies. The sealed cave serves as a permanent testimony to God's triumph over evil and the finality of His justice against those who oppose His purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Law Concerning Hanged Bodies")
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalm/9-16 "The Lord is known by His justice")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin is Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 10:27, while rooted in a specific historical context of ancient warfare and divine judgment, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that obedience to God's commands is not optional, even when circumstances are challenging or when we feel justified in our actions. Joshua's immediate compliance with the law regarding the hanged bodies, despite the day's exhaustion and triumph, exemplifies a deep reverence for God's word and a commitment to holiness. For us, this translates into a call to align our lives with biblical truth, recognizing that God's ways are always just and good, even when they seem counter-cultural or inconvenient. The finality of the kings' judgment also serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, prompting us to embrace His grace and walk in His righteousness. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign power to defeat evil and to live as His obedient people, reflecting His character in all we do.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to compromise on God's commands, especially when you feel justified or victorious?**
* **How does Joshua's immediate obedience, even in the midst of a demanding situation, challenge your own commitment to God's word?**
* **What does the finality of the judgment against the Amorite kings teach you about the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's justice?**

### FAQ

**Why was it so important to take the bodies down before sunset?**

Answer: The command to take down the bodies before sunset was a direct adherence to Mosaic Law, specifically [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Law Concerning Hanged Bodies"). This law stipulated that a body hanged on a tree must not remain overnight, as it was considered a "curse of God" and would defile the land. The land of Canaan was viewed as holy, a gift from God to His covenant people, and maintaining its purity was paramount. Joshua's immediate action demonstrated Israel's commitment to covenant obedience and their understanding that even in victory, God's holiness must be upheld.

**What is the significance of casting the bodies back into the cave and sealing it with great stones?**

Answer: This act carries significant symbolic weight. The cave was where the kings initially hid, seeking refuge from Joshua's army [Joshua 10:16](/joshua/10-16 "Joshua 10:16 - The Kings Hide in the Cave"). By casting their bodies back into this same cave and sealing it with "great stones," their attempted sanctuary became their permanent tomb. This powerfully symbolizes the inescapable and final nature of God's judgment against His enemies. It signifies absolute defeat and the triumph of God's justice, turning their hiding place into a lasting monument to their downfall.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 10:27 describes a specific act of judgment and obedience under the Old Covenant, it points forward to the ultimate triumph and fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The finality of the judgment against the kings, sealed by great stones, foreshadows the decisive victory of Christ over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Just as the cave became a permanent tomb for God's enemies, so too did the grave attempt to hold our Savior. However, the "great stones" sealing Christ's tomb were rolled away, signifying His resurrection and ultimate triumph over death itself [Matthew 28:2](/matthew/28-2 "Matthew 28:2 - The Angel Rolls Away the Stone"). The curse associated with being "hanged on a tree" [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - Law Concerning Hanged Bodies") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who "became a curse for us" on the cross, redeeming us from the curse of the law [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law"). Thus, the judgment enacted by Joshua prefigures the greater, redemptive judgment of Christ, who, by His sacrifice, not only defeated the enemies of God but also provided a way for humanity to escape the ultimate judgment and find eternal life in Him [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World").

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.

Joshua 7:26

And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.

2 Samuel 18:17

And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

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.

Joshua 4:9

And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.