Joshua 10:27

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Joshua 10:27 brings to a close a day of monumental victory and divine judgment for Israel. The preceding verses detail the miraculous defeat of a coalition of five Amorite kings who had attacked Gibeon, a key moment in the conquest of Canaan. After the Lord intervened with hailstones and the sun stood still, Joshua's army pursued and captured these kings, who had initially hidden in a cave (Joshua 10:16). As a public display of their defeat and God's power, Joshua had them executed and their bodies hung on trees. This verse describes the necessary action taken at the end of the day to comply with Mosaic Law regarding the disposal of bodies.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to Mosaic Law: The specific instruction to take down the bodies "at the time of the going down of the sun" highlights Joshua's strict adherence to God's commandments. According to Deuteronomy 21:22-23, a body that had been hanged must not remain overnight on the tree, as it was considered a curse. This detail underscores Israel's commitment to divine law even in the midst of military triumph.
  • Divine Justice and Finality: The act of casting the kings' bodies back into the very cave where they had sought refuge, and then sealing it with "great stones," serves as a powerful symbol of the finality of God's judgment against the wicked Canaanite nations. Their hiding place became their tomb, signifying absolute defeat and the triumph of God's people.
  • Historical Authenticity: The phrase "which remain until this very day" is a common biblical idiom used by the author to affirm the lasting impact and verifiable nature of the events described. It suggests that the sealed cave served as a tangible historical marker, providing evidence for subsequent generations of the decisive victory and God's justice.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "at the time of the going down of the sun" (Hebrew: kΔ•'Δ“th bō' haΕ‘Ε‘emeΕ‘) precisely denotes the onset of evening. This specific timing is crucial, emphasizing the immediate compliance with the legal requirement to remove the bodies before nightfall. The detail is not merely descriptive but carries theological weight, showcasing Israel's commitment to holiness and obedience to God's covenant, even in the aftermath of a brutal battle.

Practical Application

Joshua 10:27, while detailing a specific historical event of judgment, offers enduring lessons on the importance of living in obedience to God's revealed will. Joshua's leadership exemplifies the principle that even when executing God's justice or experiencing great victory, the people of God must operate within His established boundaries and laws. For contemporary believers, this can be understood as a call to align our actions with biblical principles, recognizing that God's justice is perfect and His commands are for our ultimate good. It also serves as a reminder that God's ultimate triumph over evil is assured, and His truth will prevail, leaving lasting testimonies of His power and faithfulness.

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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.
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