Joshua 10:28

KJV

¶ And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that [were] therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.

KJV (with Strong's)

And that day {H3117} Joshua {H3091} took {H3920} Makkedah {H4719}, and smote {H5221} it with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}, and the king {H4428} thereof he utterly destroyed {H2763}, them, and all the souls {H5315} that were therein; he let {H7604} none remain {H8300}: and he did {H6213} to the king {H4428} of Makkedah {H4719} as he did {H6213} unto the king {H4428} of Jericho {H3405}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua captured Makkedah that day, defeating it and its king by the sword. He completely destroyed them, everyone there - he left no one; and he did to the king of Makkedah what he had done to the king of Yericho.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day Joshua captured Makkedah and put it to the sword, along with its king. He devoted to destruction everyone in the city, leaving no survivors. So he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho.

American Standard Version

And Joshua took Makkedah on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof: he utterly destroyed them and all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining; and he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done unto the king of Jericho.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:28 records the swift and decisive conquest of Makkedah by Joshua and the Israelite army, marking a critical early victory in the southern campaign in Canaan. This verse highlights the complete destruction of the city, its king, and all its inhabitants, leaving no survivors, in strict accordance with God's command for *herem* (devotion to destruction). It powerfully underscores Israel's obedience to divine instruction and the unfolding fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land and the judgment of its wicked inhabitants, mirroring the precedent set by the devastation of Jericho.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 10:28 immediately follows the dramatic account of the five Amorite kings' defeat and execution at Makkedah, where they had hidden in a cave after their rout by Israel (Joshua 10:16-27). This verse initiates a rapid series of conquests of southern Canaanite cities, including Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir, all described with similar language of complete destruction (Joshua 10:29-43). It demonstrates Joshua's unwavering commitment to executing God's commands for the land's cleansing, building on the precedent set by the fall of [Jericho](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") and [Ai](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Conquest of Ai"). The narrative emphasizes the speed and totality of the campaign, portraying it as a direct consequence of divine intervention and Israel's faithful obedience. The concise, repetitive nature of these conquest accounts reinforces the divine mandate and the thoroughness of its execution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan occurred in the Late Bronze Age (roughly 1550-1200 BC), a period characterized by city-states and regional conflicts. The Canaanite culture was deeply entrenched in idolatry, polytheism, and morally corrupt practices, including child sacrifice, cultic prostitution, and various abominations explicitly forbidden by God in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations")). The command for *herem* (utter destruction) was unique to this specific historical period and context, serving as divine judgment against the Canaanites' pervasive wickedness and as a prophylactic measure to prevent Israel from being corrupted by their practices (as warned in [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Warning Against Idolatry")). Makkedah, like other Canaanite cities, would have been a fortified center of this pagan culture, representing a spiritual and moral threat to the nascent nation of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader narrative of the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Holiness**, demonstrating God's righteous wrath against persistent sin and His commitment to cleansing a land defiled by wickedness, as foreshadowed in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - Abrahamic Covenant and Amorite Iniquity"). Secondly, it underscores **Unwavering Obedience** on the part of Joshua and Israel, who meticulously carried out the difficult and absolute commands of *herem*, leaving "none to remain." This obedience is contrasted with later failures in the book, emphasizing its importance for covenant faithfulness. Thirdly, the conquest of Makkedah contributes to the theme of **Covenant Fulfillment**, as God systematically delivers the promised land to Abraham's descendants, establishing Israel as His holy nation (cf. [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The comparison to Jericho also reinforces the theme of God's consistent method of conquest and judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Utterly destroyed (Hebrew, _châram'_):** This verb (H2763), often translated as "devote to destruction" or "put under the ban," signifies *herem*. It refers to something "made accursed" or "consecrated" to God, specifically for complete annihilation as an act of divine judgment. In the context of the Canaanite conquest, *herem* was not wanton cruelty but a divinely ordained act of judgment against extreme wickedness, serving to cleanse the land and prevent Israel's spiritual corruption. It implies a total, uncompromising dedication to God's justice and holiness.
* **Let none remain (Hebrew, _shâʼar'_):** The phrase "he let none remain" (from H7604, meaning "to leave," "to remain," or "to spare") underscores the absolute and uncompromising nature of the *herem* command. It emphasizes Joshua's meticulous obedience to God's instruction, ensuring no survivors who could perpetuate Canaanite idolatry or pose a future spiritual threat to Israel. This complete eradication highlights the severity of God's judgment and the thoroughness required in executing His divine will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword":** This clause immediately follows the execution of the five Amorite kings, indicating Joshua's swift and decisive action. "Took Makkedah" (H3920, _lâkad_) signifies its capture and occupation, while "smote it with the edge of the sword" (H5221, _nâkâh_, and H2719, _chereb_) describes the method of conquest and the initial phase of the *herem* operation, involving military force and execution. The phrase "that day" (H3117, _yôwm_) emphasizes the rapid succession of events and the relentless pace of the campaign.
* **"and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that [were] therein; he let none remain":** This part details the comprehensive nature of the destruction. The king of Makkedah (H4428, _melek_), his people ("them"), and "all the souls that were therein" (H5315, _nephesh_, referring to every living inhabitant) were subject to the *herem*. The repetition of "utterly destroyed" (H2763, _châram_) and the explicit declaration "he let none remain" (H7604, _shâʼar_, with H8300, _sârîyd_) underscore the totality and uncompromising nature of the divine command and Joshua's faithful execution of it.
* **"and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.":** This concluding clause serves as a powerful comparison and validation. By referencing Jericho (H3405, _Yᵉrîychôw_), the first major conquest (Joshua 6), it establishes a precedent and confirms that Makkedah's destruction was not an isolated incident but part of a consistent, divinely mandated pattern of conquest and judgment. It also implies the same level of thoroughness and adherence to God's specific instructions for the *herem*, reinforcing the theme of God's consistent justice.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 10:28 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is evident in the emphasis on the complete destruction, with phrases like "utterly destroyed" and "he let none remain" reinforcing the totality of the *herem* command and its execution. This repetition highlights the uncompromising nature of God's judgment and Israel's obedience. The verse also utilizes **Analogy** or **Comparison** by explicitly stating, "he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho." This comparison serves to link the current conquest to the foundational victory at Jericho, establishing a consistent pattern of divine judgment and Israelite obedience. It also functions as a form of **Intertextuality**, drawing on the reader's knowledge of the Jericho narrative to immediately convey the scale and nature of the Makkedah conquest. Furthermore, the swift, decisive action described ("that day Joshua took Makkedah") contributes to the narrative's sense of **Pace**, emphasizing the rapid and relentless nature of the southern campaign, driven by divine impetus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:28 stands as a stark testament to God's absolute holiness and His righteous judgment against sin. The *herem* command, though difficult for modern readers, reveals a God who will not tolerate pervasive evil indefinitely. It underscores the severity of Canaanite idolatry and moral depravity, which had reached a point where divine patience had ceased, and a radical cleansing was necessary to preserve the purity of His chosen people and the sanctity of the land. This act was not arbitrary but a fulfillment of ancient promises and warnings, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant and His unwavering commitment to justice. For Israel, it was a profound lesson in radical obedience, illustrating that God's commands, even the most challenging, must be followed completely and without compromise.

* [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "The Iniquity of the Amorites")
* [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Warnings Against Idolatry")
* [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24 "Land Vomits Out Inhabitants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal command for *herem* was unique to ancient Israel's conquest of Canaan, the spiritual principles embedded in Joshua 10:28 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to a radical commitment to God's holiness and a ruthless approach to sin in our own lives. Just as God commanded the complete eradication of Makkedah's wickedness, we are called to "utterly destroy" the idols of our hearts, the sinful habits, and the ungodly influences that seek to defile us and hinder our walk with God. This requires unwavering obedience, a willingness to confront and eliminate anything that stands contrary to God's will, leaving "none to remain" that would corrupt our spiritual purity. It reminds us that God is just and that sin, if unrepented, leads to destruction, but also that His commands, though sometimes challenging, are always for our ultimate good and the advancement of His kingdom. This spiritual warfare demands the same thoroughness and dedication shown by Joshua.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Makkedahs" (areas of sin, idolatry, or ungodly influence) in my life do I need to "utterly destroy" and "let none remain"?**
* **How does Joshua's unwavering obedience challenge my own willingness to follow God's commands, especially when they are difficult or counter-cultural?**
* **In what ways does this passage remind me of God's holiness and His just opposition to sin, and how should that shape my reverence for Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command such extreme destruction, including women and children, in the conquest of Canaan?**

Answer: The command for *herem* (utter destruction) in the Canaanite conquest, as seen in [Joshua 10:28](/joshua/10-28 "Joshua 10:28 - Conquest of Makkedah"), is one of the most challenging aspects of the Old Testament for modern readers. Theologically, it is understood as a unique act of divine judgment against civilizations whose wickedness had reached an intolerable level, as described in passages like [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites") and [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Land Vomits Out Inhabitants"). The Canaanites were deeply entrenched in practices abhorrent to God, including child sacrifice, cultic prostitution, and pervasive idolatry, which threatened to corrupt Israel's nascent faith and identity as God's chosen people (cf. [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Warning Against Idolatry")). The complete destruction, including all inhabitants, was seen as a radical surgical procedure to remove the cancerous evil from the land and prevent its spread, ensuring Israel's spiritual purity and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. This was a specific, time-bound command, not a general principle for warfare, and it served to illustrate God's absolute holiness and His severe opposition to sin, while also protecting the future spiritual integrity of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The conquest of Makkedah, with its complete destruction under *herem*, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a call for physical warfare, but in the spiritual battle waged by Christ and the radical cleansing He accomplishes. Just as Makkedah represented a stronghold of sin and idolatry requiring total eradication, so too does Christ confront and utterly destroy the power of sin, death, and the devil. He is the true Joshua (Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua), leading His people in a spiritual conquest. His first coming saw Him as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (cf. [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing from Sin")). His second coming, however, will reveal Him as the righteous Judge, who will "smite the nations with a sharp sword" and "tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty" (cf. [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Return as Judge")), utterly destroying all evil and rebellion, leaving "none to remain" who oppose His holy reign. Thus, the *herem* of Makkedah foreshadows the comprehensive victory of Christ over all spiritual enemies and the final, complete cleansing of creation from the presence of sin and evil.

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 6:21

And they utterly destroyed all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.

Deuteronomy 7:2

And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

Psalms 21:8

Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.

Psalms 21:9

Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.

1 Corinthians 15:25

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

Joshua 10:37

And they took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof, and all the souls that [were] therein; he left none remaining, according to all that he had done to Eglon; but destroyed it utterly, and all the souls that [were] therein.

Joshua 10:30

And the LORD delivered it also, and the king thereof, into the hand of Israel; and he smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that [were] therein; he let none remain in it; but did unto the king thereof as he did unto the king of Jericho.