Joshua 10:29

KJV

Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Joshua {H3091} passed {H5674} from Makkedah {H4719}, and all Israel {H3478} with him, unto Libnah {H3841}, and fought {H3898} against Libnah {H3841}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua went on from Makkedah, and all Isra'el with him, to Livnah; and he fought against Livnah.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Makkedah to Libnah and fought against Libnah.

American Standard Version

And Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:29 meticulously records a pivotal and rapid strategic maneuver in Israel's conquest of Canaan, detailing Joshua's immediate passage from the recently subdued city of Makkedah to the fortified stronghold of Libnah. This verse powerfully underscores the relentless, systematic, and divinely-driven nature of the southern campaign, demonstrating Israel's unwavering commitment to fulfilling God's explicit command to dispossess the Canaanites and possess the Promised Land. It sets the stage for the subsequent phase of the conquest, highlighting the swift progression of divine judgment and the ongoing fulfillment of ancient covenant promises through decisive military action under Joshua's leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 10:29 is situated within the dramatic and intense narrative of Israel's southern campaign, immediately following the decisive and comprehensive victory at Makkedah. The preceding verses, particularly [Joshua 10:28](/joshua/10-28 "Joshua 10:28 - Capture and Destruction of Makkedah"), describe the complete destruction of Makkedah, the execution of its king, and the fulfillment of the "holy war" directives (herem) against the Canaanite inhabitants. This verse, therefore, signifies not a pause or period of rest, but a rapid, unceasing progression of the Israelite army. The phrase "passed from Makkedah...unto Libnah" establishes a clear geographical and military sequence, indicating that the momentum of the conquest was maintained without delay. This systematic movement from one stronghold to the next is part of a larger, divinely orchestrated strategy to subdue the land and eliminate its idolatrous inhabitants, showcasing Joshua's unwavering obedience to God's commands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan occurred during the Late Bronze Age (c. 1550-1200 BC), a period characterized by a landscape of independent city-states, each typically fortified and controlling surrounding agricultural lands. Libnah, like Makkedah, was undoubtedly a fortified Canaanite city, strategically located in the Shephelah, the low hills that served as a crucial buffer zone between the central highlands and the coastal plain. Its capture was essential for securing the southern flank of the Israelite advance, preventing any potential counter-offensives, and ensuring a contiguous Israelite presence. The swift military action described in the verse reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of "total war" in conquest narratives, often involving the complete destruction of enemy cities and populations. In the biblical context, this is presented as an act of divine judgment against the profound wickedness and idolatry of the Canaanite inhabitants, as explicitly commanded in passages like [Deuteronomy 9:5](/deuteronomy/9-5 "Deuteronomy 9:5 - Reason for Dispossession of Nations"). The unified movement of "all Israel with him" highlights the tribal confederation's collective participation and corporate responsibility in this divinely mandated mission.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully exemplifies the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Fulfillment**. God had solemnly promised Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan as an eternal possession ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abram")), and Joshua's actions here are a direct, tangible fulfillment of that ancient promise. Secondly, the relentless progression from Makkedah to Libnah underscores the theme of **Obedience and Perseverance** in the face of a formidable and divinely appointed task. Joshua's immediate movement without rest demonstrates unwavering commitment to God's commands, setting a crucial pattern for the entire conquest narrative and illustrating the necessity of sustained faithfulness. Thirdly, the phrase "and all Israel with him" reinforces the theme of **Unity and Corporate Action** under divine leadership, emphasizing that the conquest was a national endeavor, not merely a personal campaign of Joshua. This collective participation highlights the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Finally, it subtly points to the theme of **God's Presence and Empowerment in Battle**, as the success of these rapid, successive victories is implicitly attributed to divine assistance, echoing the miraculous interventions seen earlier in [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Day the Sun Stood Still").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Passed (Hebrew, _ʻâbar_):** This primitive root verb (H5674) signifies "to cross over" or "to go through," but is used very widely to denote any transition, whether literal or figurative. In this military context, it conveys a deliberate and purposeful advance, emphasizing not merely relocation but the continuation of a divinely ordained mission. The choice of this verb highlights the unceasing momentum of the Israelite campaign, suggesting that the army was actively progressing through the land to fulfill its mandate, rather than pausing or retreating.
* **Libnah (Hebrew, _Libnâh_):** This proper noun (H3841) refers to a specific Canaanite city, whose name means "whiteness," possibly alluding to its limestone quarries or the white soil in the area. Its explicit mention here is crucial as it identifies the next strategic target in the southern campaign. The systematic naming of each city conquered (Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, Debir) underscores the methodical and comprehensive nature of the Israelite conquest, indicating that no stronghold was to be left unchallenged.
* **Fought (Hebrew, _lâcham_):** This common primitive root verb (H3898) means "to feed on," "to consume," and by implication, "to battle" or "to wage war" (as destruction). Its straightforward use here indicates direct, immediate military engagement rather than a prolonged siege or negotiation. It emphasizes the decisive and aggressive nature of the confrontation with Libnah, consistent with the pattern of "holy war" where the Israelites were commanded to utterly destroy the inhabitants of the land, leaving no room for compromise or prolonged conflict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Joshua passed from Makkedah":** This opening clause establishes immediate temporal and spatial continuity, linking this action directly to the preceding events at Makkedah. The use of "Then" (וַיַּעֲבֹר, _wayyaʿăbōr_, "and he passed") indicates no pause or rest after the significant victory and destruction there. This swift transition highlights Joshua's unwavering focus and the relentless pace of the divine commission, demonstrating his obedience and commitment to the ongoing conquest.
* **"and all Israel with him":** This crucial phrase emphasizes the corporate and national nature of the conquest. It was not merely Joshua's personal military endeavor or the action of a select fighting force, but a unified effort of the entire Israelite community, acting in obedience to God's command. This collective participation underscores the covenantal responsibility of the nation to possess the land promised by God, signifying a unified purpose under divine leadership.
* **"unto Libnah":** This specifies the next strategic objective in the campaign. Libnah was a key fortified city located in the Shephelah, and its capture was vital for consolidating control over the southern region and securing the Israelite flank. The naming of specific cities throughout the conquest narrative demonstrates the methodical and comprehensive nature of the campaign, systematically eliminating Canaanite strongholds one by one.
* **"and fought against Libnah":** This final clause states the immediate action taken upon arrival. "Fought" indicates direct military engagement, signaling the commencement of the assault on the city without delay. It reinforces the theme of active, aggressive fulfillment of the divine mandate to dispossess the Canaanites, leaving no city unconquered and demonstrating the unwavering resolve of the Israelite army under God's command.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Joshua 10:29 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message effectively and underscore the nature of the conquest. The most prominent is **Narrative Pace**, which is remarkably swift and unyielding. The immediate transition from "passed from Makkedah...unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah" creates an undeniable sense of continuous, unstoppable momentum. This rapid progression underscores the divine urgency behind the campaign and the unwavering obedience of Joshua and Israel, reflecting a conquest driven by supernatural power and divine imperative rather than conventional military logistics. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Formulaic Language** or **Repetition** in the conquest accounts. The pattern of "passed from X...unto Y, and fought against Y" is a recurring literary device throughout Joshua's campaigns (e.g., [Joshua 10:31](/joshua/10-31 "Joshua 10:31 - From Libnah to Lachish"), [Joshua 10:34](/joshua/10-34 "Joshua 10:34 - From Lachish to Eglon")), which serves to emphasize the systematic and comprehensive nature of the conquest, highlighting the methodical fulfillment of God's promise through a series of decisive, divinely-empowered actions. This consistent structure also reinforces the theme of **Divine Mandate**, portraying each battle as a necessary and preordained step in God's larger plan for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:29, while describing a military maneuver, is profoundly embedded in the theological framework of the Old Testament. It powerfully illustrates God's active and sovereign involvement in human history, specifically in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel. The relentless progression of the conquest, moving swiftly from one city to the next, signifies God's unwavering faithfulness to give His people the land He swore to their ancestors. It also highlights the concept of divine judgment, as the Canaanites were dispossessed due to their profound wickedness and idolatry, making Israel the instrument of God's righteous wrath against a morally corrupt culture. The unity of "all Israel" in this endeavor underscores the corporate nature of God's covenant with His people, where obedience and action are collective responsibilities, reflecting a nation acting in concert with divine purpose. This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical record of ancient warfare but a powerful testament to God's sovereign power, His absolute commitment to His word, and the necessity of His people's obedient participation in His grand redemptive plan.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1-2 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Destroy Nations")
* [Numbers 33:50-53](/numbers/33-50-53 "Numbers 33:50-53 - Command to Drive Out Inhabitants")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - God's Hand in Victory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 10:29, though set in a context of ancient warfare and divine judgment, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. The relentless progression from Makkedah to Libnah, without pause or complacency after a significant victory, serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian walk. Our spiritual journey is not a series of isolated events or a destination to be reached and then rested upon, but a continuous pilgrimage requiring sustained effort, unwavering obedience, and persistent faith. Just as Joshua pressed on, we are called to persevere in our faith, to resist spiritual apathy, and to continue pursuing God's will even after experiencing breakthroughs or successes. This verse reminds us that spiritual battles require continuous engagement and a refusal to settle for partial victories or to become complacent in our discipleship. It challenges us to maintain a forward momentum in our walk with Christ, knowing that God equips and empowers us for every step of the journey, just as He did for Joshua and Israel. Our obedience, like theirs, should be immediate and comprehensive, trusting that God's promises will be fulfilled as we walk in His ways and press on toward the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your spiritual journey might you be tempted to rest on past victories or achievements instead of pressing forward in obedience to God's ongoing call?**
* **How does the unity of "all Israel with him" challenge your understanding of corporate responsibility and the importance of community in pursuing God's mission?**
* **What "Libnahs"—new challenges, next steps, or areas for growth—is God calling you to confront immediately after a season of blessing or spiritual breakthrough?**
* **In what specific ways can you cultivate a more "relentless" and immediate obedience to God's commands and promptings in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**What was the strategic importance of Libnah in the conquest of Canaan?**

Answer: Libnah was a fortified city located in the Shephelah, a strategically vital region of low hills that served as a crucial buffer zone between the coastal plain and the central highlands of Canaan. Its capture was critical for several reasons. Firstly, it allowed Israel to consolidate control over the southern territories, preventing any potential counter-attacks from the remaining Canaanite city-states and securing the flanks of the Israelite army. Secondly, securing cities like Libnah was essential for establishing a secure line of communication and supply for the Israelite army as they pushed deeper into the land. Its fall, along with Makkedah, Lachish, and Eglon, effectively dismantled the southern Canaanite resistance, paving the way for the conquest of the highlands, including key cities like Hebron and Debir, as detailed in [Joshua 10:36-39](/joshua/10-36-39 "Joshua 10:36-39 - Capture of Hebron and Debir").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 10:29 describes a historical military campaign, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper spiritual meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose name (Y'hoshua) is a variant of Jesus (Yeshua), serves as a profound type of Christ—a divinely appointed leader who leads God's people into their promised inheritance. Just as Joshua led Israel in a physical conquest to secure a temporal land, Jesus leads His people, the church, in a spiritual conquest to secure an eternal inheritance. The relentless progression from Makkedah to Libnah, without pause or hesitation, powerfully foreshadows Christ's decisive and unceasing victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. His work on the cross was a comprehensive and final triumph, not a partial one, disarming principalities and powers as affirmed in passages like [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). Furthermore, the unity of "all Israel with him" points to the corporate nature of salvation in Christ, where believers are united with Him in His victory and participate in His ongoing mission to establish His spiritual kingdom. Christ, the true Lamb of God, did not merely fight against earthly enemies; He conquered not just a land but the very dominion of evil, ushering in a new covenant and a spiritual inheritance far greater than any earthly territory, as described in [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ"). Thus, Joshua's conquest serves as a shadow, pointing to the complete and eternal victory achieved by our great Captain and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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 21:13

Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,

Joshua 15:42

Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,

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.

Joshua 8:2

And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.

Jeremiah 52:1

¶ Zedekiah [was] one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

Joshua 12:15

The king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;

Numbers 33:20

And they departed from Rimmonparez, and pitched in Libnah.