Joshua 10:30

Joshua 10:30 describes the conquest of Libnah by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership, emphasizing God's active role in delivering the city and its king into their hands. This verse is part of the larger narrative detailing Israel's southern campaign in the Promised Land, following their decisive victory at Gibeon.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of Joshua's victory over the five Amorite kings and the miraculous day when the sun stood still (Joshua 10:12-14). After dealing with the kings, Joshua and the Israelite army moved swiftly to conquer their cities. Libnah was one of the key cities in the southern region of Canaan, and its fall demonstrated the continued momentum of Israel's conquest. The campaign was not merely a military endeavor but a direct fulfillment of God's command to dispossess the inhabitants of the land due to their egregious wickedness.

Key Themes

• Divine Deliverance and Sovereignty: The opening phrase, "And the LORD delivered it also," unequivocally attributes the victory to God. This highlights the divine intervention and God's active role in Israel's victories, fulfilling His promises to judge the wickedness of the Amorites. It underscores that Israel's success was not by their strength alone, but by the power of the Almighty.
• The Doctrine of Cherem (Utter Destruction): The phrase "he smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that [were] therein; he let none remain in it" describes the practice of cherem. This practice, known as cherem in Hebrew, signified a complete devotion to destruction, a severe but specific judgment against the utterly corrupt Canaanite nations, as commanded by God in Deuteronomy 20:16-18. It was not indiscriminate slaughter but a holy war intended to purify the land and prevent the spread of idolatry and evil practices among the Israelites.
• Consistency of God's Judgment: The comparison, "but did unto the king thereof as he did unto the king of Jericho," emphasizes the consistent and unwavering nature of God's judgment and Israel's obedience. The comparison to the king of Jericho underscores a consistent pattern of judgment and obedience established early in the conquest.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "utterly destroyed" or "devoted to destruction" is cherem (חֵרֶם). While not explicitly stated in this verse, the actions described ("let none remain in it") directly reflect this concept. Cherem implies that something or someone is set apart for God, in this context, for destruction as an act of judgment against profound evil and idolatry. It signifies a complete separation from common use and a dedication to God's purposes, even if that purpose is judgment.

Practical Application

While the direct application of cherem is specific to the Old Testament conquest, several principles remain relevant for a general audience:

• God's Sovereignty in Battles: Believers can find comfort and strength in knowing that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even in the face of daunting challenges. He is the one who "delivers" and grants victory.
• The Seriousness of Sin: The severity of God's judgment on the Canaanites serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin and idolatry in God's eyes. It highlights God's justice and His intolerance for practices that corrupt humanity and defy His holiness.
• Obedience to God's Commands: Joshua's unwavering obedience, even in difficult commands, is a model for believers. It underscores the importance of trusting and following God's directives, even when they are challenging to understand from a human perspective.