Joshua 10:35

KJV

And they took it on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that [were] therein he utterly destroyed that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they took {H3920} it on that day {H3117}, and smote {H5221} it with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}, and all the souls {H5315} that were therein he utterly destroyed {H2763} that day {H3117}, according to all that he had done {H6213} to Lachish {H3923}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They captured it that very day. He defeated it with the sword, completely destroying everyone there, exactly as he had done to Lakhish.

Berean Standard Bible

That day they captured Eglon and put it to the sword, and Joshua devoted to destruction everyone in the city, just as he had done to Lachish.

American Standard Version

and they took it on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword; and all the souls that were therein he utterly destroyed that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:35 marks the decisive capture and systematic destruction of Eglon by the Israelite forces under Joshua's command. This act, mirroring the earlier conquest of Lachish, underscores Israel's unwavering obedience to God's specific instructions for the *ḥerem* (utter destruction) of the Canaanite inhabitants. It serves as a powerful testament to divine judgment against persistent wickedness and the unfolding fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the inheritance of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 10 details the southern campaign, initiated by the Gibeonite deception and the subsequent coalition of five Amorite kings against Gibeon. God intervenes miraculously with hailstones and a prolonged day, granting Israel a decisive victory. Following this, Joshua systematically conquers key cities in the southern lowlands. Verse 35 specifically describes the fall of Eglon, immediately after the capture of Lachish (vv. 31-32) and preceding the conquest of Hebron (vv. 36-37) and Debir (vv. 38-39). This rapid succession of victories highlights the momentum of the Israelite advance and their relentless execution of God's command for *ḥerem*.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Canaanite cities were fortified strongholds, often organized as city-states, each with its own king. Their religious practices involved polytheism, fertility cults, and abhorrent rituals like child sacrifice, which the biblical text identifies as the "iniquity of the Amorites" reaching its full measure ([Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")). The concept of *ḥerem* (utter destruction) was unique to Israel's conquest, distinguishing it from typical ancient Near Eastern warfare. It was not mere plunder but a theological act of cleansing the land and executing divine judgment, preventing Israel from being corrupted by the pagan practices of the inhabitants. The geography of the Shephelah (lowlands) where Eglon and Lachish were located was strategically important, controlling access routes.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 10:35 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Joshua. Firstly, it showcases **Divine Obedience**, as Israel meticulously follows God's command to utterly destroy the inhabitants, demonstrating their commitment to the covenant. Secondly, it underscores **God's Judgment** against the pervasive wickedness of the Canaanite nations, illustrating His holiness and justice that cannot tolerate persistent sin. This judgment is not arbitrary but a long-foretold consequence of their depravity, as seen in the delayed judgment mentioned in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites"). Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **Covenant Fulfillment**, as the systematic conquest and securing of the land directly fulfill God's ancient promises to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")) and the subsequent generations, establishing Israel in their promised inheritance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nākāh'_):** This verb signifies a decisive strike, often with lethal intent. In the context of warfare, it denotes a powerful blow leading to defeat or killing. Here, it emphasizes the direct, forceful action taken by the Israelites in battle, leading to the complete subjugation of Eglon.
* **Utterly destroyed (Hebrew, _ḥāram'_):** This is a crucial theological term, denoting devotion to destruction, often in the context of a holy war or something "set apart" for God, typically for His judgment. It implies a complete and irreversible annihilation, leaving no survivors and often no spoils, as a consecration to God. This act was not for personal gain but as an execution of divine judgment against the Canaanites, purifying the land for Israel. It distinguished Israel's conquest from typical ancient Near Eastern warfare, marking it as a unique act of divine retribution and purification of the land.
* **Souls (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** While often translated as "soul," _nephesh_ here refers to the living beings, the entire population of the city. The phrase "all the souls that were therein" emphasizes the totality of the destruction, leaving no one alive. This reinforces the comprehensive nature of the *ḥerem* command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they took it on that day":** This refers to the city of Eglon, indicating its capture was swift and decisive, occurring on the same day as the battle or siege concluded. It highlights the efficiency and divine enablement of Israel's military campaign.
* **"and smote it with the edge of the sword":** This describes the method of conquest, emphasizing the direct, violent engagement of the Israelite army in hand-to-hand combat. "Edge of the sword" signifies lethal force and complete military victory.
* **"and all the souls that [were] therein he utterly destroyed that day":** This clause details the *ḥerem* command in action. "All the souls" confirms the total annihilation of the inhabitants, leaving no survivors. The repetition of "that day" reinforces the immediacy and thoroughness of the judgment. "He utterly destroyed" attributes the action to Joshua, acting as God's agent.
* **"according to all that he had done to Lachish":** This comparative phrase provides a benchmark for the severity and totality of Eglon's destruction. It indicates a consistent pattern of obedience to the *ḥerem* command across different cities, reinforcing the systematic nature of the conquest and Israel's adherence to God's instructions.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 10:35 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the phrase "that day" appearing twice, emphasizing the swift and decisive nature of the conquest and destruction. This repetition underscores the immediacy of God's judgment and Israel's efficient execution of His will. **Hyperbole** might be perceived in "all the souls... he utterly destroyed," though in the context of *ḥerem*, it signifies a comprehensive, divinely mandated eradication rather than an exaggeration. The phrase "edge of the sword" is a **Metonymy**, where the instrument (sword) stands for the act of warfare and killing itself. Finally, the comparison "according to all that he had done to Lachish" serves as a **Simile** (or a form of **Analogy**), drawing a direct parallel between the two conquests to highlight the consistent and thorough application of the *ḥerem* command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:35 is a stark reminder of God's absolute holiness and His uncompromising justice against sin. The *ḥerem* command, executed at Eglon, was not an act of wanton cruelty but a unique, divinely ordained judgment against nations whose wickedness had reached its full measure, preventing their corrupting influence from defiling Israel and the Promised Land. This historical event underscores that while God is patient and merciful, His patience has limits, and persistent rebellion against His moral order will ultimately incur His righteous wrath. It also highlights the critical importance of obedience to God's specific commands for His people, even when those commands are difficult to comprehend or execute from a human perspective.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy Canaanites")
* [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Abominations of the Land")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific commands of the Canaanite conquest are unique to that historical period and not directly applicable to Christians today, Joshua 10:35 offers enduring spiritual lessons. It calls us to reflect on the gravity of sin and the holiness of God, who is just and will ultimately judge all unrighteousness. For believers, the call to "utterly destroy" translates into a spiritual warfare against the sin within us and the evil influences around us. We are to put to death the "deeds of the body" through the power of the Holy Spirit, ruthlessly rooting out idolatry, immorality, and all forms of spiritual compromise from our lives. This requires radical obedience to God's Word, a commitment to holiness, and a recognition that our spiritual inheritance in Christ demands a separation from the world's corrupting influences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the thoroughness of God's judgment in Joshua 10:35 shape your understanding of His holiness and justice?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be called to "utterly destroy" sinful habits or attitudes that hinder your walk with God?**
* **How does Israel's obedience to a difficult command challenge your own willingness to obey God's Word, even when it's challenging?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command such extreme destruction (ḥerem) in the conquest of Canaan?**

Answer: The command for *ḥerem* (utter destruction) was a unique, divinely ordained judgment against the Canaanite nations whose moral depravity, including child sacrifice, idolatry, and sexual perversions, had reached a point where their "iniquity was complete" ([Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")). It served several purposes: to execute God's righteous judgment, to prevent the spiritual corruption of Israel through intermarriage and adoption of pagan practices ([Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy Canaanites")), and to demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over the land He was giving to His people. This was not a general command for all warfare but a specific, historical act of divine purification.

**Does this passage imply that physical warfare is a model for Christian evangelism or spiritual growth today?**

Answer: No, this passage does not imply that physical warfare is a model for Christian evangelism or spiritual growth today. The Canaanite conquest was a unique historical event with a specific redemptive-historical purpose, distinct from the New Testament's call for spiritual warfare. While Christians are called to engage in spiritual warfare, it is against "the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")), not against people. Our weapons are spiritual—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God ([Ephesians 6:13-17](/ephesians/6-13 "Ephesians 6:13-17 - The Armor of God")). The "destruction" we are called to is of sinful desires and worldly ideologies within ourselves and through the proclamation of the gospel, not physical violence.

**How does Joshua's obedience here relate to God's character of love and mercy?**

Answer: While the destruction described in Joshua 10:35 appears severe, it must be understood within the broader context of God's character, which includes both love and justice. God's mercy was extended to the Canaanites for centuries, but their persistent rebellion and abominable practices led to a point of no return. This act of judgment, though harsh, demonstrates God's commitment to holiness and His determination to protect His covenant people from corruption. It foreshadows the ultimate judgment of sin, which is also an act of justice from a holy God. Furthermore, God's love is ultimately revealed in His provision of a way of salvation through Christ, which addresses the root problem of human sin that necessitated such judgments in the first place ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 10:35, with its stark depiction of divine judgment and complete destruction, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in physical conquest, but in the spiritual victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose name is a Hebrew form of Jesus, foreshadows the true Captain of our salvation. Just as Joshua led Israel to conquer the Promised Land and "utterly destroy" its wicked inhabitants, so Christ, through His death and resurrection, has conquered the spiritual enemies of sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The *ḥerem* of Eglon, a localized judgment on specific wickedness, points forward to the universal judgment that Christ will execute at His second coming, where all unrighteousness will be utterly destroyed and cast out of His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Furthermore, the call for Israel to purify the land by removing evil finds its echo in the New Covenant's call for believers to "put to death" the sinful deeds of the body by the Spirit ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Life Through the Spirit")) and to live lives of holiness, anticipating the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Christ is the one who ultimately cleanses and establishes His people in their eternal inheritance, a land free from the stain of sin.

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

Leviticus 26:44

And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I [am] the LORD their God.

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.

Job 19:10

He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree.