Joshua 10:36

KJV

And Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with him, unto Hebron; and they fought against it:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} went up {H5927} from Eglon {H5700}, and all Israel {H3478} with him, unto Hebron {H2275}; and they fought {H3898} against it:

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua went up from 'Eglon, and all Isra'el with him, to Hevron; and they fought against it.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon to Hebron and fought against it.

American Standard Version

And Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with him, unto Hebron; and they fought against it:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:36 vividly captures a pivotal moment in Israel's conquest of Canaan, detailing the immediate and strategic advance of Joshua and the entire Israelite army from the recently captured city of Eglon towards the ancient and formidable stronghold of Hebron. This verse underscores the relentless momentum of the southern campaign, demonstrating Israel's unwavering obedience to God's command to dispossess the land's inhabitants and secure their promised inheritance through direct military engagement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 10:36 is situated within the broader narrative of Joshua's southern campaign, a rapid series of decisive victories following the miraculous Gibeon battle and the defeat of the five Amorite kings. The preceding verses (Joshua 10:34-35) describe the swift and complete destruction of Eglon, setting the stage for the immediate movement towards Hebron. This verse, therefore, marks a continuation of the systematic conquest, highlighting the strategic progression from one stronghold to the next. The narrative emphasizes the unbroken chain of divine empowerment and human obedience that characterizes this phase of the conquest, leading directly into the capture of Hebron in the subsequent verses (Joshua 10:37). The relentless pace of these campaigns underscores the divine urgency and the comprehensive nature of the promised land's reclamation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hebron, known anciently as Kirjath-Arba, was one of the oldest and most significant cities in Canaan, deeply rooted in Israel's patriarchal history as the burial place of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Cave of Machpelah ([Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Genesis 23:19 - Abraham Buries Sarah in Hebron")). Geographically, Hebron is situated in the rugged Judean highlands, making it a natural fortress and a key strategic point for controlling the southern region. Its elevation and natural defenses would have made its capture a formidable military undertaking, indicative of the strength of the Canaanite resistance. The rapid succession of battles—Eglon, then Hebron—reflects the common ancient Near Eastern military practice of pursuing a defeated enemy and consolidating gains by capturing allied strongholds before they could regroup. The mention of "all Israel with him" highlights the communal nature of warfare in ancient Israel, where the entire fighting force participated under a unified command, reflecting their covenant identity and shared mission.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Mandate and Obedience**, as Joshua's actions are a direct fulfillment of God's command to dispossess the Canaanites and take possession of the land ([Deuteronomy 7:2](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2 - God's Command to Dispossess the Canaanites")). The immediate advance from Eglon to Hebron demonstrates Israel's unwavering commitment to this divine directive. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Strategic Conquest and Divine Empowerment**, showcasing a methodical military strategy coupled with God's enabling presence. The movement to Hebron, a major stronghold, signifies the strategic importance of securing the southern highlands, a task made possible by God's ongoing assistance, as evidenced throughout [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Southern Campaign"). Lastly, the phrase "all Israel with him" reinforces the theme of **Unity and Corporate Identity**, emphasizing that the conquest was a unified effort of the tribes under Joshua's leadership, essential for the success of such large-scale operations and a testament to their collective identity as God's covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Went up (Hebrew, _ʿālāh_):** The verb עָלָה (_ʿālāh_) literally means "to go up," "ascend," or "climb." This term is geographically precise here, as Hebron is located at a significantly higher elevation than Eglon, requiring an ascent. Beyond its literal meaning, _ʿālāh_ often carries theological or metaphorical weight in the Old Testament, sometimes signifying a pilgrimage (e.g., "going up" to Jerusalem), an offering (sacrifices "going up" in smoke), or progress in a divine mission. In this context, it subtly implies not just a physical climb but also a purposeful and divinely sanctioned advancement in the conquest, a step forward in taking possession of the promised land.
* **Fought (Hebrew, _lāḥam_):** The verb לָחַם (_lāḥam_) means "to fight," "wage war," or "do battle." It is a common term for military engagement. Its use here, immediately following the description of their arrival, emphasizes the direct and immediate nature of the conflict. There was no hesitation or delay; upon reaching Hebron, the battle commenced. This highlights the relentless and decisive character of Joshua's campaign, underscoring the reality that the promised land was not simply given but had to be taken through arduous and often bloody conflict, a testament to the divine command to utterly dispossess the inhabitants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua went up from Eglon":** This clause establishes the immediate geographical movement and the leadership of Joshua. Having just secured Eglon (Joshua 10:34-35), Joshua wastes no time, demonstrating his strategic acumen and unwavering resolve. The "going up" signifies the ascent into the higher terrain of the Judean hills, where Hebron is located, indicating a challenging but necessary phase of the campaign.
* **"and all Israel with him":** This phrase is crucial, emphasizing the corporate nature of the conquest. It highlights the unity of the Israelite tribes under Joshua's command, signifying that this was not a skirmish by a vanguard but a full-scale military operation involving the entire fighting force. This collective participation underscores the national and covenantal implications of the conquest, as the entire people of Israel were engaged in fulfilling God's promise.
* **"unto Hebron":** This specifies the next major target. Hebron was a city of immense historical and strategic importance, known for its ancient lineage and its formidable defensive position. Its inclusion in the itinerary demonstrates the methodical and comprehensive nature of Joshua's campaign to secure the southern highlands, targeting key strongholds that posed a threat to Israel's control.
* **"and they fought against it":** This final, concise clause immediately declares the commencement of hostilities. It conveys the direct and unhesitating engagement upon arrival. There is no mention of siege or negotiation, only immediate battle. This brevity reflects the swift and decisive nature of the conquest, indicating that Israel, empowered by God, was prepared to confront and overcome any resistance in their path to possessing the land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Narrative Progression**, as the verse seamlessly continues the rapid, almost breathless, account of the southern campaign. The conjunction "And" at the beginning of the verse links it directly to the preceding events, maintaining a sense of continuous action and relentless momentum. This creates a feeling of inevitability and divine purpose behind Israel's advance. There is also an element of **Conciseness** and **Directness** in the language; the actions are stated simply and plainly ("went up," "fought"), without elaborate description, which enhances the sense of urgency and the straightforward fulfillment of God's commands. The geographical movement from Eglon to Hebron also serves as a form of **Geographical Symbolism**, representing the systematic and comprehensive nature of the conquest, moving from one conquered territory to the next, progressively securing the promised inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:36 stands as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, specifically the promise of the land of Canaan. The relentless advance of Joshua and "all Israel" from Eglon to Hebron is not merely a military maneuver but a divinely orchestrated act of dispossession, demonstrating God's sovereign power working through His obedient people. This verse underscores the principle that divine promises often require human action and perseverance; while God grants the land, Israel must actively "fight against it" to take possession. The unity of "all Israel" in this endeavor highlights the corporate nature of God's covenant with His people, where the success of the nation depends on their collective obedience and participation in His purposes. This ongoing conquest also foreshadows the ultimate spiritual battle believers face, where divine power enables them to overcome formidable obstacles in their journey of faith.

* [Deuteronomy 9:5](/deuteronomy/9-5 "Deuteronomy 9:5 - Not for Your Righteousness")
* [Numbers 33:53](/numbers/33-53 "Numbers 33:53 - Dispossess the Inhabitants")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - The Lord Gave Them Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 10:36 offers profound insights for contemporary believers regarding perseverance, unified action, and trusting in God's leading even when facing daunting challenges. Just as Israel, after one victory at Eglon, immediately pressed on to the next formidable stronghold in Hebron, so too are believers called to continuous spiritual growth and engagement. We cannot rest on past successes but must remain vigilant and active in our faith journey, recognizing that new challenges and "strongholds" will inevitably arise. The phrase "all Israel with him" reminds us of the power and necessity of corporate unity in the body of Christ. Our spiritual battles are often not meant to be fought in isolation but require the collective strength, prayer, and support of the community. This verse encourages us to embrace a mindset of immediate and decisive action against spiritual obstacles, trusting that God, who has given us the victory in Christ, will empower us to "fight against" and overcome every spiritual resistance as we walk in obedience to His commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life are you called to "go up" to a new challenge after a recent victory, rather than resting on past accomplishments?**
* **How does the unity of "all Israel" in this verse challenge or encourage your participation in the corporate life and mission of your faith community?**
* **What "Hebrons"—formidable spiritual strongholds or persistent challenges—are you facing, and what does Joshua's immediate "fight against it" teach you about confronting them?**
* **In what ways does this verse remind you that God's promises often require your active and obedient participation for their fulfillment?**

### FAQ
**Why was Hebron such a significant target for Joshua?**

Answer: Hebron was a profoundly significant target for several reasons, encompassing historical, strategic, and symbolic importance. Historically, it was deeply connected to the patriarchs of Israel, serving as the burial place for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Cave of Machpelah ([Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Genesis 23:19 - Abraham Buries Sarah in Hebron")). This made its capture a powerful symbolic act of reclaiming the ancestral land. Strategically, Hebron was one of the oldest and most fortified cities in Canaan, situated in the high Judean mountains. Its control was crucial for dominating the southern highlands and securing key trade routes and agricultural lands. Militarily, taking Hebron, a stronghold of the Anakim (giants), demonstrated Israel's ability to overcome even the most formidable resistance, further solidifying their control over the promised land as commanded by God ([Deuteronomy 9:2](/deuteronomy/9-2 "Deuteronomy 9:2 - A People Greater and Taller Than You")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 10:36 describes a physical conquest of a literal land, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual conquest and inheritance offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua led Israel to "go up" and fight for their promised inheritance, Christ, our greater Joshua, leads His people into a spiritual inheritance that transcends earthly boundaries. The "Hebron" of our lives—the strongholds of sin, death, and spiritual opposition—are not to be fought in our own strength but are overcome through the decisive victory already secured by Christ on the cross. The "rest" that Israel sought in the land ultimately points to the eternal rest and peace found in Christ ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest")). Furthermore, "all Israel with him" foreshadows the unified body of believers, the Church, who are called to follow Christ's leadership in spiritual warfare, not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")). Our mission is to take possession not of a geographical territory, but of the spiritual blessings and freedom won for us by the Lamb of God, who disarmed the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing Over Them")). Thus, Joshua's campaign serves as a powerful type, pointing to Christ's definitive victory over all the enemies of God's people and His ongoing work of leading us into our full spiritual inheritance.

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

Judges 1:10

And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron: (now the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.

Joshua 15:13

¶ And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, [even] the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron.

Joshua 14:13

And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.

Joshua 14:14

Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.

Numbers 13:22

And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, [were]. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)

2 Samuel 15:9

And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.

2 Samuel 15:10

But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.