Joshua 10:38

KJV

And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and fought against it:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} returned {H7725}, and all Israel {H3478} with him, to Debir {H1688}; and fought {H3898} against it:

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua turned back, and all Isra'el with him, to D'vir and fought against it.

Berean Standard Bible

Finally Joshua and all Israel with him turned toward Debir and fought against it.

American Standard Version

And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir, and fought against it:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:38 precisely chronicles a crucial phase in Israel's southern campaign, detailing Joshua's strategic repositioning with the entire Israelite army to Debir, a formidable Canaanite stronghold situated in the hill country of Judah. This verse signifies the ongoing and thorough execution of the divinely ordained conquest, emphasizing the systematic dismantling of Canaanite resistance and the unwavering obedience of Joshua and the nation of Israel in possessing the Promised Land according to God's covenant commands. It highlights the relentless and methodical nature of the campaign, ensuring that no significant pockets of enemy power remained to threaten the nascent Israelite settlement or compromise their future inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 10:38 is strategically placed within the latter half of Joshua's extensive southern campaign, which commenced with the decisive victory over the coalition of five Amorite kings at Gibeon and their subsequent pursuit and execution at Makkedah ([Joshua 10:1-27](/joshua/10-1-27 "Joshua 10:1-27 - Victory over the Amorite Kings")). Following this pivotal engagement, the narrative records a rapid succession of conquests: Makkedah ([Joshua 10:28](/joshua/10-28 "Joshua 10:28 - Conquest of Makkedah")), Libnah ([Joshua 10:29-30](/joshua/10-29-30 "Joshua 10:29-30 - Conquest of Libnah")), Lachish ([Joshua 10:31-32](/joshua/10-31-32 "Joshua 10:31-32 - Conquest of Lachish")), Eglon ([Joshua 10:34-35](/joshua/10-34-35 "Joshua 10:34-35 - Conquest of Eglon")), and Hebron ([Joshua 10:36-37](/joshua/10-36-37 "Joshua 10:36-37 - Conquest of Hebron")). The phrase "Joshua returned" suggests a deliberate and strategic repositioning after the capture of Hebron, indicating a methodical approach to clearing out remaining strongholds rather than a linear, unchecked advance. The very next verse, [Joshua 10:39](/joshua/10-39 "Joshua 10:39 - Conquest of Debir Completed"), immediately describes the successful capture and utter destruction of Debir, completing the account of this specific engagement and contributing to the broader theme of total conquest and the fulfillment of God's promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Debir, also known by its older names Kiriath-sepher ("city of book/scribe") or Kiriath-sannah ("city of palm branch"), was a significant Canaanite city located in the rugged hill country of Judah, southwest of Hebron. Its alternative names suggest it may have been a center of learning, administration, or possibly even a cultic site, indicating its strategic and cultural importance. Historically, this region was inhabited by the Anakim, a formidable people known for their great stature, whom the Israelite spies had previously feared (Numbers 13:33). The conquest of such a stronghold, especially one associated with the Anakim, served as a powerful demonstration of God's power over seemingly insurmountable foes and Israel's unwavering commitment to dispossessing all inhabitants as commanded by God. This divine mandate was rooted in the pervasive idolatry, child sacrifice, and other abominable practices prevalent among the Canaanites, which had filled the measure of their iniquity, making them ripe for divine judgment ([Deuteronomy 9:5](/deuteronomy/9-5 "Deuteronomy 9:5 - Not for Your Righteousness"); [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse, nestled within the larger narrative of [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Southern Campaign"), powerfully reinforces several key themes central to the book of Joshua and Israel's covenant relationship with God. Firstly, it highlights **Obedience and Fulfillment**, as Joshua's actions, along with "all Israel with him," directly align with God's repeated commands to conquer and possess the land ([Joshua 1:3-9](/joshua/1-3-9 "Joshua 1:3-9 - God's Charge to Joshua")). This systematic approach demonstrates Israel's commitment to the covenant and God's faithfulness in enabling their success. Secondly, the phrase "fought against it" underscores the **Thoroughness of Conquest**. Israel did not leave pockets of resistance but methodically subdued each city, ensuring the complete disinheritance of the Canaanites, reflecting God's desire for a clean break from the pagan practices of the land and a secure inheritance for His people. Finally, the entire campaign, including the assault on Debir, serves as an act of **Divine Judgment** against the Canaanite nations, whose wickedness had reached its zenith, making them ripe for divine retribution. This judgment was not arbitrary but a just response to centuries of moral corruption, as foreshadowed in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Returned (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This verb (H7725) signifies a turning back, a strategic re-engagement, or a reversal of direction. In the context of Joshua's campaign, it implies a deliberate movement back to a previously bypassed or unconquered target. It highlights the methodical and thorough nature of the conquest—Joshua was not simply moving forward but ensuring that all significant strongholds were dealt with, leaving no unconquered territory behind. This reflects a commitment to completing the task God had set before them with precision and diligence.
* **Debir (Hebrew, _Dᵉbîyr'_):** This proper noun (H1688) refers to a specific Canaanite city, also known as Kiriath-sepher. Its inclusion emphasizes the concrete, geographical reality of the conquest and the specific, divinely appointed targets. The conquest of Debir was not a random skirmish but a strategic objective, crucial for securing the southern hill country and eliminating a significant center of Canaanite power and culture.
* **Fought (Hebrew, _lâcham'_):** This primitive root (H3898) means "to feed on," "to consume," and by implication, "to battle" or "to wage war." In this context, it describes the direct military engagement. The simplicity of the phrase underscores the physical and often brutal reality of ancient warfare. The use of this verb conveys the decisive and forceful action required to overcome the city's defenses and its inhabitants, signifying a full-scale assault rather than a mere skirmish.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua returned":** This clause indicates a deliberate change in direction or a strategic maneuver by Joshua. After a series of rapid conquests moving generally southward, Joshua makes a conscious decision to re-engage with Debir, suggesting its strategic importance or perhaps that it was bypassed initially in favor of more immediate threats. This highlights Joshua's leadership, his tactical planning, and his commitment to thoroughness in the campaign.
* **"and all Israel with him":** This phrase emphasizes the unity, collective effort, and corporate obedience of the entire Israelite army. It signifies that the conquest was not merely Joshua's personal endeavor but a national undertaking, a corporate act of the nation acting in obedience to God's command. This collective participation underscores the national scope of the divine judgment and the fulfillment of the covenant promise.
* **"to Debir":** This specifies the target city. Debir was a significant Canaanite stronghold, likely well-fortified and perhaps a center of the Anakim. Its conquest was crucial for securing the southern hill country and eliminating a potential threat to Israel's future settlement. The explicit naming of the city highlights its importance in the overall campaign and the precision of God's directives.
* **"and fought against it":** This final clause describes the immediate action taken upon arrival. It signifies the commencement of military operations—a direct assault or siege. This phrase encapsulates the core activity of the conquest, emphasizing the direct engagement and the physical effort required to subdue the city and its inhabitants, fulfilling the divine mandate of dispossessing the Canaanites.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle yet effective **literary devices**. The **conciseness** of the statement itself, following a rapid succession of more detailed conquests, creates a sense of relentless **narrative progression** and methodical **thoroughness**. The repetition of the structural pattern "and Joshua... to [city]; and fought against it" (seen in previous verses like [Joshua 10:29](/joshua/10-29 "Joshua 10:29 - Conquest of Libnah") and [Joshua 10:31](/joshua/10-31 "Joshua 10:31 - Conquest of Lachish")) establishes a **rhythmic cadence** that underscores the systematic and comprehensive nature of the conquest. Furthermore, the inclusion of "all Israel with him" serves as a **synecdoche**, where the part (the army) represents the whole (the nation), emphasizing the corporate nature of their obedience and the divine mandate. The stark, action-oriented language ("returned," "fought") provides a sense of **directness** and **immediacy**, drawing the reader into the unfolding events of the conquest and highlighting the decisive nature of God's work through His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:38, by detailing the methodical conquest of Debir, serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel, particularly the promise of the land (Genesis 12:7; Deuteronomy 1:8). It also profoundly illustrates the principle of divine judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanite nations, whose depravity had reached a point where God's righteous wrath was poured out through the instrument of Israel. The thoroughness of the conquest, exemplified by Joshua's return to clear out every stronghold, underscores the necessity of complete obedience to God's commands, even when they are arduous or seem to require revisiting difficult tasks. This systematic cleansing of the land was essential for establishing a holy nation free from the corrupting influences of paganism, setting the stage for Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh and demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1-2 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Destroy Canaanites")
* [Numbers 33:50-56](/numbers/33-50-56 "Numbers 33:50-56 - Command to Drive Out Inhabitants")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - God's Hand in Victory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical conquest of nations is unique to ancient Israel's historical context and not a model for believers today, the principles embedded in Joshua 10:38 offer profound lessons for our spiritual lives. Joshua's "return" to Debir after other conquests speaks to the spiritual persistence required to address lingering areas of sin, spiritual strongholds, or resistance in our own lives. Just as Israel could not leave pockets of Canaanite strongholds to fester, we cannot afford to leave unaddressed areas of disobedience, unconfessed sin, or unyielded desires in our hearts. The call to "fight against it" becomes a metaphor for our ongoing spiritual warfare against temptation, the flesh, and the schemes of the enemy. This verse encourages us to be thorough in our pursuit of holiness, to revisit and conquer those spiritual "Debirs" that hinder our walk with God, and to press on until God's will is fully accomplished in every facet of our lives. Our obedience, like Joshua's, should be unwavering and complete, trusting that God will grant us victory as we align with His purposes and rely on His strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Debirs" or lingering areas of spiritual resistance do I need to "return" to and "fight against" in my own life, trusting God for victory?**
* **How does Joshua's thoroughness in conquest challenge me to be more diligent and comprehensive in my pursuit of holiness and obedience to God's Word?**
* **In what ways am I called to engage in "spiritual warfare" today, and what does it mean to do so with "all Israel"—that is, in community with other believers, drawing strength from our shared faith?**

### FAQ
**Was Debir a particularly difficult city to conquer, or was its conquest routine?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly state that Debir was *uniquely* difficult compared to other cities, its mention after a series of rapid conquests, and the fact that Joshua "returned" to it, strongly suggests it was a significant stronghold that required a deliberate and focused effort. Historically, Debir (also known as Kiriath-sepher, or "city of book/scribe") was a notable city, possibly a center of learning, administration, or even a cultic center, and located in the rugged hill country, making it naturally defensible. Furthermore, the region was associated with the Anakim ([Joshua 11:21](/joshua/11-21 "Joshua 11:21 - Destruction of the Anakim")), a people known for their imposing stature and formidable presence, which would have made any engagement with them challenging. The methodical nature of Joshua's campaign, ensuring no major strongholds were left unconquered, indicates that Debir was an important strategic target that required a direct and thorough military engagement to secure the southern territory completely and fulfill the divine mandate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 10:38, like the entire conquest narrative, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose name is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus, serves as a powerful type of the greater Deliverer and Conqueror. Just as Joshua led Israel into the physical promised land, battling and dispossessing the enemies of God, Jesus leads His people into the spiritual promised land of salvation and eternal life, conquering the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the devil. The thoroughness of Joshua's conquest of Debir foreshadows Christ's complete and decisive victory over all the powers of darkness. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus "returned" to the stronghold of death and "fought against it," utterly disarming principalities and powers and triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). His victory is not partial but absolute, establishing His eternal kingdom and securing the inheritance for all who believe ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Believers, united with Christ, are called to participate in this spiritual conquest, not through physical warfare, but by putting on the full armor of God and standing firm against the schemes of the devil ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Full Armor of God")), knowing that our ultimate victory is already secured in the triumphant work of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 15:15

And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before [was] Kirjathsepher.

Joshua 21:15

And Holon with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs,

Judges 1:11

And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before [was] Kirjathsepher:

Judges 1:15

And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.

Joshua 15:49

And Dannah, and Kirjathsannah, which [is] Debir,

Joshua 12:13

The king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one;