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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Joshua 10:28–43. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We are here informed how Joshua improved the late glorious victory he had obtained and the advantages he had gained by it, and to do this well is a general's praise.
I.Here is a particular account of the several cities which he immediately made himself master of.
1.The cities of three of the kings whom he had conquered in the field he went and took possession of, Lachish (Jos 10:31, Jos 10:32), Eglon (Jos 10:34, Jos 10:35), and Hebron, Jos 10:36, Jos 10:37. The other two, Jerusalem and Jarmuth, were not taken at this time; perhaps his forces were either so much fatigued with what they had done or so well content with what they had got that they had no mind to attack those places, and so they let slip the fairest opportunity they could ever expect of reducing them with ease, which afterwards was not done without difficulty, Jdg 1:8; Sa2 5:6.
2.Three other cities, and royal cities too, he took: Makkedah, into the neighbourhood of which the five kings had fled, which brought Joshua and his forces thither in pursuit of them, and so hastened its ruin (Jos 10:28), Libnah (Jos 10:29, Jos 10:30), and Debir, Jos 10:38, Jos 10:39.
3.One king that brought in his forces for the relief of Lachish, that had lost its king, proved to meddle to his own hurt; it was Horam king of Gezer, who, either in friendship to his neighbours or for his own security, offered to stop the progress of Joshua's arms, and was cut off with all his forces, Jos 10:33. Thus wicked men are often snared in their counsels, and, by opposing God in the way of his judgments, bring them the sooner on their own heads.
II.A general account of the country which was hereby reduced and brought into Israel's hands (Jos 10:40-42), that part of the land of Canaan of which they first got possession, which lay south of Jerusalem, and afterwards fell, for the most part, to the lot of the tribe of Judah. Observe in this narrative,
1.The great speed Joshua made in taking these cities, which, some think, is intimated in the manner of relating it, which is quick and concise. He flew like lightning from place to place; and though they all stood it out to the last extremity, and none of these cities opened their gates to him, yet in a little time he got them all into his hands, summoned them, and seized them, the same day (Jos 10:28), or in two days, Jos 10:32. Now that they were struck with fear, by the defeat of their armies and the death of their kings, Joshua prudently followed his blow. See what a great deal of work may be done in a little time, if we will but be busy and improve our opportunities.
2.The great severity Joshua used towards those he conquered. He gave no quarter to man, woman, nor child, put to the sword all the souls (Jos 10:28, Jos 10:30, Jos 10:32, Jos 10:35, etc.), utterly destroyed all that breathed (Jos 10:40), and left none remaining. Nothing could justify this military execution but that herein they did as the Lord God of Israel commanded (Jos 10:40), which was sufficient not only to bear them out, and save them for the imputation of cruelty, but to sanctify what they did, and make it an acceptable piece of service to his justice. God would hereby,
(1.)Manifest his hatred of the idolatries and other abominations which the Canaanites had been guilty of, and leave us to judge how great the provocation was which they had given him by the greatness of the destruction which was brought upon them when the measure of their iniquity was full.
(2.)He would hereby magnify his love to his people Israel, in giving so many men for them, and people for their life, Isa 43:4. When the heathen are to be cast out to make room for this vine (Psa 80:8) divine justice appears more prodigal than ever of human blood, that the Israelites might find themselves for ever obliged to spend their lives to the glory of that God who had sacrificed so many of the lives of his creatures to their interest.
(3.)Hereby was typified the final and eternal destruction of all the impenitent implacable enemies of the Lord Jesus, who, having slighted the riches of his grace, must for ever feel the weight of his wrath, and shall have judgment without mercy. Nations that forget God shall be turned into hell, and no reproach at all to God's infinite goodness.
3.The great success of this expedition. The spoil of these cities was now divided among the men of war that plundered them; and the cities themselves, with the land about them, were shortly to be divided among the tribes, for the Lord fought for Israel, Jos 10:42. They could not have gotten the victory if God had not undertaken the battle; then we conquer when God fights for us; and, if he be for us, who can be against us?
Historical interpretation
Fifteen Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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I myself think it is better that the Israelite wars be understood in this way, and it is better that Jesus [Joshua] is thought to fight in this way and to destroy cities and overthrow kingdoms. For in this manner what is said will also appear more devout and more merciful, when he is said to have so subverted and devastated individual cities that "nothing that breathed was left in them, neither any who might be saved nor any who might escape."Would that the Lord might thus cast out and extinguish all former evils from the souls who believe in him—even those he claims for his kingdom—and from my own soul, its own evils; so that nothing of a malicious inclination may continue to breathe in me, nothing of wrath; so that no disposition of desire for any evil may be preserved in me, and no wicked word "may remain to escape" from my mouth. For thus, purged from all former evils and under the leadership of Jesus, I can be included among the cities of the sons of Israel, concerning which it is written, "The cities of Judah will be raised up and they will dwell in them."
Likewise, it is especially the work of the Word of God to pull down the diabolical structures that the devil has built in the human soul. For, in everyone of us, that one raised up towers of pride and walls of self-exaltation. The Word of God overthrows and undermines these, so that justly, according to the apostle, we are made "the cultivation of God and the building of God," "set upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself the chief cornerstone, from whom the uniting of the edifice grows into a temple of God in the spirit." And thus at last we may be entitled to be included in the inheritance of the holy land, in the Israelite portion. Then our enemies will be abolished and destroyed so "that none of them remains who may breathe in us," but only the spirit of Christ breathes in us, through works and words and spiritual understanding, according to the teaching of Christ Jesus our Lord, "to whom is the strength and the power forever and ever. Amen!"
Any remains therein, but slew: God ordered these people to be utterly destroyed, in punishment of their manifold abomination; and that they might not draw the Israelites into the like sins.
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Summary
Joshua 10:40 provides a sweeping summation of Joshua's comprehensive and successful military campaigns across the diverse geographical regions of southern Canaan, encompassing the hill country, the Negev, the Shephelah, and areas abundant with springs. This verse powerfully underscores the absolute thoroughness of the Israelite conquest, detailing how Joshua and his forces meticulously eradicated all inhabitants and their kings, leaving no survivor, in strict and unwavering obedience to the explicit command of the LORD God of Israel. It stands as a profound testament to the fulfillment of divine judgment and the progressive realization of God's covenantal promises to His people.
Context
Literary Context
Joshua 10:40 functions as a pivotal summary statement, bringing to a climactic close the detailed accounts of Israel's military engagements in southern Canaan. The preceding narrative meticulously chronicles the formation of a formidable coalition of five Amorite kings, who launched an attack against Gibeon, Israel's covenant ally. This aggression prompted Joshua's swift and divinely empowered intervention, famously culminating in the miraculous event where the sun stood still, ensuring a decisive victory over the Amorite forces, as recounted in Joshua 10:12-14. Following this initial triumph, the text systematically details Joshua's subsequent conquest of numerous strategic cities throughout the south, including Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir, as described in Joshua 10:28-39. Verse 40 then synthesizes these individual victories into a singular, overarching declaration of complete conquest and the meticulous execution of the divine mandate across the entirety of the southern territory.
Historical & Cultural Context
The severe command to "utterly destroy" (Hebrew: cherem) the Canaanite inhabitants must be rigorously understood within its precise historical, theological, and moral framework. The Canaanite cultures were notoriously characterized by pervasive idolatry, abhorrent practices such as child sacrifice, cultic prostitution, and other profound moral depravities, which God had patiently endured for centuries, as indicated in Genesis 15:16. Israel, in this unique instance, was not acting out of arbitrary cruelty or imperialistic ambition, but rather as a direct instrument of divine judgment against a people whose wickedness had reached its full and intolerable measure. The cherem command was a unique, time-bound directive specific to this period of conquest, primarily serving to prevent the spiritual and moral contamination of Israel by the deeply entrenched Canaanite religious and moral practices. This drastic measure was crucial for preserving the purity and distinctiveness of God's covenant people and safeguarding the holiness of the Promised Land, as expressly commanded in Deuteronomy 7:1-6. This was a singular, divinely ordained act of holy war, fundamentally distinct from general warfare, essential for establishing a land where God could dwell in holiness among His people.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes that resonate throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is Divine Command and Obedience, highlighting Joshua's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous adherence in executing God's explicit and severe instructions to cleanse the land. This profound obedience underscores Israel's unique role as an agent of God's righteous Divine Judgment against the pervasive sinfulness and moral corruption of the Canaanite nations. The concept of Utter Destruction (Cherem) is central, signifying a complete devotion of the enemy to God, often through destruction, to prevent spiritual contamination and demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over the land and its inhabitants. Finally, the successful and comprehensive conquest detailed here represents a monumental step in the Fulfillment of God's Covenant Promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, particularly the solemn promise of the land of Canaan as an eternal inheritance for their descendants, as vividly outlined in Genesis 15:18-21.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, frequently rendered as "struck," "hit," or "attacked," here conveys a profound connotation of decisive military defeat, a crushing and overwhelming blow resulting in the complete destruction of the enemy. It emphatically underscores the active, forceful, and relentless nature of Joshua's campaign, indicating not mere skirmishes but comprehensive and devastating victories that left no doubt about the outcome.
This is the verbal form of cherem, meaning "to devote to destruction," "to put under the ban," or "to utterly destroy." It signifies a complete and irreversible separation of something for God, often by dedicating it for destruction because it is anathema, or utterly detestable, to Him. In this specific context, it implies the complete eradication of the Canaanite population to prevent their deeply entrenched idolatrous practices and moral depravity from corrupting the nascent nation of Israel, precisely as commanded by God. It was a unique, divinely ordained act of judgment, distinct from an act of wanton cruelty.
This crucial word highlights the divine origin, absolute authority, and non-negotiable nature behind Joshua's actions. It unequivocally underscores that the conquest was not a self-initiated land grab driven by human ambition or conquest, but a direct, explicit, and non-negotiable directive from the LORD God of Israel Himself. This emphasizes Israel's role as a faithful instrument of God's sovereign will and provides the ultimate theological justification for the severity and thoroughness of the cherem.
Verse Breakdown
"So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs"
This opening clause provides a precise geographical summary of the extensive scope of the southern campaign. "The hills" refers to the central hill country of Judah, a rugged and strategic region; "the south" (Hebrew: negeb) denotes the arid, semi-desert southern district; "the vale" (Hebrew: shephelah) indicates the fertile lowlands situated between the central hill country and the coastal plain; and "the springs" points to areas rich in vital water sources, which were strategically important for sustaining life and settlement. This comprehensive geographical enumeration emphasizes that no significant region in the south was left unconquered, vividly illustrating the thoroughness and strategic brilliance of the campaign.
"and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed"
This segment meticulously details the profound extent of the destruction. Not only were the territories themselves conquered, but their rulers ("all their kings") were decisively defeated, and their populations were annihilated. The stark phrase "left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed" unequivocally underscores the cherem command, indicating a complete and total eradication of life as commanded by God. This was a specific, unique, and severe judgment against the Canaanite peoples, executed without reservation.
"as the LORD God of Israel commanded"
This concluding phrase serves as the ultimate theological justification and supreme authority for all the actions described in the verse. It unequivocally states that Joshua's actions were neither arbitrary nor cruel, but rather a direct, faithful, and complete execution of God's explicit and sovereign instructions. This highlights the overarching theme of obedience to divine mandate and God's absolute sovereignty over the land and its inhabitants, firmly positioning Israel as a responsive instrument of divine will.
Literary Devices
Joshua 10:40 skillfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and decisive message. The verse functions primarily as a Summary Statement, providing a concise yet comprehensive overview of the extensive southern campaign detailed in the preceding chapters. This acts as a concluding flourish, powerfully emphasizing the completeness and finality of the conquest. There is also a clear element of Geographical Enumeration, as the verse meticulously lists distinct regions ("hills," "south," "vale," "springs"). This detailed listing serves to underscore the vast territorial scope and the thoroughness of Joshua's military operations, leaving no doubt about the extent of the victory. Furthermore, the striking phrase "utterly destroyed all that breathed" employs Hyperbole, a common and accepted literary feature in ancient Near Eastern conquest accounts. While the text emphasizes complete destruction, it is understood within the conventions of ancient historiography to convey the decisive nature of the victory and the full intent of the cherem command. Archaeological evidence and later biblical narratives (e.g., Judges 1) suggest that pockets of Canaanites did, in fact, remain. This hyperbole, therefore, serves to powerfully communicate that the Israelite forces had fulfilled their divine mandate to the greatest possible extent, leaving no organized resistance or significant spiritual threat to Israel's purity.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Joshua 10:40 is a profoundly significant verse, encapsulating the unwavering holiness of God, His righteous and unyielding judgment against sin, and His absolute faithfulness to His covenant promises. The divine command for cherem underscores that God is not indifferent to evil; He is perfectly just and will ultimately judge all wickedness, both individual and corporate. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God's sovereign plan for His covenant people often involves a radical separation from the world's corrupting influences. While the literal application of cherem was unique to this specific historical period of conquest, the underlying principles of God's sovereignty, His uncompromised demand for holiness, and the absolute necessity of spiritual purity remain eternally relevant for believers today. The thoroughness of Joshua's obedience stands as a powerful example of trusting and executing God's will, even when that will is difficult to comprehend or challenging to implement.
Reflection and Application
Joshua 10:40, while describing a unique and severe historical event under the Old Covenant, offers profound and enduring principles for contemporary believers. It confronts us directly with the absolute holiness of God and His righteous judgment against all forms of sin. We are powerfully reminded that God is not to be trifled with, and His commands, though sometimes challenging or difficult to reconcile with modern sensibilities, are always rooted in His perfect wisdom, justice, and love. For us, the "utter destruction" is not of physical enemies or human populations, but rather of the spiritual enemies within: the insidious power of sin, the allure of idolatry, and the pervasive worldly desires that relentlessly seek to corrupt our walk with God. Just as Joshua was called to thorough and uncompromising obedience, we too are called to radical, wholehearted obedience to God's revealed will in Christ. This means actively and intentionally "putting to death" the deeds of the flesh and cultivating a life devoted entirely to God, trusting implicitly that His ways are always good, always just, and always ultimately for our flourishing, even when they require costly sacrifice and profound spiritual discipline.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "utterly destroyed all that breathed" mean, and is it a cruel command?
The phrase "utterly destroyed all that breathed" refers to the Hebrew concept of cherem (חֵרֶם), which is best understood as "devoted to destruction" or "under the ban." This was a specific, severe, and unique command from God, not an act of random cruelty or an endorsement of genocide in the modern sense. It was a divinely ordained act of judgment against the Canaanite nations, whose profound wickedness, including abhorrent practices such as child sacrifice, cultic prostitution, and pervasive idolatry, had reached its full measure, as foreshadowed in Genesis 15:16. God had patiently waited for centuries for them to repent. The purpose of cherem was twofold: first, to execute divine justice against extreme and persistent evil, and second, to prevent the pagan practices and moral depravity of the Canaanites from corrupting the Israelites, thereby ensuring the spiritual purity of God's chosen people and the holiness of the Promised Land, as explicitly commanded in Deuteronomy 7:2-6. This was a unique directive for this specific historical period of conquest and is not a model for warfare, evangelism, or any other human endeavor today.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joshua 10:40, with its stark depiction of divine judgment and complete conquest, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Joshua's conquest was physical, establishing a temporal land for a physical people, Christ's conquest is spiritual and eternal, establishing a kingdom not of this world. Jesus is the true and greater Joshua, leading His people not into a geographical land, but into eternal salvation and glorious freedom from the dominion of sin, Satan, and death. The "utter destruction" of the Canaanites foreshadows Christ's decisive and complete victory over all spiritual enemies: sin, Satan, and death itself. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" (Colossians 2:15). He utterly destroyed the power and dominion of sin in the lives of believers, enabling them to "put to death, therefore, what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). Just as Joshua perfectly obeyed the LORD's command, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the will of His Father, even to the point of sacrificial death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). He is the obedient Son who brings about the ultimate and eternal judgment of evil, and through Him, believers are brought into a new covenant, where the battle is spiritual, and the victory is eternally assured by His finished work (Ephesians 6:12).