Joshua 10:42

KJV

And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all these kings {H4428} and their land {H776} did Joshua {H3091} take {H3920} at one {H259} time {H6471}, because the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} fought {H3898} for Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua captured all these kings and their land all at the same time, because ADONAI the God of Isra'el fought on Isra'el's behalf.

Berean Standard Bible

And because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel, Joshua captured all these kings and their land in one campaign.

American Standard Version

And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because Jehovah, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:42 serves as a profound theological summation of the southern campaign of the Israelite conquest, asserting that the comprehensive and decisive victories over numerous kings and their territories were not primarily a result of human military might or strategic brilliance. Instead, the verse unequivocally attributes this sweeping success to the direct and active intervention of the Lord God of Israel, who personally engaged in battle on behalf of His covenant people, thereby securing their promised inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides a powerful theological and narrative conclusion to the southern campaign, which dominates [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Southern Campaign"). The preceding narrative details a rapid succession of events: the Gibeonite deception and subsequent alliance (Joshua 9), the coalition of five Amorite kings against Gibeon, Israel's swift response, and the miraculous divine intervention with hailstones and the sun standing still (Joshua 10:1-15). Following this, Joshua relentlessly pursued and executed the five kings (Joshua 10:16-27) and then systematically conquered key southern cities—Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir (Joshua 10:28-41). Joshua 10:42 acts as a definitive theological statement, encapsulating the entire phase of conquest as a divinely orchestrated triumph before the narrative shifts to the northern campaigns in [Joshua 11](/joshua/11 "Joshua 11 - The Northern Campaign") and the subsequent land distribution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Israelite conquest, generally dated to the Late Bronze Age (c. 1400-1200 BC), was characterized by a fragmented political landscape in Canaan, comprised of numerous independent city-states, each ruled by its own "king" (often a local chieftain). These city-states frequently formed temporary alliances, as seen with the Amorite coalition in [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Southern Campaign"). The concept of a "Divine Warrior" was common in the ancient Near East, where national gods were believed to fight for their people. However, Israel's understanding was distinct: Yahweh was not merely one god among many, but the sovereign Creator and Lord of all, whose active participation in battle was not limited by human capabilities or natural laws, as vividly demonstrated by the miraculous hailstones and the sun standing still in [Joshua 10:11-14](/joshua/10-11-14 "Joshua 10:11-14 - The Hailstorm and Sun Standing Still"). This context emphasizes that Israel's unprecedented success was a direct manifestation of divine power, defying conventional military expectations.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 10:42 powerfully reinforces several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Central to this verse is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, explicitly stating that "the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel," making God the primary agent of the conquest. This directly fulfills God's promises to Abraham regarding the land ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")) and echoes the repeated assurance in Deuteronomy that God would fight for His people ([Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - The Lord Your God Fights for You")). Another crucial theme is **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, as the conquest represents the tangible fulfillment of centuries-old divine pledges to give Israel the land. The phrase "all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time" also highlights the theme of **Total Victory and Completeness**, signifying that God's deliverance is comprehensive and decisive, leaving no enemy standing that He intended to remove. This collective and swift victory demonstrates the efficacy of obedience and trust in God's leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **take (Hebrew, לָכַד _lakad'_):** This verb, here in the Qal perfect, means "to capture," "to seize," or "to conquer." While Joshua is the grammatical subject of the action, the verse immediately qualifies this by attributing the ultimate power behind the capture to the Lord. The use of _lakad_ signifies a complete and decisive subjugation, implying not merely a temporary occupation but a successful military appropriation of territory and rulers. It underscores the finality of the victories.
* **fought (Hebrew, לָחַם _lâcham'_):** This primitive root, meaning "to fight," "to do battle," or "to wage war," is profoundly significant when applied to the Lord God of Israel. It portrays God not as a distant observer or a mere provider of strength, but as an active, engaged participant in the conflict. This concept of God as the Divine Warrior is central to Israel's understanding of their history and their relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing His direct, personal, and powerful intervention in human affairs, securing victory for His people.
* **at one time (Hebrew, פַּעַם אַחַת _paʻam ʼechâd'_):** This phrase literally translates to "at one stroke," "in one turn," or "in one instance." While the southern campaign involved a series of battles over a period, this idiomatic expression functions as a summary statement emphasizing the continuous, unbroken, and remarkably swift nature of the victories within this specific campaign. It highlights the extraordinary efficiency and totality of the conquest under divine enablement, suggesting a rapid and comprehensive subjugation of a vast region and its rulers without significant pause or reversal, all attributed to God's singular, decisive action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time":** This clause functions as a powerful, sweeping summary of the extensive southern campaign detailed in [Joshua 10:1-41](/joshua/10-1-41 "Joshua 10:1-41 - The Southern Campaign Narrative"). It emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the victory, encompassing both the rulers ("all these kings") and their entire territories ("their land"). The phrase "at one time" underscores the remarkable swiftness and decisiveness of the conquest, portraying it not as a protracted, piecemeal effort but as a continuous, divinely orchestrated sweep. Joshua is presented as the visible, human agent of this conquest, but the immediate following clause provides the essential theological clarification regarding the ultimate source of this extraordinary success.
* **"because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel":** This is the theological lynchpin of the verse and, indeed, a foundational truth for the entire book of Joshua. It unequivocally attributes the success of the conquest, including the swift and comprehensive nature described in the first clause, to God's direct, personal, and active involvement. Israel's victories were not a result of superior military strategy, greater numbers, or inherent strength, but solely "because Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, actively engaged in battle on their behalf." This statement highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises (e.g., [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Your God Goes With You")) and His role as the Divine Warrior, ensuring the inheritance of the land for His chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 10:42 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Attribution** is paramount, as the verse explicitly and emphatically attributes the success of the conquest not to Joshua's leadership, Israel's military prowess, or any human factor, but solely to the Lord. This theological statement serves as the interpretive key to understanding the entire campaign and, by extension, the book of Joshua. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in the phrase "at one time," which, while emphasizing the swiftness, totality, and overwhelming nature of the campaign, should be understood as a rhetorical flourish rather than a literal single moment. This hyperbole serves to magnify the divine power at work, underscoring the miraculous speed and completeness of God's deliverance. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Summary Statement**, providing a concise and emphatic conclusion to a major narrative section, distilling its core theological message for the reader and preparing them for the next phase of the conquest narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:42 profoundly articulates the foundational truth that God is the ultimate actor in the history of His people. The conquest of Canaan, far from being a mere human military endeavor, is presented as a divine work, a testament to God's active presence and power in fulfilling His covenant promises. This verse underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, reminding us that even in the midst of human effort and leadership, it is God who ultimately secures victory and accomplishes His purposes. It teaches that Israel's inheritance of the land was a gift, not a conquest earned by their own strength, fostering a spirit of humility and radical dependence on God. This divine intervention establishes a pattern for God's relationship with His people, where His faithfulness is the bedrock of their security and success.

* [Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - The Lord Your God Fights for You")
* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Will Fight for You")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not By Their Own Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 10:42 offers profound encouragement and a vital theological perspective for believers today. In a world that often values self-reliance, strategic planning, and human achievement above all else, this verse powerfully redirects our focus to the divine source of all true and lasting victory. When we face seemingly insurmountable challenges—whether they are personal struggles, spiritual battles against temptation, or the pursuit of justice in a broken world—this passage reminds us that our ultimate hope and strength lie not in our own capabilities or resources, but in the Lord God, who actively "fights for" His people. It calls us to cultivate a radical dependence on God, to approach prayer with confidence, and to act with courage and obedience, knowing that He is sovereign over all circumstances and unfailingly faithful to His promises. Our victories, whether grand or seemingly small, are ultimately His doing, and recognizing this fosters deep humility, profound gratitude, and an unwavering trust in His unfailing power and presence in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently tempted to rely on your own strength and ingenuity rather than trusting that the Lord will fight for you?**
* **How does the truth that "the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel" shape your understanding of God's character and His active involvement in your present circumstances and future challenges?**
* **What "kings and land" (representing significant challenges, obstacles, or spiritual strongholds) in your life do you need to surrender more fully to God, believing that He will secure the victory on your behalf?**

### FAQ

**Did Joshua truly conquer "all these kings and their land... at one time" as the verse states?**

Answer: The phrase "at one time" (Hebrew: _b'fa'am achath_) in [Joshua 10:42](/joshua/10-42 "Joshua 10:42 - God Fights for Israel") should be understood as a summary statement emphasizing the remarkable swiftness, decisiveness, and continuous nature of the southern campaign, rather than a literal single moment or a 24-hour period. The book of Joshua itself details a series of distinct battles and conquests over a period of time, though it was indeed a concentrated and rapid phase of the overall conquest. The intent of the phrase is to highlight the extraordinary efficiency and totality of the victory, which was divinely enabled, portraying it as a single, unbroken sweep of God's power and purpose. It underscores that God's work was comprehensive and without significant setbacks in this phase, leading to a complete subjugation of the southern region.

**What does it mean that "the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel," and how does this relate to human effort?**

Answer: This powerful statement underscores the fundamental theological conviction that Israel's success in the conquest was primarily a divine accomplishment. It means that God was not merely a distant observer or a provider of strength from afar, but an active, direct participant in the battles. He intervened supernaturally, as vividly seen in the miraculous hailstones and the sun standing still during the Gibeon battle ([Joshua 10:11-14](/joshua/10-11-14 "Joshua 10:11-14 - The Hailstorm and Sun Standing Still")). While Joshua and the Israelite army certainly exerted human effort, strategized, and engaged in physical combat, the verse makes it unequivocally clear that the ultimate victory and the ability to "take" the land came "because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel." This doesn't negate human responsibility or effort but places it within the overarching context of divine enablement and sovereignty. Human effort is the obedient response to God's command, but divine power is the ultimate source of the triumph. It teaches that true victory flows from God's intervention, not human might alone.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 10:42, with its powerful declaration that "the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God actively fought for His people to secure their physical inheritance in Canaan, so too did God, in the person of Jesus, enter the ultimate spiritual battle to secure our eternal inheritance and deliver us from the dominion of darkness. Jesus is the true Divine Warrior, who, through His sinless life, sacrificial death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, confronted and decisively defeated the spiritual "kings and their land"—the formidable powers of sin, death, and the devil. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers") proclaims that Christ "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." His victory was "at one time"—a singular, definitive, and comprehensive triumph on the cross that secured salvation and eternal life for all who believe, a victory that needs no repetition. Moreover, just as God fought for Israel, Christ continually intercedes for His people at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")), and the Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome spiritual adversaries in their daily lives ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")). We are called to stand firm in the victory already won, knowing that the decisive battle for our souls has already been secured by the Lamb of God, who is also the Lion of Judah ([Revelation 5:5-6](/revelation/5-5-6 "Revelation 5:5-6 - The Lion and the Lamb")), and that in Him, we are eternally "more than conquerors" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")).

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 10:14

And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.

Psalms 46:7

The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.

Psalms 80:3

Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

Psalms 46:1

¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalms 46:11

The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.

Exodus 14:14

The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Isaiah 8:9

¶ Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.