Joshua 10:42

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Commentary

Joshua 10:42 concludes the account of Joshua's decisive southern campaign against a coalition of Amorite kings. This verse highlights the overwhelming victory Israel achieved, attributing it entirely to divine intervention.

Context

Following the miraculous victories at Jericho and Ai, and the strategic alliance with Gibeon, five Amorite kings formed a powerful coalition to attack Gibeon. Joshua, honoring the covenant with Gibeon, marched swiftly to their aid. The battle that ensued was marked by extraordinary divine support, including a devastating hailstorm and the unprecedented event of the sun standing still to allow Israel to complete their victory. This verse summarizes the outcome: Joshua's forces, empowered by God, conquered all these kings and their territories in a single, swift operation, securing the southern region of Canaan.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Intervention: The core message is that Israel's success was not due to their military might or Joshua's leadership alone, but because "the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel." This emphasizes God's active participation in the conquest of Canaan, fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7).
  • Total Victory: The phrase "all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time" underscores the completeness and decisiveness of this phase of the conquest. It signifies a comprehensive triumph over a significant threat, demonstrating God's power to deliver a full victory.
  • God's Faithfulness: This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating His power to clear the way for His people to inherit the promised land.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "fought for Israel" (lacham Yisrael) emphasizes God's direct and active involvement in the battle. It's not merely that God gave Israel strength, but that He Himself engaged in the conflict on their behalf, ensuring the outcome and demonstrating His role as the Divine Warrior.

Practical Application

Joshua 10:42 offers profound encouragement for believers today. When facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse reminds us that:

  • God is Our Warrior: We are called to trust in God's power and provision, knowing that He fights for His people against spiritual and worldly adversaries.
  • Reliance on Divine Strength: Our victories, whether spiritual or in daily life, ultimately come from the Lord's intervention and strength, not solely our own efforts or strategies.
  • Faithfulness to Promises: God remains faithful to His promises. Just as He fought for Israel to give them the land, He continues to work on behalf of those who trust in Him, fulfilling His word in their lives and ensuring His purposes prevail.

This verse calls us to have confidence in the Lord's ability to overcome obstacles, reminding us that with God on our side, true victory is assured.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 10:14 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Psalms 80:3 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 46:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • Exodus 14:14 (2 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 8:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.