Joshua 10:7

KJV

¶ So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Joshua {H3091} ascended {H5927} from Gilgal {H1537}, he, and all the people {H5971} of war {H4421} with him, and all the mighty {H1368} men of valour {H2428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the fighting men with him, including all the bravest ones.

Berean Standard Bible

So Joshua and his whole army, including all the mighty men of valor, came from Gilgal.

American Standard Version

So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:7 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's conquest of Canaan, detailing Joshua's immediate and decisive mobilization of the Israelite army from their base at Gilgal. In response to an urgent plea from the Gibeonites, who were under attack by a coalition of Amorite kings, this verse highlights Joshua's swift leadership and the full military might he brought to bear, setting the stage for a miraculous victory and demonstrating Israel's commitment to its covenant obligations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the desperate plea from the Gibeonites to Joshua for rescue from the attacking Amorite coalition ([Joshua 10:6](/joshua/10-6 "Joshua 10:6 - Gibeon's Plea for Help")). The narrative prior to this establishes the deceptive treaty the Gibeonites secured with Israel ([Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception")), which, despite its fraudulent nature, Joshua and the leaders of Israel swore to uphold. This commitment, rooted in the sanctity of oaths before Yahweh, compelled Joshua's rapid response. The subsequent verses in [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Sun Stands Still") detail the miraculous battle that ensues, where God Himself intervenes with hailstones and causes the sun and moon to stand still, ensuring Israel's overwhelming victory. Thus, verse 7 serves as the critical turning point, initiating the military action that leads to divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gilgal, from which Joshua "ascended," was a significant base camp for the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River ([Joshua 4:19](/joshua/4-19 "Joshua 4:19 - Israel Camps at Gilgal")). It was a place of spiritual renewal (circumcision, Passover celebration in [Joshua 5](/joshua/5 "Joshua 5 - Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal")) and military staging. The act of "ascending" implies moving from the Jordan valley up into the hill country where Gibeon was located, a common military maneuver. The formation of a coalition of five Amorite kings against Gibeon reflects the typical political landscape of the Late Bronze Age Canaan, characterized by independent city-states often forming alliances for defense or conquest. Oaths and treaties, even those secured by deception, held immense weight in the ancient Near East, as breaking them could invite divine wrath and human retribution. Joshua's adherence to the Gibeonite treaty, despite its origins, demonstrates a profound respect for covenant obligations, a core aspect of Israelite identity and their relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 10:7 powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Joshua. Firstly, it underscores **Decisive Leadership**, as Joshua immediately mobilizes the entire fighting force without hesitation, showcasing prompt and effective command in a crisis. This echoes God's earlier charge to Joshua to "be strong and courageous" ([Joshua 1:6](/joshua/1-6 "Joshua 1:6 - God's Charge to Joshua")). Secondly, the verse highlights **Commitment to Covenant**, demonstrating Israel's adherence to a sworn oath, even when inconvenient or deceptively obtained. This commitment reflects the broader theme of faithfulness to God's covenant, which is the foundation of Israel's existence and success in the land. Finally, it emphasizes **Military Readiness** and the strength of Israel's forces, with the mention of "all the people of war" and "all the mighty men of valour." While human strength is depicted, the subsequent narrative makes it clear that ultimate victory comes through **Divine Intervention** ([Joshua 10:8-14](/joshua/10-8 "Joshua 10:8-14 - God Fights for Israel")), setting the stage for God to display His power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ascended (Hebrew, _ʿālāh'_):** This verb literally means "to go up" or "to ascend." In a military context, it often implies moving uphill or advancing into battle. From Gilgal, which was in the Jordan Valley, to Gibeon, which was in the central hill country, the journey was indeed an ascent. This word choice emphasizes the immediate and purposeful movement of the Israelite army towards the conflict zone, signifying a direct and urgent response rather than a leisurely march.
* **Mighty men of valour (Hebrew, _gibborê ḥayil'_):** This compound phrase is significant. _Gibborê_ (plural of _gibbor_) refers to strong, valiant, heroic, or mighty individuals, often implying warriors or champions. _Ḥayil_ can denote strength, wealth, military might, or effectiveness. Together, "mighty men of valour" paints a picture of highly capable, skilled, courageous, and experienced warriors, the elite fighting force of Israel. The inclusion of this phrase underscores that Joshua did not go with a small contingent but with the full, most formidable segment of Israel's army, indicating the gravity of the situation and the scale of the impending conflict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Joshua ascended from Gilgal,"**: This opening clause establishes Joshua's immediate and decisive action. The conjunction "So" (וַיַּעַל, _wayyaʿal_, "And he went up") links this action directly to the Gibeonites' urgent plea in the preceding verse. Joshua's departure from Gilgal, the Israelite base camp, signifies the initiation of a major military campaign, demonstrating his prompt leadership and commitment to the Gibeonite alliance.
* **"he, and all the people of war with him,"**: This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the mobilization. It was not just Joshua, but "all the people of war," indicating the entire fighting force or a substantial portion of it was called into action. This highlights the seriousness of the threat and Joshua's determination to bring overwhelming force to bear, ensuring a decisive engagement.
* **"and all the mighty men of valour."**: This final clause specifies the quality and elite nature of the troops accompanying Joshua. These were not merely conscripts, but the "mighty men of valour"—the most skilled, courageous, and experienced warriors. Their inclusion underscores the strategic importance of this battle and Joshua's intention to face the Amorite coalition with the strongest possible contingent, reflecting both human preparedness and a reliance on God's promised victory.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The use of **Repetition** in "all the people of war" and "all the mighty men of valour" emphasizes the totality and strength of the Israelite force, highlighting the comprehensive nature of Joshua's mobilization. This repetition creates a sense of overwhelming power and determination. **Hyperbole** might also be subtly present in "all the people of war," suggesting a vast, perhaps near-total, deployment of Israel's fighting capacity, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the scale of the impending conflict. The phrase "ascended from Gilgal" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "Gilgal" stands for the Israelite camp or base of operations, and "ascended" signifies a military advance from a lower elevation to a higher one, implying a strategic movement towards battle. Finally, the vivid imagery of "mighty men of valour" serves as a form of **Epithet**, characterizing the elite nature of the Israelite army and painting a picture of formidable warriors ready for conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:7 serves as a powerful testament to the principle of covenant faithfulness and the divine imperative for decisive action in the face of injustice. Joshua's swift and comprehensive response to the Gibeonites' plea, despite the deceptive origins of their treaty, underscores the sanctity of oaths within God's covenant people. This act of upholding a commitment, even when inconvenient, reflects the very character of God, who is faithful to His promises. Furthermore, the mobilization of "all the people of war" and "all the mighty men of valour" demonstrates human responsibility and preparedness, even as the narrative immediately shifts to God's miraculous intervention, illustrating the divine partnership in accomplishing His purposes. This verse sets the stage for God's glory to be revealed through human obedience and readiness.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - The Sanctity of Vows")
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalms/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - Keeping Oaths Even to One's Hurt")
* [Proverbs 24:11-12](/proverbs/24-11-12 "Proverbs 24:11-12 - Rescuing the Oppressed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua's immediate and comprehensive response in Joshua 10:7 offers profound lessons for believers today. In a world often characterized by hesitation, indecision, or a reluctance to engage with difficult situations, Joshua exemplifies decisive leadership and unwavering commitment to covenant. His willingness to mobilize the full strength of Israel, not just a token force, for those under his care—even those who had previously deceived him—challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitments and the urgency with which we respond to the needs of others. This verse calls us to be prepared, both spiritually and practically, for the challenges and calls to action that God places before us, trusting that our readiness, coupled with our obedience, creates the space for God to work powerfully. It reminds us that our faithfulness to our word, our readiness to act on behalf of the vulnerable, and our willingness to fully commit to God's purposes are essential components of a vibrant faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to exercise more decisive leadership or action, rather than hesitation?**
* **How does Joshua's commitment to the Gibeonite treaty, despite its deceptive origins, challenge your understanding of keeping promises and commitments, even when difficult?**
* **What does it mean for you to be "prepared" or a "mighty man/woman of valour" in your spiritual walk and service to God today?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joshua go to help the Gibeonites, given their deception?**

Answer: Joshua's decision to help the Gibeonites, despite their deception in securing a treaty, was rooted in the sanctity of the oath sworn before Yahweh. In ancient Israelite culture, an oath was a deeply binding commitment, even if the circumstances leading to it were fraudulent. Breaking such an oath would have been seen as a grave offense against God and would have severely damaged Israel's reputation among other nations, potentially inviting divine judgment. Joshua's action demonstrates his commitment to upholding the covenant and the integrity of Israel's word, reflecting God's own faithfulness to His promises. This commitment is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing the importance of integrity and trustworthiness.

**What is the significance of Gilgal in this context?**

Answer: Gilgal was a highly significant location for the Israelites after their entry into Canaan. It served as their primary base camp, a place of spiritual renewal (where the new generation was circumcised and the Passover was observed; see [Joshua 5:2-10](/joshua/5-2 "Joshua 5:2-10 - Circumcision at Gilgal")), and a strategic military staging ground. Joshua's "ascending from Gilgal" signifies that the entire Israelite fighting force was mobilized from their established, sacred, and militarily ready encampment. It underscores that this was not a small, impromptu skirmish but a full-scale, divinely sanctioned military operation launched from the heart of Israel's presence in the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 10:7 describes a specific military engagement in the Old Testament, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate decisive action taken by a greater deliverer: Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua ascended from Gilgal to rescue those under covenant, so Christ "ascended" from heaven, taking on human flesh, to rescue humanity entrapped by sin and death. The "mighty men of valour" who accompanied Joshua find their ultimate counterpart in the spiritual forces and the faithful followers who participate in Christ's cosmic victory. Jesus, as the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), entered into a covenant with humanity through His blood, not one secured by deception, but by divine love and sacrifice. His decisive act on the cross, a spiritual "ascent" to Calvary, was a complete and overwhelming victory over the spiritual forces of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He did not just mobilize an army, but He Himself, as the [Captain of our Salvation](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Christ, the Captain of Salvation"), secured our deliverance, fulfilling the Old Testament pattern of a faithful leader fighting for His people and upholding the divine covenant. His triumph ensures that all who are in Him are part of His victorious company, sharing in His ultimate conquest over sin and death, leading us to our true promised land, eternal life with God ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")).

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 8:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land:

Isaiah 8:12

Say ye not, A confederacy, to all [them to] whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

Isaiah 8:14

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.