Joshua 10:8

KJV

And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Joshua {H3091}, Fear {H3372} them not: for I have delivered {H5414} them into thine hand {H3027}; there shall not a man {H376} of them stand {H5975} before {H6440} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Y'hoshua, "Don't be afraid of them, for I have handed them over to you; not one of their men will stand against you."

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thy hands; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:8 records a powerful divine oracle delivered to Joshua at a critical juncture in Israel's conquest of Canaan. As Joshua and his army marched to rescue Gibeon from a coalition of Amorite kings, the Lord's direct words of assurance removed all doubt, declaring that victory was not merely anticipated but already accomplished in God's sovereign plan. This verse serves as a foundational promise of God's active presence and guaranteed success for His people against formidable opposition, reinforcing the divine nature of the conquest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 10:8 is situated within the dramatic narrative of the southern campaign of the Israelite conquest. Immediately prior, the Gibeonites, through a deceptive treaty recorded in [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception and Treaty"), had secured peace with Israel. This alliance provoked a strong reaction from the surrounding Canaanite kings, particularly Adoni-zedec of Jerusalem, who formed a formidable confederacy of five Amorite kings to punish Gibeon for its defection. Gibeon, now under siege, appealed to Joshua for help (see [Joshua 10:6](/joshua/10-6 "Joshua 10:6 - Gibeon's Plea for Help")). Joshua, honoring the covenant, responded swiftly, marching his army all night from Gilgal to confront the enemy. It is precisely as Joshua prepares for this pivotal battle, facing a numerically superior and well-established enemy, that the Lord intervenes with this direct and potent word of assurance, setting the stage for one of the most miraculous victories in Israel's history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan was not merely a territorial expansion but a divinely mandated mission to dispossess the wicked inhabitants of the land, as foretold in passages like [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites") and [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Destroy Canaanites"). Ancient warfare often involved alliances and confederacies, and the Amorite kings' coalition against Gibeon was a common military strategy to consolidate power and eliminate perceived threats. The concept of "holy war" or "divine warfare" is central to understanding this period, where Yahweh Himself was believed to fight on behalf of Israel (e.g., [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The LORD will fight for you")). Joshua's reliance on divine guidance and assurance, rather than solely on military strategy, reflects this understanding. The geographical setting, with the march from Gilgal to Gibeon, highlights the strategic importance of the central highlands and the rapid movement required in ancient campaigns.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Assurance and Presence**, where God directly addresses Joshua, dispelling fear and confirming His unwavering support, echoing similar divine commissions given to Moses and Joshua (e.g., [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")). Closely related is the **Guaranteed Victory** theme, expressed in the declarative "I have delivered them into thine hand," signifying a victory already secured in God's sovereign decree, independent of human strength. This underscores God's **Sovereignty in Conquest**, emphasizing that the success of the campaign was not due to Israel's military prowess but to Yahweh's active intervention and fulfillment of His covenant promises (see [Deuteronomy 9:3](/deuteronomy/9-3 "Deuteronomy 9:3 - God goes before you")). Finally, the command "Fear them not" reinforces the theme of **Fearlessness in Obedience**, a constant call for God's people to trust in His power rather than succumbing to the intimidation of their enemies, a lesson foundational to the entire conquest narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear them not (אַל־תִּירָא, _al-tira'_):** This is a direct, emphatic prohibition. The Hebrew imperative with the negative particle (`al`) conveys a strong command to cease or refrain from an action. It is not merely a suggestion but a divine injunction, carrying the weight of God's authority. This phrase is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, often spoken by God or His messengers to individuals facing daunting circumstances, signifying divine presence and empowering courage. It implies that fear is a natural human response to overwhelming odds, but one that must be overcome through faith in God's power and promise.
* **Delivered (נָתַן, _natan'_):** The verb `natan` means "to give," "to place," or "to deliver." Here, it is used in the perfect tense (נְתַתִּים, _netattim_), which in Hebrew often describes an action that is already completed or a state that is already established, even if its effects are yet to be seen. This grammatical nuance is crucial: God is not saying "I *will* deliver them," but "I *have* delivered them." This indicates a divine decree, a certainty of outcome that transcends the immediate circumstances. The victory is a foregone conclusion in God's eternal counsel.
* **Into thine hand (בְּיָדְךָ, _b'yad'ka'_):** The "hand" (יָד, _yad_) in Hebrew idiom is a powerful symbol of power, authority, control, and possession. To deliver someone "into one's hand" means to grant complete victory, to give full control and power over them. It signifies total defeat for the enemy and absolute triumph for the one into whose hand they are delivered. This phrase reinforces the completeness and decisiveness of the promised victory, leaving no room for doubt about the outcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Joshua":** This introductory phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the message. It signifies a direct revelation from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, to His chosen leader. This is not Joshua's strategic insight or a human assessment of the situation, but a clear, unambiguous word from God Himself, underscoring the divine initiative in the conquest.
* **"Fear them not":** This is God's direct command to Joshua, addressing any potential fear or apprehension Joshua might have felt facing a powerful coalition of kings. It is a call to courage rooted in faith, a reminder that human fear should not dictate action when God has given a directive. This command is both an assurance of God's presence and a necessary injunction for Joshua to act boldly.
* **"for I have delivered them into thine hand":** This clause provides the reason and foundation for the command "Fear them not." The perfect tense of "delivered" (נָתַתִּים) emphasizes that the victory is already decided and secured in God's divine counsel. It is a declaration of accomplished fact, not a future possibility. The phrase "into thine hand" signifies that God has granted Joshua complete power, control, and dominion over the enemy kings, ensuring their total defeat.
* **"there shall not a man of them stand before thee":** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the absolute certainty and totality of the promised victory. "To stand before" someone in battle implies resistance, opposition, or even survival. The declaration that "not a man of them shall stand" means that the enemy will be utterly routed, unable to offer any effective resistance, and will be completely subdued. This is a promise of overwhelming and decisive triumph.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 10:8 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is the **Divine Oracle**, as the verse presents a direct, authoritative utterance from God to Joshua. This immediate divine intervention highlights God's active role as the true protagonist of the conquest narrative. The phrase "Fear them not" functions as a powerful **Exhortation** and **Assurance**, a recurring motif throughout biblical narratives where God empowers His servants. The declaration "I have delivered them into thine hand" employs **Metaphor**, where "hand" symbolizes power, control, and possession, vividly conveying the certainty of victory. Furthermore, the statement "there shall not a man of them stand before thee" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the completeness and decisiveness of the impending rout, suggesting an absolute and total defeat where no enemy combatant will be able to maintain their ground or even survive the encounter. The repetition of the theme of divine assistance and guaranteed victory throughout Joshua's commission and subsequent battles also demonstrates **Repetition** as a reinforcing literary strategy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:8 serves as a profound theological statement about God's sovereignty, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His active involvement in the affairs of His people. It demonstrates that the conquest of Canaan was not merely a human military endeavor but a divinely orchestrated campaign, where God Himself fought for Israel. This principle of divine assistance in battle is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, assuring believers that when God gives a command, He also provides the means and the power to fulfill it, often by removing obstacles that seem insurmountable. The verse underscores that true courage comes not from human strength or strategic brilliance, but from an unwavering trust in God's declared word and His unfailing power to accomplish what He has promised. It teaches that fear is overcome by faith in a God who has already secured the victory.

* [Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "The LORD Your God Fights for You")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "The LORD is My Light and Salvation")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 10:8 offers timeless encouragement and a powerful framework for believers facing their own "battles" today. Just as God addressed Joshua's potential fear with a definitive declaration of victory, so too does He invite us to confront our anxieties with faith in His sovereign power. This verse reminds us that our challenges, whether spiritual, relational, professional, or personal, are not faced alone. God's promise, "I have delivered them into thine hand," signifies that in His divine plan, the victory is already secured for those who trust in Him. Our role is not to generate our own strength or eliminate all fear, but to obey His commands with courage, knowing that He is actively fighting on our behalf. This calls us to shift our focus from the daunting size of our obstacles to the infinite power and faithfulness of our God, allowing His promises to dispel our fears and empower our obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or overwhelming challenges are you currently facing that tempt you to fear?**
* **How does the certainty of God's declaration, "I have delivered them into thine hand," change your perspective on these challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to hear God's "Fear them not" command most acutely, and what would it look like to respond in courageous obedience?**
* **How does trusting in God's already-secured victory free you from the burden of striving in your own strength?**

### FAQ

**Why did God need to tell Joshua "Fear them not" if victory was already guaranteed?**

Answer: While God's victory was indeed guaranteed in His divine counsel, Joshua, like any human leader, was still susceptible to natural fear and apprehension when facing a formidable enemy coalition. The command "Fear them not" was not a rebuke of a lack of faith, but rather a direct, empowering assurance from God to strengthen Joshua's resolve and eliminate any doubt that might hinder his obedience. It served to align Joshua's human perspective with God's divine reality, reminding him that the battle's outcome depended on God's power, not on the strength of the Amorite kings or even Israel's army. This divine intervention was crucial for Joshua to lead with unwavering confidence, demonstrating that even when God has a plan, He graciously provides the necessary encouragement for His servants to walk in it. It echoes similar divine assurances given to leaders throughout Scripture, such as to Moses in [Exodus 14:13](/exodus/14-13 "Do Not Be Afraid, Stand Firm") before the Red Sea.

**What is the significance of the phrase "I have delivered them into thine hand"?**

Answer: This phrase is profoundly significant because it uses the Hebrew perfect tense, indicating an action that has already been completed in God's divine decree, even though its physical manifestation is yet to occur. It's not a prediction of a future possibility, but a declaration of a decided and certain outcome. "Delivering into one's hand" is an idiom signifying granting complete power, control, and victory over an enemy. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs and battles. It means that the enemy's defeat is a foregone conclusion from God's perspective, and Joshua is merely the instrument through whom this divinely ordained victory will be realized. This assurance was meant to instill absolute confidence in Joshua and the Israelite army, knowing that God had already secured the triumph before the first blow was struck. This concept is foundational to understanding God's active role in the conquest, as seen throughout [Joshua 1](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua - Conquest of Canaan").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 10:8, with its powerful declaration of guaranteed victory over formidable enemies, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God delivered the physical enemies of Israel into Joshua's hand, so too has God, in Christ, delivered humanity from the spiritual enemies of sin, death, and the devil. The command "Fear them not" resonates with Christ's frequent calls to courage and faith in the face of spiritual opposition (e.g., [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Do Not Fear Those Who Kill the Body")). Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus decisively triumphed over the powers of darkness, disarming them and making a public spectacle of them (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Triumph over spiritual powers")). He entered into death, not to be conquered, but to destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver those who were held in slavery by their fear of death (as in [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Christ's Victory Over Death")). Believers, united with Christ, participate in this already-secured victory; we are "more than conquerors" through Him who loved us ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "More Than Conquerors")). The certainty of Joshua's victory foreshadows the absolute certainty of Christ's triumph, which secures our salvation and empowers us to live fearlessly in a world still marked by spiritual conflict, knowing that "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" ([1 John 4:4](/1_john/4-4 "Greater is He Who is in You")).

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

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Psalms 27:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 27:2

When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:15

Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat [them] small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

Deuteronomy 3:2

And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.

Joshua 11:6

And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.