Joshua 21:44

And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.

And the LORD {H3068} gave them rest {H5117} round about {H5439}, according to all that he sware {H7650} unto their fathers {H1}: and there stood {H5975} not a man {H376} of all their enemies {H341} before {H6440} them; the LORD {H3068} delivered {H5414} all their enemies {H341} into their hand {H3027}.

Then ADONAI gave them rest all around, according to everything he had sworn to their ancestors. Not a man from all their enemies stood against them; ADONAI handed all their enemies over to

And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.

And Jehovah gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; Jehovah delivered all their enemies into their hand.

Commentary

Joshua 21:44 (KJV) is a powerful summary statement highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel concerning the land and rest from their enemies. It marks a significant milestone in the narrative of the conquest under Joshua.

Context

This verse appears at the conclusion of the detailed account of the land distribution among the tribes of Israel and the allocation of cities to the Levites in Joshua chapters 13-21. After years of wandering in the wilderness and campaigns to conquer Canaan, this verse declares that God had indeed brought them into the promised land and provided them with security. It serves as an overarching declaration of God's faithfulness following the completion of the initial settlement phase. The previous verses detail the successful allocation of territory and cities, setting the stage for this concluding statement about rest and victory.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Divine Promises: The verse explicitly states that God acted "according to all that he sware unto their fathers." This emphasizes the reliability of God's covenant promises made generations earlier to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding possession of the land.
  • God Grants Rest: The concept of "rest" (Hebrew: menuchah) is crucial here. It signifies not just cessation from war, but a settled, secure, and peaceful existence in their own land, free from immediate threats. This rest was a direct gift from the LORD.
  • Divine Victory: The verse attributes the defeat of enemies directly to God: "there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand." This underscores that the victory was not solely due to Israel's military might but was a result of God fighting for them, as promised in Deuteronomy 3:22.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "rest," menuchah (ΧžΦ°Χ Χ•ΦΌΧ—ΦΈΧ”), goes beyond simple inactivity. It conveys a sense of secure habitation, peace, and tranquility achieved through God's provision and protection. This concept of rest is significant throughout scripture, pointing ultimately towards the spiritual rest available through faith in Christ.

Reflection and Application

Joshua 21:44 serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness. Just as He fulfilled His promises to ancient Israel by giving them rest and victory, He is faithful to fulfill His promises to believers today. This verse encourages us to trust in God's word and rely on His power to overcome the challenges and "enemies" (spiritual or otherwise) we face. It points towards the ultimate rest and security found in God's presence and the finished work of Christ. We can find comfort knowing that God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 11:23 (6 votes)

    So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.

  • Hebrews 4:9 (5 votes)

    There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

  • Deuteronomy 31:3 (5 votes)

    The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, [and] he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: [and] Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.

  • Deuteronomy 31:5 (5 votes)

    And the LORD shall give them up before your face, that ye may do unto them according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you.

  • Exodus 23:31 (3 votes)

    And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

  • Deuteronomy 7:22 (3 votes)

    And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee.

  • Deuteronomy 7:24 (3 votes)

    And he shall deliver their kings into thine hand, and thou shalt destroy their name from under heaven: there shall no man be able to stand before thee, until thou have destroyed them.