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Joshua 10:24

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And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.

And it came to pass, when they brought out {H3318} those kings {H4428} unto Joshua {H3091}, that Joshua {H3091} called {H7121} for all the men {H376} of Israel {H3478}, and said {H559} unto the captains {H7101} of the men {H582} of war {H4421} which went {H1980} with him, Come near {H7126}, put {H7760} your feet {H7272} upon the necks {H6677} of these kings {H4428}. And they came near {H7126}, and put {H7760} their feet {H7272} upon the necks {H6677} of them.

After they had brought the five kings to Y'hoshua, he summoned all the men of Isra'el and said to the commanders of the soldiers who had gone with him, "Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings." They came and put their feet on their necks.

When they had brought the kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had accompanied him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So the commanders came forward and put their feet on their necks.

And it came to pass, when they brought forth those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the chiefs of the men of war that went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.

Commentary

Joshua 10:24 describes a powerful and symbolic act of triumph following a decisive victory for the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. After the five Amorite kings who attacked Gibeon were captured from the cave they hid in, Joshua commanded his military captains to place their feet upon the necks of these defeated rulers. This action was not merely an act of humiliation but a profound declaration of divine judgment and complete subjugation.

Context

This verse is situated immediately after the miraculous battle of Gibeon, where the sun and moon stood still at Joshua's command, ensuring a complete Israelite victory over a confederation of five Amorite kings (see Joshua 10:12-14). These kings had formed an alliance to punish Gibeon for making peace with Israel. Following their rout, the kings fled and hid in a cave at Makkedah. Once the pursuit of their armies was complete, Joshua ordered the kings to be brought out. This public display of their defeat served to solidify Israel's dominance and instill confidence in the Israelite army as they continued their conquest of Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to give them the land.

Key Themes

  • Divine Victory and Judgment: The scene powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in delivering Israel's enemies into their hands, showcasing His justice against those who opposed His people and His plan for the Promised Land.
  • Total Subjugation and Humiliation: The act of placing one's foot on the neck of a defeated foe was a common ancient Near Eastern practice symbolizing absolute conquest, ownership, and the complete stripping of power and dignity from the vanquished. It was a visual declaration of Israel's triumph.
  • Empowerment and Assurance: Joshua specifically called his captains to perform this act, empowering them and assuring them that the Lord would enable them to overcome all their enemies (Joshua 10:25). It was a moment designed to build courage and faith within the leadership.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This event aligns with earlier divine promises that God would deliver the inhabitants of Canaan into Israel's hands, making them a dread to their enemies (Deuteronomy 7:24).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "put your feet upon the necks of these kings" literally describes an established practice in ancient warfare and iconography. Reliefs and texts from Egypt, Assyria, and other ancient empires depict conquering monarchs standing with a foot on the neck of a prostrate enemy, signifying utter defeat and dominion. In this context, it is a powerful, non-verbal declaration of the complete subjugation of the Amorite kings and, by extension, their kingdoms, under Israel's authority and God's sovereign plan.

Practical Application

For believers today, Joshua 10:24 serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual victory. While we do not engage in literal warfare against human enemies, the principle of God granting triumph over spiritual adversaries remains. This verse can encourage us that through Christ, we have authority over the forces of darkness and sin. Just as the Amorite kings were utterly defeated, so too can believers find strength and victory over spiritual opposition, knowing that ultimately, the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. It reminds us that our true battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness, and that God provides the means for ultimate triumph.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 2:26 (6 votes)

    And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

  • Revelation 2:27 (6 votes)

    And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

  • Malachi 4:3 (6 votes)

    And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Romans 16:20 (6 votes)

    And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.

  • Psalms 107:40 (5 votes)

    He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, [where there is] no way.

  • Psalms 110:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

  • Psalms 149:8 (5 votes)

    To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;