Joshua 10:38

And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and fought against it:

And Joshua {H3091} returned {H7725}, and all Israel {H3478} with him, to Debir {H1688}; and fought {H3898} against it:

Y'hoshua turned back, and all Isra'el with him, to D'vir and fought against it.

Finally Joshua and all Israel with him turned toward Debir and fought against it.

And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir, and fought against it:

Commentary

Context

Joshua 10:38 is situated within the broader narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan, specifically detailing the latter stages of Joshua's southern campaign. After a decisive victory against a coalition of five Amorite kings (Joshua 10:1-11) and subsequent swift captures of key cities like Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, and Hebron, this verse marks Israel's strategic move towards Debir. Debir was a significant Canaanite city, located in the hill country of Judah, and was likely a stronghold of the Anakim, known for their formidable stature. Joshua's systematic approach to conquering these cities demonstrates Israel's commitment to fulfilling God's command to possess the Promised Land and execute divine judgment upon its inhabitants.

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Fulfillment: The verse highlights Joshua's unwavering obedience to God's instructions to completely dispossess the Canaanites. His actions, along with all Israel, are a direct fulfillment of the covenant commands given to Moses and reiterated to Joshua (Joshua 1:3).
  • Thoroughness of Conquest: The phrase "Joshua returned...to Debir; and fought against it" emphasizes the methodical and complete nature of the conquest. Israel did not leave pockets of resistance but systematically subdued each city as directed by God, ensuring the land was truly taken.
  • Divine Judgment: The military campaign against Debir, like others in Joshua, was an act of divine judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanite nations, whose idolatry and abominable practices had filled up the measure of their iniquity (Genesis 15:16).

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew verb for "fought against it" (ื•ึทื™ึผึดืœึผึธื—ึถื ื‘ึผึธื”ึผ, vayyilachem bah) is a common term for engaging in battle or warfare. Its simplicity here underscores the direct and physical nature of the conflict. There's no complex nuance beyond the straightforward action of military engagement, reflecting the direct and often brutal reality of ancient warfare as part of God's judgment.

Practical Application

While the physical conquest of nations is unique to ancient Israel's historical context, the principles embedded in this verse offer valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Spiritual Persistence: Just as Joshua returned to Debir to complete the task, believers are called to persistent effort in their spiritual battles. We must not grow weary in confronting sin, resisting temptation, or pursuing righteousness, but press on until God's will is fully accomplished in our lives and circumstances (Galatians 6:9).
  • Obedience to God's Commands: Joshua's obedience serves as a powerful example. Our walk with God requires faithful adherence to His Word, even when the path is challenging or requires significant effort.
  • Completing the Task: The thoroughness of Israel's conquest reminds us of the importance of completing the tasks God sets before us, whether in personal sanctification or in ministry, without leaving areas unaddressed or unfinished.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 15:15 (5 votes)

    And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before [was] Kirjathsepher.

  • Joshua 21:15 (2 votes)

    And Holon with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs,

  • Judges 1:11 (2 votes)

    And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before [was] Kirjathsepher:

  • Judges 1:15 (2 votes)

    And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.

  • Joshua 15:49 (2 votes)

    And Dannah, and Kirjathsannah, which [is] Debir,

  • Joshua 12:13 (2 votes)

    The king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one;