Joshua 10:35

And they took it on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein he utterly destroyed that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish.

Joshua 10:35 (KJV)

Context

Joshua 10 records Israel’s campaign against the Amorite kings who attacked Gibeon, a city bound to Israel by treaty. After the Lord gave Israel victory over the five kings, Joshua’s army moved through the southern cities of Canaan. This verse describes the capture of Makkedah, the third city in the series. The phrase “on that day” shows the swift, continuous nature of the conquest, while “according to all that he had done to Lachish” links this event to the previous victory described in Joshua 10:32. The same pattern continues in the following verses, as Eglon, Hebron, and Debir are all taken and destroyed in the same manner, demonstrating a consistent and thorough execution of divine judgment.

Meaning

The verse emphasizes the completeness of the destruction. “All the souls that were therein” were utterly destroyed with the edge of the sword. This was not a partial victory but a total judgment. The Hebrew word for “utterly destroyed” carries the idea of placing something under a ban, dedicating it wholly to the Lord. The pattern set at Lachish became the standard for the entire campaign, showing that God’s judgment is consistent and thorough. The immediacy of the action—”on that day“—underscores that God’s commands are to be followed fully, without partial obedience.

Biblical connections

God had commanded Israel to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan and destroy their cities (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). The Canaanites’ persistent idolatry and wickedness had filled the measure of their sin, and this conquest was the execution of divine justice. The destruction also fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would possess the land (Genesis 12:7). Joshua acted as God’s instrument, and the victories were the Lord’s doing, not merely human military success. The conquest was not just a military campaign; it was a carrying out of divine justice, with the Canaanite cities serving as objects of God’s judgment.

Application

This passage teaches the seriousness of sin and the need for complete obedience. Just as Israel was to remove every trace of idolatry from the land, believers are called to remove sin from their lives without compromise. Partial obedience is not true obedience. The verse also reminds us that God is faithful to His promises; He gave Israel victory as they followed His instructions. Trusting God means following Him fully, even when His commands are difficult. The completeness of the destruction serves as a warning against tolerating sin in our own hearts, for God’s judgment is comprehensive.

Reflection

The conquest of Canaan is a sobering reminder that God’s judgment against evil is real and comprehensive. Yet it also reveals His mercy, for the Canaanites had centuries to repent. For the believer, this account points to the seriousness of holiness and the certainty of God’s justice. It calls us to examine our own hearts, removing anything that competes with God’s rightful place. The same God who judged the nations is the God who saves through Christ, and He calls His people to walk in faithful obedience.