“So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded.”
In this verse, we find the account of Joshua’s military campaign against the kings and nations inhabiting the land of Canaan. To better understand the significance of this verse, it’s important to provide some context from the preceding chapters of the Book of Joshua.
Joshua was the appointed leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses. Under his leadership, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land. The people of Israel had been promised this land by God, and now it was time to possess it.
In Joshua chapter 10, we read about Joshua’s victories over five Amorite kings who had formed an alliance to resist the Israelites. The Amorites were inhabitants of Canaan, the land that God had promised to give to the descendants of Abraham. These victories demonstrated God’s faithfulness and fulfilled His promise to give the land to the Israelites.
Verse 40 specifically states that Joshua smote all the country of the hills, the south, the vale (or lowland), and the springs. It also mentions that he conquered all their kings. The language used here emphasizes the completeness of Joshua’s campaign, indicating that he left none remaining.
Furthermore, the verse mentions that Joshua “utterly destroyed all that breathed.” This statement raises questions and has been a subject of interpretation and debate among biblical scholars. Some interpret it to mean that Joshua exterminated all the people in those areas, while others argue that it refers to the military defeat and subjugation of the nations rather than complete annihilation.
It is important to note that throughout the conquest of Canaan, God had given specific instructions to the Israelites regarding the destruction of the Canaanite nations due to their wickedness and idolatry (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). These instructions were not about genocide but about purging the land of idolatry and preserving the spiritual integrity of Israel.
While this verse portrays the military conquest and destruction of the Canaanite nations, it is crucial to consider the broader narrative of the Bible. God’s purpose in establishing Israel in the Promised Land was to preserve a people who would bear witness to Him and bring forth the Savior, Jesus Christ.
The events described in Joshua 10:40 remind us of the importance of obeying God’s commands, even in challenging circumstances. It serves as a reminder that God’s promises are faithful and that He will fulfill His word. It also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s guidance and recognizing His sovereignty in all things.
It’s worth noting that as we read the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, it is essential to interpret individual verses within the larger context of the entire biblical narrative, including God’s overall plan for salvation and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ.
