Old Testament
Joshua 10:28
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That day, Joshua captured Makkedah and struck it with the sword, completely destroying its king and everyone there, leaving no survivors. He did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho.
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And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.
What Joshua 10:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Joshua leading the Israelites in their conquest of the Promised Land. Makkedah was a city that Joshua captured, and he completely destroyed it, including its king and all the inhabitants. This act of destruction was part of God's command to the Israelites to eliminate the wickedness in the land. The phrase 'leaving no survivors' emphasizes the totality of the destruction, mirroring what had happened in Jericho. This reflects the seriousness of God's judgment against the nations that opposed His people. Joshua's actions demonstrate obedience to God's directives and the fulfillment of the promise to give the land to Israel. The destruction of Makkedah serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of following God's will without compromise.
How to apply Joshua 10:28 to your life
This verse challenges us to consider our own lives and the areas where we may need to eliminate sin or disobedience. Just as Joshua acted decisively, we too should take bold steps to align our lives with God's will, ensuring that nothing stands in the way of our relationship with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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Keep studying Joshua 10:28
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 10:28 mean?
Joshua 10:28 describes the conquest of the city of Makkedah by Joshua and the Israelites. It highlights their complete destruction of the city and its king, emphasizing obedience to God's command to eradicate wickedness from the land.
What is the significance of 'leaving no survivors' in Joshua 10:28?
The phrase 'leaving no survivors' signifies the totality of destruction that Joshua enacted in Makkedah, mirroring the earlier destruction of Jericho. It underscores the seriousness of God's judgment against nations that opposed His people.
How does Joshua 10:28 relate to God's commands?
Joshua 10:28 shows Joshua's obedience to God's commands to destroy the wickedness in the land. This act of destruction was part of God's directive for the Israelites as they took possession of the Promised Land.
What themes are present in Joshua 10:28?
Key themes in Joshua 10:28 include divine judgment, obedience to God, the conquest of the Promised Land, and the total destruction of opposing nations, reflecting the seriousness of following God's will.
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