Old Testament
Joshua 10:35
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Joshua 10:35, the Israelites successfully captured a city on the same day they attacked it, demonstrating their military strength and God's support.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
They captured it that same day and put everyone to the sword, completely destroying every person in it, just as he had done to Lachish.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Joshua 10:35, the Israelites successfully captured a city on the same day they attacked it, demonstrating their military strength and God's support. They killed everyone in the city, ensuring that no one remained alive, similar to their previous conquest of Lachish. This reflects the seriousness of their mission to take the Promised Land and the consequences of opposing God's chosen people. The complete destruction of the inhabitants signifies the totality of their victory and the fulfillment of God's command to eliminate the wickedness in the land. This act serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's directives, as well as the severe consequences of sin and rebellion against Him. The narrative emphasizes the urgency and decisiveness required in spiritual battles, paralleling the need for believers today to confront sin and opposition with determination and faithfulness to God's will. Explore related judgment.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Joshua 10:35 to your life
This verse encourages believers to take decisive action against sin in their lives, just as the Israelites did in their conquests. It reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need to trust in His guidance when facing challenges. We should strive to eliminate anything that opposes our relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 10:35 mean?
Joshua 10:35 describes the Israelites capturing a city and killing all its inhabitants, showing their military strength and God's support. It highlights the seriousness of their mission to take the Promised Land and the consequences of opposing God's chosen people.
What is the significance of total destruction in Joshua 10:35?
The total destruction in Joshua 10:35 signifies the complete victory of the Israelites and the fulfillment of God's command to eliminate wickedness in the land. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's directives.
What does 'put everyone to the sword' mean in Joshua 10:35?
'Put everyone to the sword' in Joshua 10:35 means that the Israelites killed all the inhabitants of the city. This phrase illustrates the totality of their conquest and the seriousness of their mission.
How does Joshua 10:35 relate to obedience to God?
Joshua 10:35 illustrates the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites acted decisively in fulfilling His directive to conquer the land. Their actions serve as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.

The Book of Joshua
1: God Commissions Joshua
After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.
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