Old Testament
Joshua 10:35
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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.
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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.
What Joshua 10:35 means
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.
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
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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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Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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Keep studying Joshua 10:35
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Key themes
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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 10:35 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.
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