Old Testament
Joshua 10:37
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Joshua and the Israelites successfully conquer a city, killing everyone inside, including the king and all the inhabitants.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
They captured the city, its king, and all its surrounding towns, putting everyone to the sword. Joshua left no survivors, just as he had done to Eglon. He completely destroyed the city and every person in it.
And they took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof, and all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining, according to all that he had done to Eglon; but destroyed it utterly, and all the souls that were therein.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua and the Israelites successfully conquer a city, killing everyone inside, including the king and all the inhabitants. This act of total destruction mirrors their previous conquest of Eglon, emphasizing the seriousness of their mission to take the Promised Land. The phrase 'left no survivors' indicates the complete eradication of the enemy, which was a common practice in ancient warfare to prevent future threats. This reflects the harsh realities of the time and the belief that such actions were commanded by God to fulfill His promises to Israel. The destruction serves as a warning against opposing God's will and highlights the importance of obedience to divine commands. The narrative illustrates the lengths to which the Israelites went to secure their inheritance, showcasing both their military might and their commitment to following God's directives, even when it involved difficult and violent actions.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Joshua 10:37 to your life
This verse challenges us to consider the seriousness of our commitments and the lengths we are willing to go to fulfill our responsibilities. It reminds us that obedience to our values and beliefs may require difficult choices, but it is essential for achieving our goals and living a life aligned with our principles.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 10:37 teach about warfare in the Bible?
Joshua 10:37 illustrates the totality of conquest in ancient Israelite warfare, where complete destruction of the enemy was often seen as necessary to eliminate future threats. This reflects the harsh realities of the time and the belief that such actions were divinely sanctioned to fulfill God's promises to Israel. It highlights the seriousness of their mission to take the Promised Land.
Why did Joshua leave no survivors in the conquest?
Joshua left no survivors as a strategic military decision to prevent any future retaliation or threats from the conquered city. This practice was common in ancient warfare and was believed to be commanded by God to ensure the Israelites could secure their inheritance in the Promised Land without opposition.
How does Joshua 10:37 relate to the concept of obedience in the Bible?
The verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as Joshua's actions were taken to fulfill divine directives. It serves as a reminder that following God's will may require difficult and challenging decisions, reflecting the commitment of the Israelites to uphold their covenant with God.
What are the implications of total destruction in Joshua 10:37 for modern readers?
For modern readers, the total destruction described in Joshua 10:37 raises ethical questions about violence and divine command. It challenges us to reflect on the seriousness of our commitments and the lengths we are willing to go to uphold our values, while also considering the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative.
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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