Old Testament
Joshua 10:38
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, the leader of the Israelites, along with his entire army, goes back to the city of Debir to engage in battle.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Joshua and all Israel returned to Debir and fought against it.
And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and fought against it:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, along with his entire army, goes back to the city of Debir to engage in battle. This action signifies the continuation of their campaign to conquer the land of Canaan as commanded by God. The return to Debir indicates that the Israelites were committed to completing their mission, even after previous victories. It also highlights the importance of persistence in their efforts to claim the land promised to them. The mention of the entire Israelite army suggests unity and collective effort in facing challenges. This moment reflects the broader theme of obedience to God's directives and the necessity of confronting opposition to achieve their goals. The battle at Debir is part of a larger narrative of conquest, showcasing the struggles and determination of the Israelites as they seek to establish themselves in the land.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Joshua 10:38 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain committed to our goals, especially when facing challenges. Just as Joshua and the Israelites returned to fight, we should be willing to confront obstacles in our lives with determination and unity, trusting in God's guidance to help us succeed.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 10:38 mean?
Joshua 10:38 describes Joshua and the Israelites returning to the city of Debir to engage in battle. This shows their commitment to conquering the land of Canaan as God commanded, emphasizing the importance of persistence and unity in facing challenges.
What is the significance of Debir in Joshua 10:38?
Debir is significant as it represents one of the cities the Israelites needed to conquer in their campaign for the Promised Land. The return to Debir highlights their determination to fulfill God's command despite previous victories.
What themes are present in Joshua 10:38?
Themes in Joshua 10:38 include obedience to God, unity among the Israelites, perseverance in the face of challenges, and the importance of divine guidance in achieving their goals.
What can we learn from Joshua 10:38?
From Joshua 10:38, we learn the value of commitment and determination when pursuing our goals. It encourages us to confront obstacles with unity and trust in God's guidance.

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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