“And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest which remained of them entered into fenced cities.”– Joshua 10:20 (KJV)
“When Joshua and the Israelites had finished killing them, they returned to the camp. The rest of the survivors, those who had not been killed, entered the fortified cities.”– Joshua 10:20 (NLT)
“When Joshua and the people of Israel had finished killing the last of their enemies, they all went back to their camp at Gilgal. The rest of the enemies who weren’t killed escaped into fortified towns.”– Joshua 10:20 (MSG)
What Does Joshua 10:20 Mean?
The context of Joshua 10:20 is rooted deeply in a battle narrative that showcases God’s power and the faithfulness of His promises to Israel. This specific verse marks a significant moment in the campaign of Joshua against Israel’s enemies. After a fierce battle, Joshua and the Israelites have vanquished many enemies, showcasing their strength and reliance on the strength the Lord provided them. The wilderness and the conquest of Canaan had led them to this pivotal moment, where they would experience God’s promise of land and victory firsthand.
When we read this verse, we see a clear depiction of the aftermath of God’s warriors prevailing against their foes. The “great slaughter” indicates the severity of this battle, but also, it signifies the determination of the Israelites to obey God’s command to clear the land of its wicked inhabitants, ensuring that there was no influence that could lead them away from worshiping God. It was not merely about conquest but a divine directive—fulfilling God’s promise to provide His people land that was free from wickedness and idolatry.
Joshua 10:20 Explanation and Commentary
As we reflect on Joshua 10:20, our focus can be directed toward what it reveals about God’s nature and the calling on Israel as His chosen people. The verse highlights not only the victory but also serves as a reminder of the importance of steadfast faith. The context of our lives is similar; we too face personal battles, whether they be internal struggles, health challenges, or personal failures. Through our faith and reliance on God, we are empowered to confront these issues and to experience victory!
The term “great slaughter” can be challenging to read, yet it emphasizes that there are consequences to unfaithfulness and disobedience. Just as God commanded the Israelites to rid the land of wickedness, we are called to eliminate the negativity and sin from our lives. We need to be aware of and address the things that keep us from living a life aligned with God’s will. It invites us to reflect deeply on our own actions, character, and choices and how they align with scripture.
This segment of scripture also underscores God’s ability to deliver His people, showing a contrast between those who remain in God’s grace and protections versus those who fall outside of it. It serves to remind us of our journey towards spiritual maturity. Just as the Israelites had to trust God for their physical safety and victory, we too must trust Him for our daily needs and spiritual battles. The lessons extend far beyond this moment in Joshua’s life; they extend to us, reminding us that we are in a series of ongoing battles that require resolve and faith.
As the verse concludes with the survivors fleeing to fortified cities, it reminds us that the consequences of resistance against God are significant, yet there’s always an opportunity for redemption. The cities represented a stronghold, a place where those who had survived could regroup perhaps, but they also stood as a lasting testament to the failures of those who opposed God’s plan. Our fortresses can sometimes be our own personal struggles or even the distractions that seek to draw us away from God’s calling on our lives.
Context of Joshua 10:20
To truly understand Joshua 10:20, we must explore the surrounding passages, particularly Joshua chapters 10 and 11. These chapters present a broader narrative of the Israelite conquests. The battles are not undertaken arbitrarily; they are anchored in God’s promises to the Israelites. Joshua was not acting as an autonomous commander but as a chosen leader under divine instruction.
Following God’s commands, Joshua leads the Israelites to engage in battle against various kings and their armies. The key message here is that the Israelites were fulfilling God’s promise to claim the land of Canaan — the land flowing with milk and honey. This conquest was central to Israel’s identity and their relationship with God. They operated under God’s authority and fought for a greater purpose – to uphold God’s name and establish His kingdom on Earth.
It is also significant that we notice the role of prayer and worship during these battles. Prior to partaking in a battle, Joshua often sought God’s guidance, leading to moments of miracle, such as the stopping of the sun (earlier in Joshua 10). These examples paint a picture of how we should approach our challenges – in prayer, trust, and humility, seeking direction from God.
This chapter signifies a turning point for Israel, where they establish themselves as a unified, faithful entity under God’s covenant. When we look at the entirety of the narrative, we see that God’s hand is in every move. This context envelops Joshua 10:20, providing a well-rounded understanding of why these events transpired and highlights the importance of God’s covenant among His people.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Joshua 10:20
Breaking down Joshua 10:20 helps us appreciate its nuances. The phrase “when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a great slaughter” reflects the culmination of a significant conflict. It emphasizes the determination with which the Israelites pursued their mission. To “slay” in the context of their covenant under the Lord was both a celestial duty and necessitated for their complete obedience to God’s will.
Next, the term “great slaughter” is visceral. It symbolizes the serious nature of disobedience to God. In the biblical context, such acts required drastic actions. It demonstrates that there are stakes involved in sin and following paths that lead away from God. These foes represented wickedness that could distract or destroy their relationship with God, much like the distractions and temptations we face today.
Furthermore, “the rest which remained of them” signifies survival amid devastation, a reminder of the ongoing presence of opposition. Even when victory seems clear, we must remain vigilant against those challenges that persist. Just because we conquer one challenge does not mean we are free from life’s trials. Our spiritual journey is continuous and ongoing.
When it speaks of “cities,” it invokes imagery of strongholds, places of refuge, yet they also symbolize the potential for remaining enmity. The survivors running to fortified cities illustrate how sin and opposition may momentarily hide but do not disappear. We must strive diligently to confront those strongholds in our lives, identifying where we place ourselves in hiding and thus sometimes from God’s light.
Lessons to Learn From Joshua 10:20
In reflecting on Joshua 10:20, there are relevant and profound lessons we can carry into our lives. An essential takeaway is the urgency and importance of obedience to God’s call. God asked the Israelites to cleanse the land, and they acted decisively. We too have a calling — a mission to uphold the truth of God, to shout out His love and grace while actively removing the distractions that draw us away from Him.
Add to that the necessity of vigilance. The remnants of the defeated enemies finding refuge in fortified cities remind us that we must remain aware of the subtle influences that can enter our lives unexpectedly. These influences may pop up as excuses, doubts, or even temptations, drawing our focus away from living in devotion to God. We must strive to be watchful and wise.
Another critical lesson revolves around having faith in God’s might. In the battles we face, we must recognize that we don’t battle alone. Just as God was present with the Israelites, He is with us, guiding our way through challenges. Our strength comes from Him, a vital reminder that we should consciously lean into His presence through prayer and scripture, staying connected to Him in every aspect of our lives.
This passage also emphasizes the notion of repentance and vigilance. The fortifications those enemies fled into serve as an example that even those defeated may re-emerge if not carefully guarded against. Therefore, it prompts us to examine our spiritual lives and ask, “What areas do we need to reinforce to prevent our stumbling back into temptation?”
Final Thoughts
Joshua 10:20 is so much more than a historical account; it is a narrative of divine authority and human action. As we reflect on its lessons, may we seek to embody the spirit of diligence, obedience, and faithfulness that these words represent. Whether we are fighting our own battles or seeking to assist others in theirs, we can trust in God’s promise of victory.
As friends, let’s encourage one another as we navigate through life’s challenges. Each day provides a new opportunity to clarify our purpose, remain vigilant, strengthen our faith, and uphold God’s love in a world that continually needs it. For those interested in exploring more about God’s promises in the book of Joshua, consider visiting Joshua 10:19 for deeper insight into the surrounding verses and the broader context of Israel’s journey. Remember, in battles big or small, let us carry the confidence that God is with us!