Josué 10
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
Josué 10
Guzik - The enemies of Israel feared greatly, but like our spiritual enemies, they do not retreat when they are afraid, but launch attacks that are even more bold, as a wild animal might fight when it feels attacked.. Though they are afraid, they are still clever. Afraid to attack Israel directly, they attack their vassals the Gibeonites. Coleson - This is the seventh and last report that Canaan was afraid of Israel (cf. Joshua 2:9–11; 2:24; 5:1; 6:1; 9:9–11; 9:24). Their “perfect” fear (represented by the number seven) led the Gibeonites to submit to Israel, but led most of the Canaanite kings to choose war. (Joshua, Judges, Ruth) Campbell - The handwriting was on the wall. Jerusalem’s security was being severely threatened. If the advances of Israel’s armies continued without challenge Jerusalem would soon be surrounded and captured. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament or Here) Feared (03372) yare s a verb meaning to fear, to be afraid (Ge 3:10+), to respect, to reverence, to be terrified, to be awesome, to be feared, to make afraid, to frighten. Fear is that affection of the mind that arises with the awareness of approaching danger. The most common translations are to be afraid, to fear, to fear God. On one hand yare conveys the sense of threat to one's life, but on the other it can express the idea of reverence and deep respect (as in Ps 25:14). Yare is used 10x in Joshua - Jos. 4:14; Jos. 4:24; Jos. 8:1; Jos. 9:24; Jos. 10:2; Jos. 10:8; Jos. 10:25; Jos. 11:6; Jos. 22:25; Jos. 24:14; Royal (04467)( מַמְלָכָה mamlāḵāh from melek = king) is a feminine noun meaning kingdom. Often the term refers to the royal power an individual in sovereign authority possesses. Because Solomon did not keep the Lord’s covenant and commandments, his kingdom (that is, his power to rule) was torn from his son (1Ki 11:11; cf. 1Sa 28:17; 1Ki 14:8). In many other places, however, the word is utilized concretely to denote a people under a king (that is, a realm). The kingdom (or realm) of King Sihon of the Amorites and the kingdom (realm) of King Og of Bashan were given to the Gadites, Reubenites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Nu 32:33; cf. Ex 19:6; Dt. 28:25; 1Sa 24:20). In some passages, the word functions as an adjective, meaning royal (e.g., city of the kingdom = royal city; Josh. 10:2; 1Sa 27:5; cf. 2Ki 11:1; 2Chr. 23:20; Amos 7:13). This noun derives from the verb mālaḵ (4427), as does its synonym, malḵûṯ (4438). (The Complete Word Study Old Testament) Mamlakah - 113v - dominion(1), kingdom(58), kingdoms(48), reign(2), royal(6), rule(1), sovereignty(1). Gen. 10:10; Gen. 20:9; Exod. 19:6; Num. 32:33; Deut. 3:4; Deut. 3:10; Deut. 3:13; Deut. 3:21; Deut. 17:18; Deut. 17:20; Deut. 28:25; Jos. 10:2; Jos. 11:10; 1 Sam. 10:18; 1 Sam. 13:13; 1 Sam. 13:14; 1 Sam. 24:20; 1 Sam. 27:5; 1 Sam. 28:17; 2 Sam. 3:10; 2 Sam. 3:28; 2 Sam. 5:12; 2 Sam. 7:12; 2 Sam. 7:13; 2 Sam. 7:16; 1 Ki. 2:46; 1 Ki. 4:21; 1 Ki. 9:5; 1 Ki. 10:20; 1 Ki. 11:11; 1 Ki. 11:13; 1 Ki. 11:31; 1 Ki. 11:34; 1 Ki. 12:26; 1 Ki. 14:8; 1 Ki. 18:10; 2 Ki. 11:1; 2 Ki. 14:5; 2 Ki. 15:19; 2 Ki. 19:15; 2 Ki. 19:19; 1 Chr. 16:20; 1 Chr. 29:11; 1 Chr. 29:30; 2 Chr. 9:19; 2 Chr. 11:1; 2 Chr. 12:8; 2 Chr. 13:5; 2 Chr. 13:8; 2 Chr. 14:5; 2 Chr. 17:5; 2 Chr. 17:10; 2 Chr. 20:6; 2 Chr. 20:29; 2 Chr. 21:3; 2 Chr. 21:4; 2 Chr. 22:9; 2 Chr. 22:10; 2 Chr. 23:20; 2 Chr. 25:3; 2 Chr. 29:21; 2 Chr. 32:15; 2 Chr. 36:23; Ezr. 1:2; Neh. 9:22; Ps. 46:6; Ps. 68:32; Ps. 79:6; Ps. 102:22; Ps. 105:13; Ps. 135:11; Isa. 9:7; Isa. 10:10; Isa. 13:4; Isa. 13:19; Isa. 14:16; Isa. 17:3; Isa. 19:2; Isa. 23:11; Isa. 23:17; Isa. 37:16; Isa. 37:20; Isa. 47:5; Isa. 60:12; Jer. 1:10; Jer. 1:15; Jer. 15:4; Jer. 18:7; Jer. 18:9; Jer. 24:9; Jer. 25:26; Jer. 27:1; Jer. 27:8; Jer. 28:1; Jer. 28:8; Jer. 29:18; Jer. 34:1; Jer. 34:17; Jer. 49:28; Jer. 51:20; Jer. 51:27; Lam. 2:2; Ezek. 17:14; Ezek. 29:14; Ezek. 29:15; Ezek. 37:22; Amos 6:2; Amos 7:13; Amos 9:8; Mic. 4:8; Nah. 3:5; Zeph. 3:8; Hag. 2:22 George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 2. That they feared greatly. He and his people; from which it appears that under the term ‘king’ in the preceding verse we are to understand also the people whom he represented. As one of the royal cities. Heb. כאחת ערי הממלכה kea’hath ârai hammamlâkâh, as one of the cities of the kingdom. Not that it was actually a royal city, the seat of a king, but it was like one, being a capital city and having others subordinate to it, ch. 9:7. Chal. ‘As one of the cities of the kingdoms.’ It was great, well inhabited, and well fortified, after the manner of those cities which served for royal residences. But they were undoubtedly a small but powerful republic, governed by elders, as we hear nothing here or elsewhere of their having a king. See on ch. 9:3. Joshua 10:3 Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron and to Piram king of Jarmuth and to Japhia king of Lachish and to Debir king of Eglon, saying, king of Jerusalem : Jos 10:1,5 12:10-13 15:35-39,54,63 18:28 Hebron: Hebron was situated on an eminence, 20 miles south of Jerusalem, and the same distance north of Beersheba. It is now called El Khalil, "the well-beloved," the usual epithet which the Turks and Arabs apply to Abraham, whose sepulchral cave they still shew; over which St. Helena built a magnificent church. Its original site was on an eminence, at the southern foot of which the present village is pleasantly situated, on which are the remains of an ancient castle, its sole defence. Jos 14:15 Ge 23:2 37:14 Nu 13:22 2Sa 2:11 Lachish: 2Ki 18:14,17 2Ch 11:9 Mic 1:13 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JABIN SEEKS ALLIANCE WITH 4 KINGS SW OF JERUSALEM Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron (map) and to Piram king of Jarmuth and to Japhia king of Lachish (map) and to Debir king of Eglon (map) saying -These cities were between the central plateau and the coast, all southwest of and all within thirty miles of Jerusalem. Although the text does not state specifically, undoubtedly these kings normally were not "buddy, buddy," but now that they were faced with annihilation, they came together. In short, they were proving true an ancient proverb that says "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." Lachish is mentioned 8x in Joshua 10 - Jos. 10:3; Jos. 10:5; Jos. 10:23; Jos. 10:31; Jos. 10:32; Jos. 10:33; Jos. 10:34; Jos. 10:35; Jos. 12:11; Jos. 15:39; 2 Ki. 14:19; 2 Ki. 18:14; 2 Ki. 18:17; 2 Ki. 19:8; 2 Chr. 11:9; 2 Chr. 25:27; 2 Chr. 32:9; Neh. 11:30; Isa. 36:2; Isa. 37:8; Jer. 34:7; Mic. 1:13. Clearly this was an strategic city for Joshua to defeat! George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 3. Wherefore Adoni-zedek sent. Because he was most exposed to danger, Jerusalem being only six miles from Gibeon, and midway between that and the camp at Gilgal, and because also he might have possessed some degree of precedency over the other kings mentioned. Lachish - (lay' chihssh) Place name meaning “obstinate.” An important Old Testament city located in the Shephelah (“lowlands”) southwest of Jerusalem. It has usually been identified in modern times with the archaeological site called tell ed-Duweir. The same site has more recently come to be called tel Lachish. Lachish is also mentioned in ancient Egyptian, Assyrian and Babylonian records. The earliest reference to Lachish is in the Amarna letters (about 1400 B.C). It was evidently one of the important Canaanite cities of the time. The Hebrew army under Joshua's command defeated the king of Lachish, killed him and conquered his city (Joshua 10:5 , Joshua 10:23 ,Joshua 10:23,10:32-33 ). Later, Lachish was apportioned to the Tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:39 ). The next Biblical reference to Lachish comes in 2 Chronicles 11:9 , from the reign of Rehoboam who “fortified the city.” Lachish was also the city of refuge for Amaziah who fled there from Jerusalem to escape a conspiracy against him (2 Kings 14:19; 2 Chronicles 25:27 ). Lachish is perhaps most well known for the story of its siege and conquest in 701 B.C. at the hands of the Assyrian King Sennacherib (2 Kings 18:1; 2 Chronicles 32:1; Isaiah 36:1 ). Two later brief references appear (Jeremiah 34:7; Nehemiah 11:30 ). The archaeological excavations at Lachish have been extensive and rewarding. They have shown occupation at Lachish from about 4000 B.C. to the time of its conquest by the Persian Empire (539-333 B.C.). The rich and varied finds represent almost all of the periods, but the chief interest for the student of the Bible centers on the periods beginning with the time of the Hebrew invasion of Canaan. Impressive archaeological evidence shows the city was destroyed during the period of the conquest related in the Book of Joshua, but the archaeological evidence does not indicate who the destroyers were. Some scholars date the Lachish destruction layer as late as 1150 B.C. on the basis of a cartouche of Rameses III of Egypt. The biblical account of Sennacherib's conquest of Lachish in 701 B.C. is supported and amplified by Assyrian records of King Sennacherib's campaign (2 Kings 18:1; 2 Chronicles 32:1; Isaiah 36:1 ). This was graphically recorded in a large and elaborate bas relief on the walls of the royal palace in Nineveh. Presently housed in the British museum in London, these carvings show Assyrian soldiers attacking the walled city, the city inhabitants defending their city, soldiers killing some of the defenders, families with possessions being led away captive, and the king on his throne reviewing the spoils taken from the city. A replica of this relief may be found in the library of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Lachish -22x - Jos. 10:3; Jos. 10:5; Jos. 10:23; Jos. 10:31; Jos. 10:32; Jos. 10:33; Jos. 10:34; Jos. 10:35; Jos. 12:11; Jos. 15:39; 2 Ki. 14:19; 2 Ki. 18:14; 2 Ki. 18:17; 2 Ki. 19:8; 2 Chr. 11:9; 2 Chr. 25:27; 2 Chr. 32:9; Neh. 11:30; Isa. 36:2; Isa. 37:8; Jer. 34:7; Mic. 1:13 Hebron - (hee' brahn) Place name and personal name meaning “association” or “league.” A major city in the hill country of Judah about nineteen miles south of Jerusalem and fifteen miles west of the Dead Sea. The region is over 3,000 feet above sea level. The surrounding area has an abundant water supply, and its rich soil is excellent for agriculture. According to archaeological research the site has been occupied almost continuously since about 3300 B.C. After his separation from Lot, Abraham moved to Hebron. At that time the area was known as Mamre and was associated with the Amorites (Genesis 13:18; Genesis 14:13; Genesis 23:19 ). Abraham apparently remained at Mamre until after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. When Sarah died, the place was called Kirjath-arba; and the population was predominantly Hittite (Genesis 23:2; Joshua 14:15; Joshua 15:54; Judges 1:10 ). From them Abraham purchased a field with a burial plot inside a nearby cave. Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Leah were buried there (Genesis 23:19; Genesis 25:9; Genesis 35:29; Genesis 49:31; Genesis 50:13 ). Four centuries later, when Moses sent the twelve spies into Canaan, the tribe of Anak lived in Hebron. According to Numbers 13:22 Hebron was “built” seven years prior to Zoan, the Egyptian city of Tanis. Archaeological evidence suggests that the reference was to Tanis' establishment as the Hyksos capital around 1725 B.C. and not its beginning. Indeed both cities already were inhabited long before 2000 B.C. Therefore, the date may indicate that it was rebuilt by the Hyksos at that time, or it may specify when Hebron became a Canaanite city. After the Israelite conquest of Canaan, Hebron was given to Caleb ( Joshua 14:9-13 ). It also became a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7 ). Later, Samson put the gates of Gaza on a hill outside of Hebron (Judges 16:3 ). After the death of Saul, David settled in the city (2 Samuel 2:3 ) and made it his capital during the seven years he ruled only Judah (1 Kings 2:11 ). His son, Absalom, launched an abortive revolt against David from Hebron (2 Samuel 15:10 ). Between 922,915 B.C. Rehoboam fortified the city as a part of Judah's defense network (2 Chronicles 11:5-10 ). According to inscriptions found on pottery fragments, royal pottery was made in the city between 800,700 B.C. Hebron - 57v - Gen. 13:18; Gen. 23:2; Gen. 23:19; Gen. 35:27; Gen. 37:14; Num. 13:22; Jos. 10:3; Jos. 10:5; Jos. 10:23; Jos. 10:36; Jos. 10:39; Jos. 11:21; Jos. 12:10; Jos. 14:13; Jos. 14:14; Jos. 14:15; Jos. 15:13; Jos. 15:54; Jos. 20:7; Jos. 21:11; Jos. 21:13; Jdg. 1:10; Jdg. 1:20; Jdg. 16:3; 1 Sam. 30:31; 2 Sam. 2:1; 2 Sam. 2:3; 2 Sam. 2:11; 2 Sam. 2:32; 2 Sam. 3:2; 2 Sam. 3:5; 2 Sam. 3:19; 2 Sam. 3:20; 2 Sam. 3:22; 2 Sam. 3:27; 2 Sam. 3:32; 2 Sam. 4:1; 2 Sam. 4:8; 2 Sam. 4:12; 2 Sam. 5:1; 2 Sam. 5:3; 2 Sam. 5:5; 2 Sam. 5:13; 2 Sam. 15:7; 2 Sam. 15:9; 2 Sam. 15:10; 1 Ki. 2:11; 1 Chr. 3:1; 1 Chr. 3:4; 1 Chr. 6:55; 1 Chr. 6:57; 1 Chr. 11:1; 1 Chr. 11:3; 1 Chr. 12:23; 1 Chr. 12:38; 1 Chr. 29:27; 2 Chr. 11:10 Joshua 10:4 "Come up to me and help me, and let us attack Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and with the sons of Israel." and help: Isa 8:9,10 41:5-7 Ac 9:24-27 21:28 Rev 16:14 20:8-10 let us: Jos 10:1 9:15 Mt 16:24 Joh 15:19 16:2,3 Ac 9:23 2Ti 3:12 Jas 4:4 1Pe 4:4 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JABIN AIMS TO ATTACK GIBEON Come up to me and help me, and let us attack Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and with the sons of Israel - Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem is spearheading this confederacy of Canaanites against Gibeon against the traitorous acts of Gibeon. One thought Adoni-zedek may have entertained is that other Canaanite cities might follow suit and seek peace with Israel. Of course it is doubtful he knew the deceptive aspects of how Gibeon had secured the agreement with Israel. Coleson - Gibeon and its neighboring cities occupied the plateau of Benjamin (as it came to be called), a relatively level rectangle immediately to the north of Jerusalem, about 100 square miles in area. Control of this plateau was essential to control of the entire hill country. Throughout history, with few exceptions, whoever controlled Benjamin controlled the hill country. With Gibeon now allied to Israel, control of the plateau, and thus of the hill country, belonged to Israel. The Canaanite kings had to conquer Gibeon before Joshua could come to its rescue, or their cause was lost.(Joshua, Judges, Ruth) Grant has an interesting application - The response of the neighbouring cities illustrates the antagonism of the world towards those who enjoy peace with God. This is often the experience of a Christian who has recently been saved. Former friends and neighbours can become distant and, on occasions, hostile because they feel threatened by the change that is evident in a Christian: “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you” (1 Pet 4:4). (What the Bible Teaches - Joshua Judges Ruth) THOUGHT - Believers have a covenant defender in Jesus - see discussion of this comforting truth. George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 3. Wherefore Adoni-zedek sent. Because he was most exposed to danger, Jerusalem being only six miles from Gibeon, and midway between that and the camp at Gilgal, and because also he might have possessed some degree of precedency over the other kings mentioned. Joshua 10:5 So the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, gathered together and went up, they with all their armies, and camped by Gibeon and fought against it. Jos 10:6 9:1,2 Ge 15:16 Isa 8:9,10 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Source - ESV Global Study Bible (Click Map to Enlarge) FIVE KINGS MAKE A QUICK RESPONSE So - Term of conclusion. Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem receives a unanimous affirmative response. The five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron (also called Kiriath-arba-Josh 20:7), the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, gathered together and went up, they with all their armies, and camped by Gibeon and fought (lacham) against it - "Amorites" is used here as a general term for the Canaanites (). So the battle had begun and clearly Gibeon was defending itself against this formidable force. Keil and Delitzsch notes that "The Amorites who dwelt in the mountains were the strongest of all the Canaanites." It is interesting (and providential) that Adoni-Zedek goes to cities in the southern part of the Promised land which in effect "cooperates" with Joshua's plan for conquest (to go south after securing the central area) - Hebron was 20 miles south, Jamuth 17 miles southwest, Lachish 26 miles southwest and Eglon 32 miles southwest.
Josué 10
Guzik - We notice that Joshua didn’t wait around for the hail to come. He was busy doing what he could do in partnership with God, and God did what only God could do.
Josué 10
Guzik - We have another striking similarity with the Book of Revelation. Not only does a false “Lord of Righteousness” (Adoni-Zedek) lead a group of nations against Joshua, who has come to possess the land; but also, in the midst of their defeat, the kings hide in caves in fear of the conquering Joshua (Revelation 6:15–16). Alan Carr - If the first section pictures the supernatural aspect of our battles, then this section portrays the personal aspect of the battles we must fight in life. You see, God gave them a great victory through His mighty power, but there was still more of the battle to be fought. In these verses, we see Israel, not the Lord, engaged in the battle! There is a lesson here for the saints of God!) Joshua 10:16–18 We Must Control Our Enemy—Notice that these five kings tried to hide themselves in a cave. When they were discovered, Joshua ordered the cave to be sealed up, thus preventing the kings from escaping. This is a picture of control. When you got saved God changed you! However, your old, sinful nature is still alive and well! That’s right, that part of you that loves sin and the world is still active. If you don’t believe, just stick around a few more days and you will see! Just like these kings, our enemy, the flesh, hides itself within us and runs out into the open from time to time to cause us trouble. It may be a problem with the tongue that will come out from time to time. It may be anger, hatred, prejudice, lust, depravity, etc. Whatever that thing may be in your life, it must be controlled, or it will eventually come to control you.) It is important to note that part of the Fruit of the Spirit is “temperance”, Gal. 5:23. This word literally means “self-control”. It refers to that person who is the master of himself. As a child of God, you have no right to do as you please! In fact, if you are saved and allowing sin to reign in your life, you are doing so with stolen property! You are the Lord’s and you have no business using His body, His mind, His anything for sin and wickedness, 1 Cor. 6:19–20. One proof of walking in the Spirit is self-control! How are you doing in this area?) Joshua 10:22–25 We Must Confront Our Enemy—Notice that after the battle had been won, Joshua came back to that cave and brought these kings out and humiliated them by having his princes place their feet upon their necks. He confronted them openly and publically pronounced the victory over them. Spiritually speaking, we need to do the same thing. Every person in this room knows what kings hide in your life. You know about your secret sins and those problems you have with the flesh. The only way for you to get absolute, permanent victory over these things is for you to confront them. I mean, you need to drag them out of their hiding place and lay them out before the Lord, place your foot on their necks in the name of Jesus and proclaim the victory over them this morning! You will never prosper as a child of God until your sins are handled God’s way, Pr 28:13, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”) Joshua 10:26–27 We Must Conquer Our Enemy—In these verses, we see Joshua take a step that ensures the victory of these 5 kings. He puts them to death! I just want to remind you that your flesh is good for nothing! Your old sinful nature and your fleshly lusts are good for nothing other than the fires of judgment and hell. The only way for you to walk in victory before the Lord is to put you flesh to death! It must die daily, or it will keep you from walking in power and victory, Col. 3:5.) (Joshua 10:6-14 Valuable Lessons For The Day Of Battle) Joshua 10:17 And it was told Joshua, saying, "The five kings have been found hidden in the cave at Makkedah." Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries FIVE KINGS FOUND TSK - This information brought to Joshua, is an evidence that there were those of the country, who knew the holes and fastnesses of it, that were in his interests. And the care Joshua took to secure them there, as it is an instance of his policy and presence of mind, even in the heat of action; so, in the success of their project, it shews how they who think to hide themselves from God, not only deceive, but destroy themselves. Their refuge of lies will but bind them over to God's judgment. And it was told Joshua, saying, "The five kings have been found hidden in the cave at Makkedah (map) - As we would say today the "jig is up!" Joshua 10:18 And Joshua said, "Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and assign men by it to guard them, Jos 10:22 Jdg 9:46-49 Job 21:30 Am 5:19 9:1 Mt 27:66 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ASTRICTION OF THE KINGS! Astriction refers to the act of binding or the state of being bound. And Joshua said, "Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and assign men by it to guard them - This recalls the scene of making the grave of the King of kings secure, Matthew writing "And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone."(Mt 27:66) Unlike Jesus, these kings will experience no "escape" from the cave, which would eventually be their burial "tomb." George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 18. Set men by it. Heb. הפקידו עליה אנשים haphkidu âlëhâ anâshim, give men charge over it. Joshua 10:19 but do not stay there yourselves; pursue your enemies and attack them in the rear. Do not allow them to enter their cities, for the LORD your God has delivered them into your hand." stay: Ps 18:37-41 Jer 48:10 Attack: Heb. cut off the tail, Isa 9:14,15 Do not allow Jos 10:20 2Sa 17:13 20:6 Jer 8:14 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries HOT PURSUIT OF THE PAGANS but do not stay there yourselves - Capturing in the kings would not ensure a rebellious force might not rise up. They had to take them all. Pursue your enemies and attack them in the rear. Do not allow them to enter their cities - Joshua ordered the Israelites to "imprison" the five kings, but keep in hot pursuit of their armies before they could reach their fortified cities which potentially would make for a more difficult battle. Attack them in the rear refers to the rear guard, showing no mercy, taking no prisoners for this was a holy war of Yahweh with these depraved pagans. For - Term of explanation. Explaining why they should pursue and attack. The LORD your God has delivered them into your hand - Joshua encourages his men with the truth that God has already given their enemies into their power. George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 19. Smite the hindmost of them. Heb. זנבתם zinnabtem, cut off the tail, as the rear-guard of an army is called. The Vulg. of Jerome renders it, ‘cut off the last of the fugitives.’ Arab., ‘Clip off their hindmost.’ The original term occurs only once elsewhere, Deut. 25:18. ‘Servants, dependants, or courtiers, in the East, always follow their superiors. Should one of them cease to serve or follow his master or patron, having gained his end, another on seeing this, asks, “Where is your tail?”—“The tail has been long in my way, I have cut it off.” ’ Roberts. Suffer them not to enter into their cities. Heb. ‘Give them not to come to their cities.’ Where they would recover strength and renew the war. It seems, however, from the next verse, that a few stragglers succeeded in getting refuge in these defenced cities, but they were soon followed thither and destroyed. Joshua 10:20 And it came about when Joshua and the sons of Israel had finished slaying them with a very great slaughter, until they were destroyed, and the survivors who remained of them had entered the fortified cities, had finished slaying them: Jos 10:10 8:24 2Ch 13:17 fortified cities: 2Sa 20:6 Jer 8:14 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SLAYING WITH A GREAT SLAUGHTER And it came about when Joshua and the sons of Israel had finished slaying (nāḵāh) them with a very great slaughter, until they were destroyed - NET has an interesting translation "Joshua and the Israelites almost totally wiped them out." And the survivors who remained of them had entered the fortified cities - NET = "But some survivors did escape to the fortified cities." NLT = "They totally wiped out the five armies except for a tiny remnant that managed to reach their fortified towns." This is a surprising statement, for their enemies were not totally destroyed even though they had been instructed by God to utterly destroy them. It is interesting that in the following description of battles the phrase "no survivors" is repeated 6 times (Josh 10:28 Josh 10:30 Josh 10:33 Josh 10:37 Josh 10:39 Josh 10:40). Why there were survivors in Joshua 10:20 is not clear. Grant comments "The failure to keep them out of their cities necessitated further action against them (vv. 31–37) and would be the explanation for people remaining in these five cities after this phase of the southern campaign came to a close." (What the Bible Teaches - Joshua Judges Ruth) Survivors (remnant)(08300) sarid from sarad = to escape, to flee) is a masculine noun which means those who survive or remain after a judgment or a battle. It is a person who has fled from a battle, that is, a "survivor." In Job 20:21 sarid describes physical things that had not been devoured. All other uses describe those who escape an enemy onslaught. In the negative sense sarid describes situations where there are no survivors (Nu 21:35; Josh 10:28; Jer 42:17). Keil and Delitzsch notes that "Sârīd is one who is left after a judgment or a battle; hence in Jeremiah 42:17 and Joshua 8:22 it is connected with pâlīt (one who has escaped from destruction), so that here serīdīm and peletah are actually alike, the serīdīm being just the escaped ones upon Mount Zion." Sarid -28v - left(1), remains(1), remnant(2), survived(1), survivor(13), survivors(8), who survived(2). Num. 21:35; Num. 24:19; Deut. 2:34; Deut. 3:3; Jos. 8:22; Jos. 10:20; Jos. 10:28; Jos. 10:30; Jos. 10:33; Jos. 10:37; Jos. 10:39; Jos. 10:40; Jos. 11:8; Jdg. 5:13; 2 Ki. 10:11; Job 18:19; Job 20:21; Job 20:26; Job 27:15; Isa. 1:9; Jer. 31:2; Jer. 42:17; Jer. 44:14; Jer. 47:4; Lam. 2:22; Joel 2:32; Obad. 1:14; Obad. 1:18 George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 20. When Joshua and the children of Israel, &c. That is, Joshua by the children of Israel, by their agency. It is evident from v. 21 that Joshua did not accompany them in person, but awaited their return at Makkedah. It is, however, entirely according to scripture analogy to speak of that as done by a commander, which was done by the soldiers under his authority and control. The phrase may also be rendered, ‘Joshua, even the children of Israel.’ Joshua 10:21 that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace. No one uttered a word against any of the sons of Israel. to the camp: Jos 10:15-17 no one: Ex 11:7 Isa 54:17 57:4 Joshua 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries OBEDIENCE BRINGS PEACE That all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace - NET = "Then the whole army safely returned to Joshua at the camp in Makkedah." All the soldiers returned safe. This is truly miraculous! Don't miss this statement - obedience to the commands of the LORD brings peace! No one uttered a word against any of the sons of Israel - Hebrew for No one uttered a word is "No one sharpened a tongue!" The enemy's spirit was broken by Israel's success on the battlefield! Fear and awe came upon the inhabitants of Canaan and none sought to raise his voice against the people of God, not to mention a sword!