This verse highlights Joshua’s unwavering obedience to God, ensuring victory for Israel and a testament to the LORD’s fulfilled promises.
Joshua led the Israelites in conquering the southern region of Canaan, and “So afterward Joshua struck them and put them to death, and he hanged them on five trees; and they hung on the trees until evening” (v.26) marks the end of a fierce battle against five opposing kings. This event took place around 1400 BC, during the period when Israel, under Joshua’s leadership following Moses’ death in 1406 BC, was claiming the Promised Land. Joshua’s swift judgment showcased his commitment to following God’s instruction to purge the land of rulers who resisted Israel and defied the LORD’s sovereignty (Deuteronomy 7:2).
In this verse, “Joshua struck them and put them to death” (v.26), which reflects the disciplined and strict justice practiced by the Israelite leader. By executing these enemy kings, Joshua demonstrated a complete triumph over hostile forces seeking to impede Israel’s inheritance. The act of hanging the rulers on trees further symbolized the form of utter defeat and shame that came upon them (Deuteronomy 21:22-23), a concept echoed throughout Scripture when describing acts deserving great condemnation. In the New Testament, Jesus took the curse upon Himself by hanging on a cross on behalf of humanity (Galatians 3:13), reversing the shame of such an execution for all who believe in Him.
Although the verse does not explicitly name every king, historical records in Joshua indicate that these five kings likely ruled within the region near Gibeon. Gibeon was situated in the hill country northwest of Jerusalem, an area of strategic significance to Israel’s southern campaign. In the broader narrative, Joshua’s successful subjugation of these kings solidified Israel’s foothold in Canaan, reminding the people of God’s faithful promise to secure victory for those who trust and obey His commands.
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Joshua 10:26 meaning
Joshua led the Israelites in conquering the southern region of Canaan, and “So afterward Joshua struck them and put them to death, and he hanged them on five trees; and they hung on the trees until evening” (v.26) marks the end of a fierce battle against five opposing kings. This event took place around 1400 BC, during the period when Israel, under Joshua’s leadership following Moses’ death in 1406 BC, was claiming the Promised Land. Joshua’s swift judgment showcased his commitment to following God’s instruction to purge the land of rulers who resisted Israel and defied the LORD’s sovereignty (Deuteronomy 7:2).
In this verse, “Joshua struck them and put them to death” (v.26), which reflects the disciplined and strict justice practiced by the Israelite leader. By executing these enemy kings, Joshua demonstrated a complete triumph over hostile forces seeking to impede Israel’s inheritance. The act of hanging the rulers on trees further symbolized the form of utter defeat and shame that came upon them (Deuteronomy 21:22-23), a concept echoed throughout Scripture when describing acts deserving great condemnation. In the New Testament, Jesus took the curse upon Himself by hanging on a cross on behalf of humanity (Galatians 3:13), reversing the shame of such an execution for all who believe in Him.
Although the verse does not explicitly name every king, historical records in Joshua indicate that these five kings likely ruled within the region near Gibeon. Gibeon was situated in the hill country northwest of Jerusalem, an area of strategic significance to Israel’s southern campaign. In the broader narrative, Joshua’s successful subjugation of these kings solidified Israel’s foothold in Canaan, reminding the people of God’s faithful promise to secure victory for those who trust and obey His commands.