Joshua completely subdued Makkedah as a testament to God’s faithfulness.
Joshua 10:28 records that “Now Joshua captured Makkedah on that day and struck it and its king with the edge of the sword; he utterly destroyed it and every person who was in it. He left no survivor. Thus he did to the king of Makkedah just as he had done to the king of Jericho” (v.28). This verse describes how Joshua took decisive action to conquer Makkedah during the Israelites’ southern campaign in Canaan. Makkedah, located in the lowland region of the Shephelah in southwestern ancient Israel, was an important foothold as Joshua advanced through the area. By following God’s guidance, Joshua showed unwavering obedience and courage, successfully removing any threat to the people’s possession of the promised land.
The verse depicts Joshua (who led the Israelites around 1400 BC, succeeding Moses after Moses died on Mount Nebo) acting under the authority God had given him. Once the city of Makkedah was captured, Joshua “struck it and its king with the edge of the sword” (v.28), indicating complete victory similar to his previous conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6:21). This consistent method of warfare aligned with the instructions God had given Israel to remove idolatry and wickedness from the land. It foreshadows a pattern of triumph that ultimately points forward to the complete victory Jesus Christ brings to believers, delivering them from spiritual bondage (Colossians 2:15).
By stating “He left no survivor” (v.28), the verse emphasizes the totality of Joshua’s conquest. Israel’s actions demonstrate the seriousness with which they took their covenant obligations to the Lord. It also anticipates the way God’s promises are fulfilled in the rest of Scripture, culminating in Jesus’ ultimate triumph over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:57). Joshua’s leadership stands as an example of faithfulness and reliance on God’s power amid daunting challenges.
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Joshua 10:28 meaning
Joshua 10:28 records that “Now Joshua captured Makkedah on that day and struck it and its king with the edge of the sword; he utterly destroyed it and every person who was in it. He left no survivor. Thus he did to the king of Makkedah just as he had done to the king of Jericho” (v.28). This verse describes how Joshua took decisive action to conquer Makkedah during the Israelites’ southern campaign in Canaan. Makkedah, located in the lowland region of the Shephelah in southwestern ancient Israel, was an important foothold as Joshua advanced through the area. By following God’s guidance, Joshua showed unwavering obedience and courage, successfully removing any threat to the people’s possession of the promised land.
The verse depicts Joshua (who led the Israelites around 1400 BC, succeeding Moses after Moses died on Mount Nebo) acting under the authority God had given him. Once the city of Makkedah was captured, Joshua “struck it and its king with the edge of the sword” (v.28), indicating complete victory similar to his previous conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6:21). This consistent method of warfare aligned with the instructions God had given Israel to remove idolatry and wickedness from the land. It foreshadows a pattern of triumph that ultimately points forward to the complete victory Jesus Christ brings to believers, delivering them from spiritual bondage (Colossians 2:15).
By stating “He left no survivor” (v.28), the verse emphasizes the totality of Joshua’s conquest. Israel’s actions demonstrate the seriousness with which they took their covenant obligations to the Lord. It also anticipates the way God’s promises are fulfilled in the rest of Scripture, culminating in Jesus’ ultimate triumph over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:57). Joshua’s leadership stands as an example of faithfulness and reliance on God’s power amid daunting challenges.