Joshua’s campaign totally subdued these critical regions of Canaan.
When Scripture describes that “Joshua struck all the land, the hill country and the Negev and the lowland and the slopes and all their kings; he left no survivor, but he utterly destroyed all who breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded” (v.40), it paints a picture of the complete and decisive victory God granted to Israel under Joshua’s leadership. The verse highlights several geographical regions: the hill country refers to the mountainous areas that stretch through central Canaan, known for rugged terrain and fortress-like cities. The Negev is the southern desert region, often dry and arid, requiring God's provision for those who dwell there (Genesis 26:1). The “lowland” (sometimes called the Shephelah) consists of foothills and fertile valleys that bridged the hill country with the coastal plains, and the mention of “the slopes” points to the transitional areas that connected all these terrains. Each of these regions was strategically important to the overall conquest of the Promised Land.
Joshua stands here as a key historical figure, serving as Moses’ successor around the early fourteenth century BC. Leading the people of Israel into the land God had promised, he exemplifies a faithful leader who obeyed the LORD completely (Joshua 1:1-9). His relentless pursuit and defeat of enemy kings demonstrate his resolve to fulfill the commands of God. According to Deuteronomy 7:1-2, the Israelites were instructed to remove corrupt influences from the land so that they could walk faithfully with the LORD, free from the snare of idolatry. In Joshua 10:40, we see the fruit of these commands as Joshua continues to secure the land for the tribes of Israel, trusting God’s power and guidance in the midst of battles.
When the passage states that Joshua “left no survivor, but he utterly destroyed all who breathed,” it points to the severity of God’s judgment against the wickedness of Canaanite practices (Genesis 15:16). God had patiently waited until their iniquity was full, giving the inhabitants time to repent. Yet Canaan’s sins had reached their limit. Here we also see how God’s holiness and Joshua’s obedience work together in fulfilling the divine mandate. The verse underscores the gravity of sin, the righteousness of God’s judgment, and the importance of following His instructions precisely.
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Joshua 10:40 meaning
When Scripture describes that “Joshua struck all the land, the hill country and the Negev and the lowland and the slopes and all their kings; he left no survivor, but he utterly destroyed all who breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded” (v.40), it paints a picture of the complete and decisive victory God granted to Israel under Joshua’s leadership. The verse highlights several geographical regions: the hill country refers to the mountainous areas that stretch through central Canaan, known for rugged terrain and fortress-like cities. The Negev is the southern desert region, often dry and arid, requiring God's provision for those who dwell there (Genesis 26:1). The “lowland” (sometimes called the Shephelah) consists of foothills and fertile valleys that bridged the hill country with the coastal plains, and the mention of “the slopes” points to the transitional areas that connected all these terrains. Each of these regions was strategically important to the overall conquest of the Promised Land.
Joshua stands here as a key historical figure, serving as Moses’ successor around the early fourteenth century BC. Leading the people of Israel into the land God had promised, he exemplifies a faithful leader who obeyed the LORD completely (Joshua 1:1-9). His relentless pursuit and defeat of enemy kings demonstrate his resolve to fulfill the commands of God. According to Deuteronomy 7:1-2, the Israelites were instructed to remove corrupt influences from the land so that they could walk faithfully with the LORD, free from the snare of idolatry. In Joshua 10:40, we see the fruit of these commands as Joshua continues to secure the land for the tribes of Israel, trusting God’s power and guidance in the midst of battles.
When the passage states that Joshua “left no survivor, but he utterly destroyed all who breathed,” it points to the severity of God’s judgment against the wickedness of Canaanite practices (Genesis 15:16). God had patiently waited until their iniquity was full, giving the inhabitants time to repent. Yet Canaan’s sins had reached their limit. Here we also see how God’s holiness and Joshua’s obedience work together in fulfilling the divine mandate. The verse underscores the gravity of sin, the righteousness of God’s judgment, and the importance of following His instructions precisely.