This verse shows Joshua’s unwavering leadership as he and all Israel moved from victory to victory, proceeding from Eglon to the elevated city of Hebron to continue fulfilling God’s promise in the conquest of Canaan.
In Joshua 10:36, we read, “Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon to Hebron, and they fought against it.” (v.36). This verse continues the narrative of Joshua’s southern campaign in Canaan, where he and the Israelite army moved from the newly conquered city of Eglon toward the strategic city of Hebron. Eglon was one of the key Amorite strongholds, part of a confederation that opposed Israel’s advance (Joshua 10:5). According to the biblical record, the Amorites were comprised of five major kingdoms in this region—Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—showing that all of these centers were crucial in resisting Israel’s conquest.
The text says that Joshua “went up” from Eglon, which highlights Hebron’s higher elevation in the terrain. Hebron was located about nineteen miles southwest of Jerusalem, in the forested highlands. Historically, it was an ancient and fortified city, originally called Kiriath-Arba (Joshua 14:15). It later became a significant hub in Israelite history. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all once lived there, and many patriarchs were buried there as well (Genesis 23:19, 35:27-29). During Joshua’s leadership, around 1406-1375 BC, leading the people into the Promised Land, Hebron played a vital role in the ongoing efforts to take possession of the land God had promised. After it was subdued, it would eventually be given to Caleb, per Moses’ earlier word of blessing (Joshua 14:6-15).
This verse underscores the continuing faithfulness of God to fulfill His promise to Israel, as Joshua and “all Israel” fought in unity and obedience. Conquering prominent cities like Hebron demonstrated how Israel’s leader trusted in God’s guidance and rallied the people under the covenant promises (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Although each city presented its own challenges, the Israelites pressed on towards establishing God’s presence in the land, strengthening their own faith in the process, and paving the way for future generations to inherit these covenant blessings.
Set to dark mode
Joshua 10:36 meaning
In Joshua 10:36, we read, “Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon to Hebron, and they fought against it.” (v.36). This verse continues the narrative of Joshua’s southern campaign in Canaan, where he and the Israelite army moved from the newly conquered city of Eglon toward the strategic city of Hebron. Eglon was one of the key Amorite strongholds, part of a confederation that opposed Israel’s advance (Joshua 10:5). According to the biblical record, the Amorites were comprised of five major kingdoms in this region—Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—showing that all of these centers were crucial in resisting Israel’s conquest.
The text says that Joshua “went up” from Eglon, which highlights Hebron’s higher elevation in the terrain. Hebron was located about nineteen miles southwest of Jerusalem, in the forested highlands. Historically, it was an ancient and fortified city, originally called Kiriath-Arba (Joshua 14:15). It later became a significant hub in Israelite history. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all once lived there, and many patriarchs were buried there as well (Genesis 23:19, 35:27-29). During Joshua’s leadership, around 1406-1375 BC, leading the people into the Promised Land, Hebron played a vital role in the ongoing efforts to take possession of the land God had promised. After it was subdued, it would eventually be given to Caleb, per Moses’ earlier word of blessing (Joshua 14:6-15).
This verse underscores the continuing faithfulness of God to fulfill His promise to Israel, as Joshua and “all Israel” fought in unity and obedience. Conquering prominent cities like Hebron demonstrated how Israel’s leader trusted in God’s guidance and rallied the people under the covenant promises (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Although each city presented its own challenges, the Israelites pressed on towards establishing God’s presence in the land, strengthening their own faith in the process, and paving the way for future generations to inherit these covenant blessings.