God assures Joshua that Israel will be victorious because the power to overcome is upheld by God’s promise.
“The LORD said to Joshua, ‘Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands; not one of them shall stand before you.’” (v.8)
In this verse, Joshua (who lived between about 1400-1390 BC) receives a direct promise from the LORD as he faces a coalition of hostile forces in the land of Canaan. The setting takes place near Gibeon, a city located in the region north of Jerusalem, in what is now called the central hill country. This city was strategically important because it was near key trade routes and affected control of both mountains and valleys. The divine assurance “Do not fear them … not one of them shall stand before you” (v.8) conveys that Joshua is to enter the battle with full confidence in God’s support. Throughout Joshua’s leadership, this kind of promise underscores the consistent theme that when God leads His people, He also provides the power to succeed (see Romans 8:31 for a New Testament parallel that states, “If God is for us, who is against us?”).
The phrase “I have given them into your hands” (v.8) underlines the certainty of victory before the fighting even begins. Historically, Joshua was Moses’ successor and had already witnessed God’s mighty works, including the crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 3). Despite the formidable alliance against him, this promise reaffirms that no earthly force can thwart what the LORD has ordained. In other scriptural accounts, such as in the life of King David, the confidence of depending on God’s might is a frequent encouragement to God's faithful (Psalm 27:1).
The language “Do not fear them” (v.8) also highlights God’s constant appeal to trust. This call for courage and confidence is not based on Joshua’s skill alone, but on the divine plan that spans from the time of Abraham, through Moses, and eventually to the lineage that births Jesus, the Messiah (see Matthew 1:1-16). In trusting God’s word, Israel’s leader aligns with the covenant promises God made to Abraham to give the land of Canaan to his descendants. Hence, the verse encapsulates the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises and the steadfast victory granted to those He calls to serve.
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Joshua 10:8 meaning
“The LORD said to Joshua, ‘Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands; not one of them shall stand before you.’” (v.8)
In this verse, Joshua (who lived between about 1400-1390 BC) receives a direct promise from the LORD as he faces a coalition of hostile forces in the land of Canaan. The setting takes place near Gibeon, a city located in the region north of Jerusalem, in what is now called the central hill country. This city was strategically important because it was near key trade routes and affected control of both mountains and valleys. The divine assurance “Do not fear them … not one of them shall stand before you” (v.8) conveys that Joshua is to enter the battle with full confidence in God’s support. Throughout Joshua’s leadership, this kind of promise underscores the consistent theme that when God leads His people, He also provides the power to succeed (see Romans 8:31 for a New Testament parallel that states, “If God is for us, who is against us?”).
The phrase “I have given them into your hands” (v.8) underlines the certainty of victory before the fighting even begins. Historically, Joshua was Moses’ successor and had already witnessed God’s mighty works, including the crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 3). Despite the formidable alliance against him, this promise reaffirms that no earthly force can thwart what the LORD has ordained. In other scriptural accounts, such as in the life of King David, the confidence of depending on God’s might is a frequent encouragement to God's faithful (Psalm 27:1).
The language “Do not fear them” (v.8) also highlights God’s constant appeal to trust. This call for courage and confidence is not based on Joshua’s skill alone, but on the divine plan that spans from the time of Abraham, through Moses, and eventually to the lineage that births Jesus, the Messiah (see Matthew 1:1-16). In trusting God’s word, Israel’s leader aligns with the covenant promises God made to Abraham to give the land of Canaan to his descendants. Hence, the verse encapsulates the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises and the steadfast victory granted to those He calls to serve.