How does Joshua 10:28 connect to God's commands in Deuteronomy regarding the Canaanites? Setting the Scene in Joshua 10:28 “That day Joshua took Makkedah and struck it with the sword, including its king. He devoted to destruction everyone in it, leaving no survivors. And he treated the king of Makkedah as he had treated the king of Jericho.” (Joshua 10:28) God’s Earlier Instructions in Deuteronomy • Deuteronomy 7:1-2 – “When the LORD your God brings you into the land… and He delivers them over to you and you defeat them, you must completely destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them and show them no mercy.” • Deuteronomy 20:16-18 – “In the cities of the nations the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you must not leave alive anything that breathes… so that they may not teach you to imitate all the detestable things they do.” • Deuteronomy 9:3 – “Understand today that it is the LORD your God who goes ahead of you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and subdue them before you.” How Joshua 10:28 Mirrors Deuteronomy’s Commands • “Devoted to destruction” (herem) – the same Hebrew concept mandated in Deuteronomy 7:2; 20:17. • “Leaving no survivors” – a direct execution of the “show them no mercy” instruction. • “Treated the king… as he had treated the king of Jericho” – consistent, impartial obedience, just as Deuteronomy warned against making any covenant or exception (Deuteronomy 7:2). • Immediate action “that day” – reflects the urgency and totality commanded in Deuteronomy 9:3. Underlying Reasons Reaffirmed • Purity of worship – Deuteronomy 7:4 warns that spared Canaanites would “turn your sons away from following Me.” Joshua’s total destruction protects Israel from idolatry (cf. Joshua 23:12-13). • Fulfillment of covenant promise – Genesis 15:16 and Deuteronomy 9:5 connect the conquest to God’s sworn oath to Abraham, not Israel’s merit. • Demonstration of divine judgment – Leviticus 18:24-25 explains that the land “vomits out” nations practicing abominations; Joshua 10:28 reveals God executing that judgment. Consistent Themes Carried Forward • Holiness – Leviticus 20:26 calls Israel to be set apart; the ban in Joshua enforces that separation. • Obedience brings victory – Joshua 1:7-8 links success to keeping the Law; Joshua 10:28 shows the result. • God fights for His people – Deuteronomy 20:4; Joshua 10:14 emphasize the LORD’s warfare on Israel’s behalf. Takeaways for Today • God’s commands do not contradict; He faithfully carries through what He pronounces. • Holiness and wholehearted obedience remain central to walking with the Lord (John 14:15; 1 Peter 1:15-16). • God’s judgments are just, even when severe; His patience had long preceded this moment (Genesis 15:16; 2 Peter 3:9). |
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