What is the meaning of Joshua 10:28? On that day Joshua captured Makkedah “On that day Joshua captured Makkedah…” • The phrase “on that day” ties this event to the miraculous victory just described (Joshua 10:12-14), reminding us that God’s intervention is immediate and purposeful. • Joshua’s swift action shows obedience to the Lord’s command to conquer the land promised to Israel (Deuteronomy 7:1-2; Joshua 1:3-6). • Capturing Makkedah demonstrates God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises in real time and space, not merely in theory (Hebrews 11:30-31). and put it to the sword, along with its king “…and put it to the sword, along with its king.” • The decisive military action mirrors earlier victories, like at Jericho (Joshua 6:20-21) and Ai (Joshua 8:24-26). • Removing the king breaks the leadership structure of Canaanite opposition (Psalm 2:2-5). • God’s justice is displayed against persistent wickedness (Genesis 15:16; Leviticus 18:24-25). He devoted to destruction everyone in the city, leaving no survivors “He devoted to destruction everyone in the city, leaving no survivors.” • “Devoted to destruction” (ḥērem) signifies offering the city entirely to God’s judgment (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). • This action prevents Israel from adopting Canaanite idolatry (Exodus 34:12-16). • The complete nature of the judgment highlights God’s holiness and the seriousness of sin (Romans 6:23). So he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho “So he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho.” • Consistency in following God’s commands builds confidence in future battles (Joshua 10:30-32). • The earlier execution of Jericho’s king (Joshua 6:21) set a pattern of removing corrupt leadership that opposes God’s purposes (Psalm 110:5-6). • God’s victories through Joshua foreshadow Christ’s ultimate triumph over all enemies (Colossians 2:15; Revelation 19:11-16). summary Joshua 10:28 records a real, historical conquest in which Joshua, obeying God’s explicit commands, captured Makkedah, executed its king, and devoted the city to destruction. Each detail reinforces God’s faithfulness, Israel’s required obedience, the severity of judgment on persistent sin, and the assurance that the Lord’s purposes will prevail, just as they did at Jericho and throughout the conquest. |
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