What does Joshua 10:29 mean?
What is the meaning of Joshua 10:29?

Then Joshua

“Then” signals continuity in God’s unfolding victory. Joshua has just seen the sun stand still and has defeated the five–king coalition (Joshua 10:12–21).

• God’s faithfulness to previous promises is on display just as in Exodus 23:30 where He pledged gradual, successive conquest.

• The leader’s obedience keeps Israel moving forward; compare Numbers 27:18–23, where Moses laid hands on Joshua “so the congregation of the LORD may not be like sheep without a shepherd” (v. 17).


and all Israel with him

No tribe stays behind. Corporate unity fulfills Deuteronomy 7:1–2, which called the nation—not merely its commanders—to drive out the Canaanite peoples.

• Victory is shared; see 1 Samuel 14:45, where Jonathan’s solitary heroism still draws in “all the people.”

• Oneness under God’s appointed leader anticipates the church moving “with one accord” (Acts 4:24).


moved on from Makkedah

They do not camp in yesterday’s triumph. Makkedah’s king is already under foot (Joshua 10:28).

Philippians 3:13–14 exhorts believers to forget what is behind and press forward.

• God’s strategy often requires momentum: Judges 1:1–2 shows Judah asked, “Who shall go up first?” highlighting the need to keep advancing.


to Libnah

Libnah (“whiteness”) lies within Judah’s inheritance (Joshua 15:42). God is systematically clearing Israel’s future homeland.

Numbers 33:53 promises that land possession follows after driving out inhabitants.

1 Corinthians 15:57 reminds us, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” underscoring that every locale falls under God’s broader deliverance plan.


and fought against Libnah

The pattern—conquer, move, conquer—continues without compromise.

Joshua 11:18 says Joshua “waged war against all these kings for a long time,” highlighting perseverance.

Ephesians 6:12 portrays believers’ present struggle “against the rulers… in the heavenly realms,” encouraging steadfast warfare until every stronghold bows.

Key observations:

– The battle is proactive; Israel does not wait for Libnah to attack.

– God often leads His people from victory to fresh conflict so that trust remains current, not historical (Psalm 144:1).


summary

Joshua 10:29 records a crucial link in Israel’s conquest chain. After miraculous victory at Makkedah, Joshua leads the united nation onward, refusing to rest in past success. Their movement to Libnah showcases steadfast obedience, collective unity, and God-directed momentum. Each forward step fulfills divine promises, models perseverance, and prefigures the believer’s ongoing spiritual warfare until every place God has promised is joyfully possessed.

Why did God command the destruction of entire cities, including women and children, in Joshua 10:28?
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