Joshua 10 29

Joshua 10:29 kjv

Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah:

Joshua 10:29 nkjv

Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, to Libnah; and they fought against Libnah.

Joshua 10:29 niv

Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Makkedah to Libnah and attacked it.

Joshua 10:29 esv

Then Joshua and all Israel with him passed on from Makkedah to Libnah and fought against Libnah.

Joshua 10:29 nlt

Then Joshua and the Israelites went to Libnah and attacked it.

Joshua 10 verses

Joshua 10 29 Meaning

Joshua 10:29 details a swift and decisive action in the ongoing conquest of Canaan, reporting that Joshua and all of Israel continued their southern campaign, moving directly from Makkedah to the city of Libnah and engaging it in battle. This verse marks the immediate follow-up to the major victory at Makkedah, underscoring the relentless progression of God's judgment through Israel's hands, as they systematically secured the promised land. It portrays a focused and unified effort to dispossess the Canaanite inhabitants as commanded by God.

Joshua 10 29 Context

Joshua 10:29 is situated immediately following the climactic events of the southern campaign described in the first part of Joshua chapter 10. Prior to this verse, Joshua and the Israelite army had responded to an attack by five Amorite kings (confederated from Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon) against their newly allied Gibeonites. God miraculously intervened with hailstones and caused the sun to stand still, granting Israel a decisive victory. The five kings fled and hid in a cave at Makkedah, where Joshua had them captured, executed, and their bodies publicly displayed, demonstrating God's triumph over Israel's enemies.

This verse marks a direct continuation of this campaign. Instead of resting after such a monumental battle, Joshua immediately moves on. The strategy described in this section of Joshua is one of rapid, systematic conquest of the royal cities in the south, one after another, eliminating strongholds and dispossessing the inhabitants as commanded by God through Moses. The historical context is that of the Late Bronze Age (around 1400-1200 BCE), when city-states were common and conquest often involved attacking walled cities. The Canaanites were known for their polytheistic idolatry and abhorrent practices (including child sacrifice), for which God's judgment, delivered through Israel, was due (cf. Gen 15:16).

Joshua 10 29 Word analysis

• Then (וַיַּעֲבֹר֙ - way·ya·‘a·ḇōr): A simple conjunction connecting the events. It signifies immediate succession and continuation, emphasizing the rapid, relentless pace of the conquest. It implies no pause or delay after the Makkedah victory.
• Joshua (יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙ - Yəhōšu‘a‘): The divinely appointed leader of Israel. His name means "Yahweh saves" or "Yahweh is salvation," prophetically pointing to his role as God's instrument in saving Israel and executing judgment. He acts under direct divine authority (Josh 1:1-9).
• and all Israel with him: Highlights the unity and corporate nature of the conquest. It wasn't merely Joshua as an individual but the entire covenant community, united behind their leader, fulfilling God's command. This reinforces the idea that God was fighting through all of His people.
• moved on (וַיַּעֲבֹר֙ - way·ya·‘a·ḇōr, literally "and he crossed over/passed on"): Signifies military movement or a journey. This specific verb suggests passing from one location to another with purpose, continuing the campaign. It indicates active advance rather than static occupation.
• from Makkedah (מִמַּקֵּדָ֔ה - mim·maq·qê·ḏāh): Makkedah was the location of the preceding major victory and execution of the five kings (Josh 10:16-27). This points to the systematic progression of the conquest, city by city.
• to Libnah (אֶל־לִבְנָ֖ה - ’el-liḇnāh): Libnah was another royal Canaanite city, west of Makkedah. Its name (לִבְנָה - Libnāh) potentially derives from a root meaning "white," perhaps referring to its chalky soil. It became a target for the continuing southern campaign, part of a strategy to systematically eliminate strongholds. Later, it became a Levitical city (Josh 21:13).
• and attacked (וַיִּלָּ֥חֶם - way·yil·lā·ḥem): Literally "and he fought" or "and he made war." This emphasizes direct military engagement and aggressive action against the city. This wasn't a peaceful occupation but a confrontation.

Words-group Analysis:

• "Joshua and all Israel with him": This recurring phrase (cf. Josh 10:7, 24; 11:7) underscores divine enablement and corporate obedience. It implies God's presence with His people, empowering them in this divine task, fulfilling the promise given to Joshua that "no one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life" (Josh 1:5).
• "moved on from Makkedah to Libnah": This highlights the immediate, relentless, and strategic nature of the conquest. There's no pause after the massive victory at Makkedah; the campaign presses forward. This relentless pace is characteristic of a campaign divinely orchestrated and enabled, aiming to systematically neutralize every major enemy stronghold. It shows that they were not merely reacting but executing a planned (or divinely directed) campaign.
• "and attacked Libnah": This signifies the military reality of the conquest, a direct and forceful engagement rather than siege or peaceful surrender. It emphasizes the active participation of Israel in fulfilling God's judgment on the Canaanites.

Joshua 10 29 Bonus section

The seemingly simple act described in Joshua 10:29 (moving from one city to another and attacking) speaks volumes about the nature of the entire conquest narrative. It showcases the unrelenting forward momentum that was a hallmark of God's strategy. There was no "holding pattern" or prolonged encampment; the immediate transition from Makkedah to Libnah signals a determined and rapid execution of the divine decree. This pattern of swift movement and decisive action after a victory is a critical aspect often emphasized in scholarly analysis of the Book of Joshua, highlighting God's power in giving success and Israel's responsiveness. It also underscores that the Israelites were more than just soldiers; they were instruments of divine judgment. This verse, therefore, is not merely a geographic notation but a testament to the efficient and thorough nature of the sacred mission entrusted to Joshua.

Joshua 10 29 Commentary

Joshua 10:29 concisely captures a pivotal moment in the southern conquest, portraying a strategic and swift follow-through after the monumental victory at Makkedah. The verse highlights several key themes: divine direction, Israel's unified obedience, and the systematic nature of the judgment against the Canaanites.

First, the immediacy suggested by "Then... moved on" reflects the urgency of the divine commission. Joshua did not allow his army to rest or become complacent after the decisive triumph over the five kings. Instead, he maintained the offensive, demonstrating resolute leadership driven by God's purpose. This emphasizes that the conquest was not a sporadic series of battles but a divinely ordained, methodical campaign to clear the land.

Second, the phrase "Joshua and all Israel with him" emphasizes the corporate responsibility and participation in fulfilling God's commands. This was not a singular hero's exploit but the unified action of God's covenant people. Their cohesion under Joshua's leadership was essential for the successful execution of God's will.

Finally, moving "from Makkedah to Libnah and attacked Libnah" reveals the systematic process of conquest. Each captured city became a springboard for the next target, as God granted victory after victory. Libnah, like the cities before it, faced the swift and unwavering hand of divine judgment for its wickedness. This passage implicitly serves as a reminder of the ultimate consequences for nations that persist in rebellion against God and engage in depraved practices. The historical accounts of God's judgments in the Old Testament, such as the conquest of Canaan, illustrate the principles of divine justice and God's sovereign authority over the nations.