Joshua 10:28 – “That day Joshua took Makkedah. He put the city and its king to the sword and totally destroyed everyone in it. He left no survivors. And he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Joshua 10:28 recounts the conquest of the city of Makkedah as part of Israel’s campaign to take possession of the Promised Land. Following the capture and execution of the five Amorite kings, Joshua and his army turned their attention to the city of Makkedah. Joshua led a decisive attack, putting the city and its king to the sword, completely destroying everyone as part of God’s command to eliminate the wicked nations inhabiting the land. This act mirrored what had been done to Jericho, reflecting the thoroughness of God’s judgment against the cities that stood against Israel. The verse highlights the complete nature of the victory, leaving no survivors, and serves as a record of Israel’s progress in securing the land promised to them by God.
Historical Context
This verse is set during Israel’s military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham’s descendants. The battle of Makkedah followed a series of miraculous victories, including the defeat of the Amorite kings who had allied against Israel. After dealing with the kings, Joshua continued his mission to eliminate the cities that resisted Israel’s advance. In ancient times, such acts of total destruction were often part of war, especially when they involved nations deeply rooted in practices that were against God’s laws, such as idolatry and child sacrifice. This was not merely about expanding territory but about purging the land of influences that were seen as deeply corrupt and dangerous to the spiritual health of Israel.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Joshua 10:28 underscores God’s judgment against sin and rebellion. The total destruction of Makkedah serves as a sobering reminder that sin and opposition to God have severe consequences. This was not random violence but a direct command from God to purify the land from corrupt influences that would lead His people astray. The verse also illustrates the seriousness with which God deals with sin and the lengths He will go to protect His people from harmful influences. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and the need to fully carry out God’s instructions, even when they are difficult.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses direct and unambiguous language to convey the finality of the city’s defeat. Words like “put to the sword,” “totally destroyed,” and “no survivors” create a stark picture of complete conquest. The comparison to Jericho links this victory to previous successes, highlighting the pattern of God’s judgment and the consistency of Joshua’s obedience. The language reflects a narrative of conquest that is both historical and moral, showing that each victory is not just a military achievement but a fulfillment of God’s command. The verse serves to advance the story of Israel’s progression through Canaan, marking each victory as a step toward the ultimate goal of possessing the land.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 7:2 – “When the Lord your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy,” highlighting God’s command to completely eliminate the corrupt nations in Canaan.
- Joshua 6:21 – “They devoted the city to the Lord and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys,” describing the similar destruction of Jericho.
- Proverbs 21:30 – “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord,” reminding us that resistance to God’s will is ultimately futile.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Joshua 10:28 serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the consequences of rebelling against God. While the context of ancient warfare is different from today, the underlying principle remains: God takes sin seriously, and there are real consequences for those who oppose Him. This verse also challenges believers to reflect on their own lives and remove any influences that lead them away from God. It encourages Christians to be thorough in their commitment to God, fully dealing with the things that hinder their spiritual growth.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His desire to protect His people from harmful influences that would lead them away from Him. By commanding the destruction of Makkedah, God was not acting out of cruelty but out of a deep concern for the spiritual purity and safety of Israel. God’s love sometimes involves tough actions that protect and preserve His people. This event reminds us that God’s desire is always for the best for His people, even when it involves difficult or severe measures. God’s judgment is part of His commitment to maintaining a relationship with His people that is free from corruption and sin.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Joshua 10:28 connects to Jesus Christ in that it points to the ultimate victory over sin and evil achieved through Christ’s death and resurrection. Just as Joshua’s conquest was about purging the land of wickedness, Jesus came to defeat the powers of sin and death once and for all. In Colossians 2:15, it says, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Christ’s work on the cross mirrors Joshua’s campaign in that both involve a complete and decisive victory over opposition to God’s kingdom. Jesus’ victory assures us that sin no longer has the power to control or destroy us.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the complete destruction of Makkedah challenge you to think about the seriousness of sin and the need for spiritual purity in your life?
- What does this verse teach us about the consequences of opposing God’s will?
- How can you find comfort in knowing that God’s judgment is part of His loving plan to protect His people?
- In what ways does Jesus’ victory over sin encourage you to remove anything in your life that opposes God’s best for you?