King James Version

What Does Joshua 10:26 Mean?

Joshua 10:26 in the King James Version says “And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees unti...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening.”

Joshua 10:26 · KJV

Context

24

And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.

25

And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.

26

And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening.

27

And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid, and laid great stones in the cave's mouth, which remain until this very day.

28

And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening.

The execution sequence is described with stark brevity. The verb "smote" (וַיַּכֵּם, vayachem) likely indicates a killing blow, while "slew" (וַיְמִיתֵם, vayemitem) confirms death. The phrase "hanged them on five trees" (וַיִּתְלֵם עַל־חֲמִשָּׁה עֵצִים, vayitlem al-chamishah etsim) describes public display of corpses as warning to others. This wasn't execution by hanging (strangulation) but impalement or suspension of already-executed bodies—a common ancient practice (Deuteronomy 21:22-23; 2 Samuel 4:12; Esther 2:23).

The detail "they were hanging upon the trees until the evening" indicates compliance with Deuteronomy 21:22-23, which required that bodies displayed as deterrent be taken down before nightfall to prevent defiling the land. The Hebrew עַד־הָעָרֶב (ad-ha'arev, "until the evening") shows Joshua's scrupulous adherence to Torah even in executing judgment. This wasn't barbaric lawlessness but covenantal obedience—harsh judgment executed within legal boundaries.

Paul quotes Deuteronomy 21:23 in Galatians 3:13: "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." The five kings hanging under God's curse prefigure Christ hanging on the cross, bearing the curse we deserved. But whereas these kings died for their own sins, Christ died as sinless substitute for His people's sins (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Public display of executed criminals' bodies was widespread in the ancient Near East, serving as deterrent and demonstration of authority. The Code of Hammurabi prescribed such display for certain crimes. Assyrian reliefs show impaled bodies outside conquered cities. The Romans later perfected this terror tactic through crucifixion, lining roads with crucified rebels as warnings. The practice combined punishment with psychological warfare—seeing the fate of resisters discouraged others from rebellion.

The five trees (עֵצִים, etsim) were likely stakes or poles rather than living trees, though the text allows either interpretation. Archaeological evidence from the ancient Near East shows various methods of corpse display: impalement on stakes, hanging from gallows, or suspending from tree branches. The important element wasn't the specific mechanism but the public visibility and shameful exposure.

Joshua's adherence to the Deuteronomy 21:22-23 requirement for burial before nightfall distinguished Israelite practice from surrounding nations. While pagans might leave corpses exposed indefinitely for maximum deterrence and humiliation, God's law balanced justice with human dignity—even executed criminals received burial. This principle undergirded Joseph of Arimathea's request for Jesus' body (John 19:38-42), ensuring the crucified Christ received proper burial before sunset on Preparation Day.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the execution of these five kings under the curse of hanging prefigure Christ's substitutionary death for sinners?
  2. What does Joshua's careful adherence to Torah regulations even while executing judgment teach about the relationship between justice and mercy, righteousness and compassion?
  3. How should Christians understand Old Testament accounts of divinely commanded capital punishment in light of New Testament teaching about forgiveness and enemy love?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיַּכֵּ֨ם1 of 15

“smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ2 of 15

“Joshua”

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

אַֽחֲרֵי3 of 15

“And afterward”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כֵן֙4 of 15
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

וַיְמִיתֵ֔ם5 of 15

“them and slew”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

תְּלוּיִ֥ם6 of 15

“and they were hanging”

H8518

to suspend (especially to gibbet)

עַ֖ל7 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה8 of 15

“them on five”

H2568

five

הָֽעֵצִ֖ים9 of 15

“trees”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וַיִּֽהְי֛וּ10 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

תְּלוּיִ֥ם11 of 15

“and they were hanging”

H8518

to suspend (especially to gibbet)

עַל12 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָֽעֵצִ֖ים13 of 15

“trees”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

עַד14 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הָעָֽרֶב׃15 of 15

“until the evening”

H6153

dusk

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 10:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 10:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 8:29Deuteronomy 21:22-23Galatians 3:13Judges 8:21Numbers 25:4Esther 7:9-10

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