King James Version

What Does Joshua 10:35 Mean?

Joshua 10:35 in the King James Version says “And they took it on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein he utterly de...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they took it on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein he utterly destroyed that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish.”

Joshua 10:35 · KJV

Context

33

Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish; and Joshua smote him and his people, until he had left him none remaining.

34

And from Lachish Joshua passed unto Eglon, and all Israel with him; and they encamped against it, and fought against it:

35

And they took it on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein he utterly destroyed that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish.

36

And Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with him, unto Hebron; and they fought against it:

37

And they took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof, and all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining, according to all that he had done to Eglon; but destroyed it utterly, and all the souls that were therein.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they took it on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword—Eglon fell in a single day, faster than even Lachish's two-day siege. The phrase "on that day" (bayom hahu, בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא) emphasizes the immediacy and decisiveness of victory. God's power compressed siege timelines that normally required months or years into hours. This acceleration of conquest demonstrated supernatural intervention—human military capacity alone could not explain such rapid success against fortified cities.

And all the souls that were therein he utterly destroyed that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish—the double emphasis "that day" appears twice, stressing the completeness and speed of judgment. The Hebrew hecharim (הֶחֱרִים, "utterly destroyed") again invokes herem, the irrevocable devotion to destruction. The comparative phrase "according to all that he had done to Lachish" maintains the pattern of consistent justice—same standard, same application, same result.

From a redemptive-historical perspective, the repeated herem executions prefigure the eschatological day when God will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31). Just as Joshua executed judgment "on that day," so Christ will judge "on that day" (2 Timothy 1:12, 18; 4:8). The Old Testament conquest operates typologically, pointing forward to final judgment when all wickedness faces complete eradication and God's kingdom is fully established (Revelation 21:1-8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Eglon's one-day conquest, compared to Lachish's two-day siege, suggests either inferior fortifications or psychological collapse. Ancient warfare depended heavily on morale—when defenders believed their cause hopeless, resistance crumbled rapidly. News of Lachish's fall (the region's strongest fortress) likely shattered Eglon's will to resist. Psychological warfare, achieved through reputation and demonstrated power, often proved more decisive than siegecraft.

The southern campaign's total duration probably spanned only days or weeks—a remarkably compressed timeline for conquering multiple fortified cities. This speed prevented Canaanite regrouping, maintained Israelite momentum, and demonstrated divine favor. Ancient Near Eastern conquest accounts typically described campaigns spanning seasons or years; Joshua's rapid victories stood apart, testifying to Yahweh's unique power.

Archaeological evidence for Late Bronze Age destructions in the Shephelah region broadly supports the biblical narrative's timeframe, though precise site identifications and dating remain debated. The pattern of destruction followed by gap in occupation, then Iron Age Israelite settlement, appears at multiple tells, consistent with conquest followed by Israelite territorial allotment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's ability to collapse normal timelines (one-day conquest instead of month-long siege) encourage you when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles?
  2. What does the consistent application of <em>herem</em> across all cities teach about God's impartial justice and the certainty of His judgments?
  3. How should the typological connection between Joshua's conquest and final judgment shape your urgency in evangelism and personal holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַֽיִּלְכְּד֜וּהָ1 of 18

“And they took”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

בַּיּ֥וֹם2 of 18

“it on that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַהוּא֙3 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיַּכּ֣וּהָ4 of 18

“and smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

לְפִי5 of 18

“it with the edge”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

חֶ֔רֶב6 of 18

“of the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וְאֵת֙7 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל8 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַנֶּ֣פֶשׁ9 of 18

“and all the souls”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אֲשֶׁר10 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּ֔הּ11 of 18
H0
בַּיּ֥וֹם12 of 18

“it on that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֖וּא13 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הֶֽחֱרִ֑ים14 of 18

“that were therein he utterly destroyed”

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

כְּכֹ֥ל15 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר16 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֖ה17 of 18

“according to all that he had done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְלָכִֽישׁ׃18 of 18

“to Lachish”

H3923

lakish, a place in palestine

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 10:35 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 10:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 26:44Joshua 10:37Job 19:10

Places in This Verse

LachishSettlement · Modern: Tell ed Duweir · 31.57°N, 34.85°E22 verses across 7 books
View all places in Joshua 10 →

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