Joshua 10:20 - When Joshua and the children of Israel had finished killing them with a very great slaughter until they were consumed, and the remnant which remained of them had entered into the fortified cities,

Generated Verse: Joshua 10:20

What does "Joshua 10:20" mean?


This verse, Joshua 10:20, is a brutal summary of the Israelite conquest of the Amorite cities in southern Canaan. It describes the near-complete annihilation of the Amorite people and the subsequent securing of the land. Let's break it down:

"When Joshua and the children of Israel had finished killing them with a very great slaughter until they were consumed..." This indicates a widespread and thorough massacre of the Amorite population. The phrase "very great slaughter" and "until they were consumed" emphasizes the scale and intensity of the killing. It suggests a deliberate effort to wipe out the Amorite presence in the region.
"...and the remnant which remained of them had entered into the fortified cities..." This acknowledges that not every Amorite person was killed. Those who survived, likely including soldiers and civilians, sought refuge within the walls of their fortified cities. This implies a desperate attempt to defend themselves against the Israelite invasion.

In essence, the verse depicts:

1. Widespread Violence: The verse is a stark depiction of warfare in the ancient world, where complete destruction of the enemy was often the goal.
2. Near Annihilation: The killing was so extensive that it almost wiped out the Amorite population in the region.
3. Limited Survival: A small group of Amorites managed to escape the slaughter and seek shelter in fortified cities. This suggests that they were likely under siege and facing an uncertain future.

Historical Context and Interpretation:

It's important to note that this verse, and others like it in the book of Joshua, have been subject to various interpretations:

Literal Interpretation: Some interpret the verse literally, accepting it as a historical account of events.
Figurative Interpretation: Others view the language as hyperbole, used to emphasize the Israelite victory and the fulfillment of God's promise.
Theological Interpretation: The killings are often seen within the context of God's judgment on the Canaanites for their wickedness.

These verses can be troubling to modern readers because of the graphic descriptions of violence. It is important to consider the historical and cultural context in which they were written and to approach them with sensitivity and critical thinking.

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