This verse, Joshua 10:38, is a straightforward statement summarizing a military action from the Book of Joshua. Let's break it down:
"Joshua returned...": This indicates that Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses, had been somewhere else. This refers to the preceding events in Joshua 10, where he and his army were conquering cities in the southern part of Canaan.
"...and all Israel with him...": This signifies that the entire Israelite army was involved in this campaign. It wasn't just a small scouting party or a detachment; it was a full-scale military operation.
"...to Debir...": Debir was a Canaanite city. The name means "sanctuary" or "oracle." It was located in the hill country of Judah, southwest of Hebron.
"...and fought against it.": This implies that they engaged in battle with the inhabitants of Debir in order to conquer the city.
In essence, the verse means that after conquering other cities, Joshua and the entire Israelite army returned to the city of Debir and waged war against it.
Significance in the Context of Joshua:
Continuation of Conquest: This verse is part of the narrative of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land. It shows the systematic and determined nature of their campaign.
Fulfillment of God's Promise: The book of Joshua is about the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites. Each successful conquest, like the one at Debir, is seen as a step closer to that fulfillment.
Obedience to God's Command: The Israelites believed they were acting under God's command to take possession of the land, and their military actions were carried out in that context.
What it doesn't tell you:
The details of the battle itself.
The specific reasons why Debir was targeted next.
The outcome of the battle (which is described in the following verses).
To understand the verse more fully, you need to read it within the broader context of Joshua 10 and the surrounding chapters.
This verse, Joshua 10:38, is a straightforward statement summarizing a military action from the Book of Joshua. Let's break it down:
"Joshua returned...": This indicates that Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses, had been somewhere else. This refers to the preceding events in Joshua 10, where he and his army were conquering cities in the southern part of Canaan.
"...and all Israel with him...": This signifies that the entire Israelite army was involved in this campaign. It wasn't just a small scouting party or a detachment; it was a full-scale military operation.
"...to Debir...": Debir was a Canaanite city. The name means "sanctuary" or "oracle." It was located in the hill country of Judah, southwest of Hebron.
"...and fought against it.": This implies that they engaged in battle with the inhabitants of Debir in order to conquer the city.
In essence, the verse means that after conquering other cities, Joshua and the entire Israelite army returned to the city of Debir and waged war against it.
Significance in the Context of Joshua:
Continuation of Conquest: This verse is part of the narrative of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land. It shows the systematic and determined nature of their campaign.
Fulfillment of God's Promise: The book of Joshua is about the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites. Each successful conquest, like the one at Debir, is seen as a step closer to that fulfillment.
Obedience to God's Command: The Israelites believed they were acting under God's command to take possession of the land, and their military actions were carried out in that context.
What it doesn't tell you:
The details of the battle itself.
The specific reasons why Debir was targeted next.
The outcome of the battle (which is described in the following verses).
To understand the verse more fully, you need to read it within the broader context of Joshua 10 and the surrounding chapters.