Joshua 10:41 states "Joshua struck them from Kadesh Barnea even to Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even to Gibeon." This verse describes the extent of Joshua's military campaign in the southern part of Canaan. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Joshua struck them": This indicates that Joshua and the Israelites were engaged in military conquest, defeating the inhabitants of the region. "Struck" implies a forceful and decisive defeat.
"From Kadesh Barnea even to Gaza": This marks the southern boundary of the conquest. Kadesh Barnea was a significant location in the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites, situated in the Negev desert south of Canaan. Gaza was a major Philistine city on the Mediterranean coast, marking the western border of the area under consideration. Therefore, this phrase signifies a wide swath of land from south to west.
"All the country of Goshen": This refers to the region of Goshen in the southern part of Canaan. It was not the same Goshen in Egypt, where the Israelites had lived before the Exodus. This Goshen was a territory within the Canaanite lands.
"Even to Gibeon": Gibeon was a city located north of Jerusalem. It was significant because the Gibeonites had made a treaty with Joshua through deception (Joshua 9).
In essence, the verse is a geographical statement summarizing the extent of Joshua's victories in the southern campaign. It indicates that Joshua's forces conquered or subjugated a large area, stretching from the southern desert region of Kadesh Barnea up to the area near Gibeon in the central hill country, encompassing the Goshen region, and extending westward to Gaza on the coast.
It's important to note that the exact extent of Israelite control during Joshua's time is a matter of ongoing scholarly debate. Some interpret the verse as describing a total and complete conquest, while others see it as indicating a more limited sphere of influence with pockets of unconquered territory. Regardless, the verse highlights the significant military success and territorial gains achieved by Joshua in this region.
Joshua 10:41 states "Joshua struck them from Kadesh Barnea even to Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even to Gibeon." This verse describes the extent of Joshua's military campaign in the southern part of Canaan. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Joshua struck them": This indicates that Joshua and the Israelites were engaged in military conquest, defeating the inhabitants of the region. "Struck" implies a forceful and decisive defeat.
"From Kadesh Barnea even to Gaza": This marks the southern boundary of the conquest. Kadesh Barnea was a significant location in the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites, situated in the Negev desert south of Canaan. Gaza was a major Philistine city on the Mediterranean coast, marking the western border of the area under consideration. Therefore, this phrase signifies a wide swath of land from south to west.
"All the country of Goshen": This refers to the region of Goshen in the southern part of Canaan. It was not the same Goshen in Egypt, where the Israelites had lived before the Exodus. This Goshen was a territory within the Canaanite lands.
"Even to Gibeon": Gibeon was a city located north of Jerusalem. It was significant because the Gibeonites had made a treaty with Joshua through deception (Joshua 9).
In essence, the verse is a geographical statement summarizing the extent of Joshua's victories in the southern campaign. It indicates that Joshua's forces conquered or subjugated a large area, stretching from the southern desert region of Kadesh Barnea up to the area near Gibeon in the central hill country, encompassing the Goshen region, and extending westward to Gaza on the coast.
It's important to note that the exact extent of Israelite control during Joshua's time is a matter of ongoing scholarly debate. Some interpret the verse as describing a total and complete conquest, while others see it as indicating a more limited sphere of influence with pockets of unconquered territory. Regardless, the verse highlights the significant military success and territorial gains achieved by Joshua in this region.