This verse from Joshua 10:7 sets the scene for a significant military campaign. Let's break it down:
"So Joshua went up from Gilgal..." - This indicates that Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses, is initiating a movement. Gilgal was their base camp after crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. "Went up" implies a geographical ascent, as they are likely moving towards the higher ground where their enemies were located.
"...he, and the whole army with him..." - This emphasizes the scale of the operation. Joshua isn't going alone; he's taking the entire Israelite army. This is a significant undertaking and suggests a major conflict is anticipated.
"...including all the mighty men of valor." - This highlights the quality of the fighting force. The "mighty men of valor" were the elite warriors, the strongest and most skilled soldiers. Their presence signifies that Joshua is deploying his best troops for this battle.
In essence, the verse means:
Joshua, leading the entire Israelite army, including its most elite warriors, left their base camp at Gilgal and began moving towards the location of their enemies to engage in battle.
Context is Important:
To fully understand this verse, it's crucial to consider the context of Joshua 10. The preceding verses describe how five Amorite kings formed an alliance to attack Gibeon because Gibeon had made peace with Israel. The Gibeonites then appealed to Joshua for help.
Therefore, Joshua's action here is a response to a plea for assistance. He is mobilizing his entire army, including the elite fighters, to defend Gibeon against the Amorite coalition. This marks a crucial intervention and sets the stage for a decisive battle in the conquest of Canaan.
This verse from Joshua 10:7 sets the scene for a significant military campaign. Let's break it down:
"So Joshua went up from Gilgal..." - This indicates that Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses, is initiating a movement. Gilgal was their base camp after crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. "Went up" implies a geographical ascent, as they are likely moving towards the higher ground where their enemies were located.
"...he, and the whole army with him..." - This emphasizes the scale of the operation. Joshua isn't going alone; he's taking the entire Israelite army. This is a significant undertaking and suggests a major conflict is anticipated.
"...including all the mighty men of valor." - This highlights the quality of the fighting force. The "mighty men of valor" were the elite warriors, the strongest and most skilled soldiers. Their presence signifies that Joshua is deploying his best troops for this battle.
In essence, the verse means:
Joshua, leading the entire Israelite army, including its most elite warriors, left their base camp at Gilgal and began moving towards the location of their enemies to engage in battle.
Context is Important:
To fully understand this verse, it's crucial to consider the context of Joshua 10. The preceding verses describe how five Amorite kings formed an alliance to attack Gibeon because Gibeon had made peace with Israel. The Gibeonites then appealed to Joshua for help.
Therefore, Joshua's action here is a response to a plea for assistance. He is mobilizing his entire army, including the elite fighters, to defend Gibeon against the Amorite coalition. This marks a crucial intervention and sets the stage for a decisive battle in the conquest of Canaan.