Joshua 10:21
The whole army returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one dared to utter a word against the Israelites.
The whole army
This phrase emphasizes the unity and completeness of the Israelite forces. In Hebrew, the word for "army" is "חַיִל" (chayil), which can also mean strength or valor. This reflects the collective might and courage of the Israelites, who were not just a group of individuals but a cohesive unit under God's command. The unity of the army is a testament to their faith and obedience to God's directives, which is a recurring theme throughout the book of Joshua.

returned safely
The Hebrew root for "returned" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to turn back or return. This word often carries a connotation of restoration or repentance in the Old Testament. The safety of their return signifies God's protection and faithfulness to His promises. It highlights the divine assurance that accompanies obedience to God's will, as the Israelites were engaged in a divinely sanctioned conquest.

to Joshua
Joshua, whose name in Hebrew is "יְהוֹשֻׁעַ" (Yehoshua), meaning "The LORD is salvation," is a central figure in this narrative. His leadership is pivotal, and his name itself is a reminder of God's saving power. Joshua is a type of Christ, leading his people into the Promised Land, just as Jesus leads believers into eternal life. The army's return to Joshua symbolizes their allegiance and trust in God's appointed leader.

in the camp at Makkedah
Makkedah is a location of strategic importance in the conquest of Canaan. Archaeologically, it is identified with a site that has evidence of ancient fortifications, underscoring its role as a military stronghold. The camp at Makkedah represents a place of refuge and regrouping for the Israelites, a temporary home where they could rest and prepare for future battles. It signifies God's provision of safe havens amidst the challenges of conquest.

and no one dared to utter a word against the Israelites
This phrase highlights the fear and respect that the surrounding nations had for Israel. The Hebrew word for "dared" is "חָרַץ" (charatz), which implies a decision or determination. The silence of Israel's enemies is a testament to the awe and dread inspired by God's mighty acts on behalf of His people. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a formidable force, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:25, where God declares He will put the fear and dread of Israel upon the nations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites, who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in the conquest accounts of the Book of Joshua.

2. The Israelites
The people of God, who are engaged in the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. They are the recipients of God's promises and are experiencing His deliverance and victory.

3. Makkedah
A location in Canaan where the Israelites camped after their victory. It serves as a strategic point in their military campaign.

4. The Canaanite Kings
The adversaries of Israel in this account, who are defeated by the Israelites. Their defeat signifies God's power and faithfulness to His people.

5. The Whole Army
Refers to the collective forces of Israel who participated in the battle and returned safely, highlighting the unity and protection of God's people.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Deliverance
The safe return of the Israelite army underscores God's faithfulness in delivering His people. Believers can trust in God's promises and His ability to protect and guide them through life's battles.

Unity and Obedience
The unity of the Israelite army serves as a model for the Church today. When believers are united in purpose and obedient to God's commands, they can experience His blessings and protection.

Fearlessness in the Face of Opposition
The silence of the Canaanites against Israel illustrates the fear and respect that God's power can instill in adversaries. Christians are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, knowing that God is their defender.

The Importance of Leadership
Joshua's leadership is pivotal in the success of the Israelites. Godly leadership is crucial in guiding and inspiring others to follow God's will and achieve His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the safe return of the Israelite army in Joshua 10:21 demonstrate God's faithfulness, and how can this encourage us in our personal challenges today?

2. In what ways does the unity of the Israelite army serve as a model for the Church? How can we foster unity within our own faith communities?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection or deliverance. How does this reinforce your trust in His promises?

4. How can we apply the principle of fearlessness in the face of opposition in our daily lives, especially when facing spiritual or moral challenges?

5. What qualities of Joshua's leadership can we emulate in our roles within our families, workplaces, or communities to inspire others to follow God's will?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 14:14
This verse speaks of the Lord fighting for Israel, which is a theme echoed in Joshua 10:21, where the Israelites experience God's deliverance and protection.

Deuteronomy 31:6
This verse encourages Israel to be strong and courageous, knowing that God goes with them. This promise is fulfilled in the victories described in Joshua.

Psalm 44:3
This verse emphasizes that victories come not by human strength but by God's favor, a truth demonstrated in the Israelites' conquest of Canaan.
Five KingsMorning Rays.Joshua 10:15-27
Five Modern KingsJ. Parker, D. D.Joshua 10:15-27
Foes Under FootA. B. Mackay.Joshua 10:15-27
The Prostrate KingsC. D. Marston, M. A.Joshua 10:15-27
People
Adonizedec, Amorites, Debir, Eglon, Gibeon, Hoham, Horam, Israelites, Japhia, Jasher, Joshua, Piram
Places
Ai, Azekah, Beth-horon, Debir, Eglon, Gaza, Gezer, Gibeon, Gilgal, Hebron, Jarmuth, Jericho, Jerusalem, Kadesh-barnea, Lachish, Libnah, Makkedah, Negeb, Valley of Aijalon
Topics
Camp, Israelites, Joshua, Makkedah, Makke'dah, Moved, None, Peace, Returned, Safe, Safely, Sharply, Sons, Tent-circle, Tongue, Turn, Uttered, Whetted
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 10:21

     5511   safety

Library
Five Kings in a Cave
TEXT: "And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight."--Joshua 10:24-25. The history of the
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
The Holy Spirit will give to the praying saint the brightness of an immortal hope, the music of a deathless song, in His baptism and communion with the heart, He will give sweeter and more enlarged visions of heaven until the taste for other things will pall, and other visions will grow dim and distant. He will put notes of other worlds in human hearts until all earth's music is discord and songless.--Rev. E. M. Bounds Old Testament history is filled with accounts of praying saints. The leaders of
Edward M. Bounds—Prayer and Praying Men

Gibeon. Josh 10:06

John Newton—Olney Hymns

The Northern Coast of Judea. Beth-Horon.
This coast is marked out Joshua 18:12; where, at verse 14, are very many versions to be corrected, which render the sea; such are, the Syriac, the Seventy, the Vulgar, the Italian, ours, &c.: whence ariseth a sense of insuperable difficulty to a chorographical eye: when it should, indeed, be rendered of the west, as the Chaldee, Arabic, R. Solomon, &c. rightly do. We read of a double Beth-horon in the Old Testament, but one only under the second Temple... At that place that great Canaanitish army
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath-Day.
Almighty God will have himself worshipped, not only in a private manner by private persons and families, but also in a more public sort, of all the godly joined together in a visible church; that by this means he may be known not only to be the God and Lord of every Singular person, but also of the creatures of the whole universal world. Question--But why do not we Christians under the New, keep the Sabbath on the same seventh day on which it was kept under the Old Testament? I answer--Because our
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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