Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal. Then Joshua returnedThe phrase "Then Joshua returned" signifies a pivotal moment in the narrative of Joshua's military campaigns. The Hebrew root for "returned" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which often implies a turning back or a restoration. This word is frequently used in the Old Testament to denote a return to a previous state or place. In the context of Joshua 10, it indicates a strategic withdrawal after a successful campaign. Historically, this reflects the common practice of ancient Near Eastern military leaders who would return to their base of operations after a victorious battle to regroup and plan further actions. Spiritually, it can symbolize a return to God’s promises and faithfulness, as Joshua consistently sought the Lord’s guidance in his endeavors. with all Israel
The phrase "with all Israel" underscores the unity and collective effort of the Israelite nation under Joshua's leadership. The Hebrew word for "all" is "כָּל" (kol), emphasizing totality and completeness. This unity was crucial for the Israelites as they conquered the Promised Land. It reflects the biblical principle of communal strength and solidarity, where the success of one is the success of all. Historically, this unity was essential for survival and victory in the ancient world, where fragmented tribes could easily fall to larger, more cohesive forces. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the importance of unity in the body of Christ, where believers are called to work together for the common good and the fulfillment of God’s purposes. to the camp
The term "to the camp" refers to the temporary dwelling place of the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. The Hebrew word for "camp" is "מַחֲנֶה" (machaneh), which can denote a place of encampment or a military camp. This was not just a physical location but also a place of rest, regrouping, and divine encounter. Archaeologically, camps were strategically placed for defense and access to resources. In the biblical narrative, the camp often served as a place where God’s presence was manifested, such as the Tabernacle being located in the center of the camp. Spiritually, it symbolizes a place of refuge and divine fellowship, where believers can find rest and renewal in God’s presence. at Gilgal
The phrase "at Gilgal" identifies a significant location in Israel’s history. Gilgal, derived from the Hebrew "גִּלְגָּל" (Gilgal), meaning "circle" or "rolling," was the first campsite of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River. It was here that the Israelites renewed their covenant with God through circumcision and celebrated the Passover (Joshua 5). Historically, Gilgal served as a base of operations for Joshua’s campaigns and a spiritual center for the Israelites. Archaeologically, evidence of ancient encampments in the region supports its historical significance. Spiritually, Gilgal represents a place of new beginnings and covenant renewal, reminding believers of the importance of returning to foundational truths and commitments in their walk with God. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe central figure in this passage, Joshua is the leader of the Israelites, succeeding Moses. He is known for his military leadership and faithfulness to God's commands. 2. IsraelRefers to the nation of Israel, God's chosen people, who are under Joshua's leadership during the conquest of Canaan. 3. GilgalA significant location for the Israelites, Gilgal served as a base camp during their conquest of Canaan. It was the first campsite after crossing the Jordan River and a place of renewal and covenant. 4. The Conquest of CanaanThis event involves the Israelites' military campaigns to take possession of the land promised to them by God. Joshua 10 describes a series of victories over various Canaanite kings. 5. The Return to CampThis event signifies a moment of rest and regrouping after a series of battles, highlighting the importance of returning to a place of spiritual and physical renewal. Teaching Points The Importance of Spiritual RenewalJust as Joshua and the Israelites returned to Gilgal, Christians need regular times of spiritual renewal and reflection. This can be through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. Leadership and ObedienceJoshua's leadership exemplifies obedience to God's commands. Believers are called to lead with integrity and faithfulness, following God's guidance in all aspects of life. The Role of CommunityThe return to camp with "all Israel" underscores the importance of community in the Christian journey. Believers are encouraged to support and uplift one another in faith. Rest After VictoryAfter spiritual or personal victories, it is crucial to take time to rest and recharge, acknowledging God's role in the success and preparing for future challenges. Remembering God's PromisesGilgal was a place of remembrance for the Israelites. Christians are encouraged to remember God's promises and faithfulness in their lives, using them as a foundation for trust and hope. Bible Study Questions 1. What significance does the location of Gilgal hold for the Israelites, and how can we find our own "Gilgal" for spiritual renewal today? 2. How does Joshua's leadership in returning to Gilgal after battle reflect the importance of obedience and rest in our spiritual lives? 3. In what ways can we, as a community of believers, support each other in times of spiritual warfare and rest? 4. How can the concept of rest, as seen in Joshua 10:43 and Hebrews 4, be applied to our modern lives amidst constant busyness? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "victory" in your life. How did you acknowledge God's role in it, and what steps did you take to rest and prepare for future challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 4Describes the initial encampment at Gilgal after crossing the Jordan River, establishing it as a place of remembrance and covenant renewal. Exodus 17Highlights the importance of returning to a place of rest and seeking God's guidance after battles, similar to Moses' leadership during the battle against the Amalekites. Hebrews 4Discusses the concept of rest for God's people, drawing a parallel to the physical rest at Gilgal and the spiritual rest found in Christ. People Adonizedec, Amorites, Debir, Eglon, Gibeon, Hoham, Horam, Israelites, Japhia, Jasher, Joshua, PiramPlaces Ai, Azekah, Beth-horon, Debir, Eglon, Gaza, Gezer, Gibeon, Gilgal, Hebron, Jarmuth, Jericho, Jerusalem, Kadesh-barnea, Lachish, Libnah, Makkedah, Negeb, Valley of AijalonTopics Camp, Gilgal, Joshua, Returned, Tents, TurnethDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 10:29-43 5354 invasions 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 IscariotPraying 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
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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 Links Joshua 10:43 NIVJoshua 10:43 NLTJoshua 10:43 ESVJoshua 10:43 NASBJoshua 10:43 KJV
Joshua 10:43 Commentaries
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