Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal. Then Joshua returnedThe phrase "Then Joshua returned" signifies a moment of transition and completion. 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, this return marks the conclusion of a significant military campaign where God miraculously intervened on behalf of Israel. Joshua's return is not just a physical movement but a spiritual and leadership act, demonstrating his obedience and reliance on God's guidance. It reflects the cyclical nature of Israel's journey, where they often return to a place of origin or significance after a divine encounter or victory. and all Israel with him
This phrase emphasizes the unity and collective movement of the nation of Israel. The Hebrew word for "all" is "כָּל" (kol), indicating completeness and totality. The inclusion of "all Israel" underscores the communal aspect of their journey and victory. It wasn't just Joshua's triumph but a shared experience for the entire nation. This unity is crucial in the narrative of the Israelites, as it reflects their identity as God's chosen people, moving together under divine direction. Historically, this collective movement would have been a powerful testament to the surrounding nations of Israel's strength and the favor of their God. to the camp at Gilgal
"Gilgal" holds significant historical and spiritual importance for the Israelites. The Hebrew root "גִּלְגָּל" (Gilgal) is associated with the idea of rolling or a circle, which is fitting as Gilgal was the first campsite of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. It was here that they renewed their covenant with God through circumcision and celebrated the Passover (Joshua 5). Returning to Gilgal symbolizes a return to a place of covenant and remembrance. Archaeologically, Gilgal is believed to have been a strategic and spiritual base for the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. This return to Gilgal after the victory in battle serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of maintaining a connection to their spiritual roots and commitments. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of Israel, successor to Moses, and a central figure in the conquest of Canaan. Known for his faithfulness and obedience to God. 2. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are in the process of conquering the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. 3. GilgalA significant location for the Israelites, serving as their base camp during the conquest of Canaan. It is where they first camped after crossing the Jordan River and where they renewed their covenant with God. 4. The Conquest of CanaanThe broader context of this verse is the military campaign led by Joshua to take possession of the land promised to the Israelites by God. 5. The Southern CampaignThis verse follows the miraculous event where God made the sun stand still to allow Israel to defeat their enemies, part of the southern campaign against the Amorite kings. Teaching Points The Importance of Returning to GodJust as Joshua returned to Gilgal, believers are reminded to return to their spiritual "base camp"—a place of communion and covenant with God—after victories and challenges. God's Faithfulness in BattleThe context of this verse underscores God's active role in the battles of life. Believers can trust in God's promises and His power to intervene in their struggles. The Significance of RemembranceGilgal serves as a physical reminder of God's past faithfulness. Christians are encouraged to establish their own "Gilgals"—practices or symbols that remind them of God's work in their lives. Leadership and ObedienceJoshua's leadership exemplifies obedience to God's commands. Christian leaders are called to lead with integrity and faithfulness, relying on God's guidance. Community in VictoryThe phrase "all Israel with him" highlights the communal aspect of faith. Believers are encouraged to share in both the struggles and victories of their faith community. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the return to Gilgal symbolize in your personal spiritual journey, and how can you create a "Gilgal" in your life to remember God's faithfulness? 2. How does the account of Joshua's leadership inspire you to trust in God's promises during your own battles? 3. In what ways can you, like Joshua, lead others in faithfulness and obedience to God's commands? 4. How can the concept of community, as seen in "all Israel with him," be applied to strengthen your local church or faith group? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's intervention in your life. How can you use that experience to encourage others in their faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 4:19-24This passage describes the initial encampment at Gilgal after crossing the Jordan, highlighting its importance as a place of remembrance and covenant renewal. Exodus 17:8-16The battle against the Amalekites, where Moses' hands were held up, parallels the divine intervention seen in Joshua's battles, emphasizing reliance on God for victory. 1 Samuel 7:12Samuel sets up a stone called Ebenezer, similar to the stones at Gilgal, as a reminder of God's help, reinforcing the theme of remembrance and gratitude. 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, Tent-circle, TurnethDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 10:6-14 5608 warfare, strategies Joshua 10:12-14 1416 miracles, nature of Joshua 10:13-14 5493 retribution 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 10:15 NIVJoshua 10:15 NLTJoshua 10:15 ESVJoshua 10:15 NASBJoshua 10:15 KJV
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