Joshua 10:28

Joshua 10:28 Meaning and Explanation

And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.

King James Version (KJV)

Read this verse in context with translation switching:

Read Full Chapter →

Joshua captures Makkedah and devotes it to destruction as he had done to Jericho.

What Does Joshua 10:28 Mean?

The same day, Joshua takes the city of Makkedah, striking it with the sword and devoting it and its king to complete destruction, just as he had done to Jericho. This begins a sweep of the southern cities, each described in nearly the same solemn terms. The campaign moves swiftly from the open battle into the cities of the land.

These accounts of utter destruction are among the hardest in Scripture, and they are recorded soberly, as the carrying out of a judgment long delayed upon nations the text describes as deeply corrupt. The narrative offers no triumphalism, only the steady report of obedience. The reader is left to hold the weight of God's holiness and justice, and to remember that the Judge of all the earth does right.

Joshua 10:28 in the Original Language

herem (חֵרֶם), 'devoted to destruction' -- a thing or city given wholly over to God, removed from common use, often by destruction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 10:28

What does Joshua 10:28 mean?

Joshua captures Makkedah and devotes it to destruction as he had done to Jericho.

Keep Studying Joshua 10

Read the whole chapter in KJV, ASV, or WEB, or go deeper with the chapter study guide and key themes.