Joshua 10:42
And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵ֨ת
H853
וְאֵ֨ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לָכַ֥ד
take
H3920
לָכַ֥ד
take
Strong's:
H3920
Word #:
7 of 16
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
פַּ֣עַם
time
H6471
פַּ֣עַם
time
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
9 of 16
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
כִּ֗י
H3588
כִּ֗י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָה֙
because the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
because the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
13 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
for Israel
H3478
לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
for Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
14 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Joshua 10:14And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.Psalms 46:7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.Psalms 80:3Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern warfare typically involved lengthy sieges and protracted campaigns. The rapid conquest described here was militarily extraordinary, requiring divine intervention to explain. Egyptian records from this period show Canaan divided into numerous city-states, each with its own king, making unified resistance difficult but conquest of all simultaneously nearly impossible without supernatural aid.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that 'the LORD fought for Israel' change your perspective on battles you face?
- What is the relationship between human responsibility (Joshua's military leadership) and divine sovereignty (God fighting for Israel)?
- In what ways does Christ fight for believers today in spiritual warfare?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
All these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time—The phrase "at one time" (pa'am 'echad, פַּעַם אֶחָד) emphasizes the swift, unified nature of this southern campaign. Unlike the forty years of wilderness wandering, when obedience replaced disobedience, conquest replaced defeat. Multiple Canaanite city-states fell in rapid succession because of divine intervention, not merely military superiority.
Because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel—This theological explanation is central: YHWH Elohei Yisrael lacham l'Yisrael (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל נִלְחָם לְיִשְׂרָאֵל). The verb lacham (נִלְחָם) means "to fight, to wage war." Israel's God was not a passive deity but an active warrior who fought for His people. This echoes Exodus 14:14 ("The LORD shall fight for you") and anticipates the New Covenant reality that Christ has won the victory and fights for His church (Romans 8:31-37).