Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 10:28. It's a really important and dramatic section in the Book of Judges, and it’s often misunderstood. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Joshua, the leader of Israel, was leading the Israelites into battle against the Canaanites (the people who lived in the land). During this battle, Joshua decided to destroy a city called Makkedah. He took the sword and utterly destroyed everything inside – the people, the leaders, and even the king of Makkedah. He made it clear that there would be no survivors. This action was meant to send a message to the Canaanites: “We are taking this place and will not tolerate any resistance.” Let's unpack what’s happening in simpler parts: “Joshua took Makkedah…” : This means Joshua marched into the city of Makkedah. “…and smote it with the edge of the sword…” : He used a powerful sword to injure and destroy the city. "...and the king thereof he utterly destroyed..." : He killed the king of Makkedah. This is the key point – he completely eliminated the ruling authority. "...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." : This is where it gets a little more complex. He didn't just kill everyone. He destroyed everything , including the people, the leaders, and even the king himself. Importantly, this action was done as he did unto the king of Jericho . What does this all mean? This passage is often interpreted as a warning to the Israelites about the dangers of resisting God’s will. It's a powerful statement that: God’s Justice: It shows that God is very serious about his judgment and will punish those who defy him. Control & Authority: It emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s commands and respecting his authority. A Clear Message: The king of Jericho's example highlights the consequences of defiance – a violent, complete destruction. Important Note: There’s some debate among biblical scholars about exactly what this passage means. Some interpret it as a demonstration of God's absolute power and authority over all nations. Others see it as a reminder that disobedience will have serious consequences. --- Would you like me to: Explain any particular part in more detail? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Israel’s history? Compare this passage with other stories about God's judgment?