Definition: And the LORD delivered it also, and the king thereof, into the hand of Israel; and he smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that [were] therein; he let none remain in it; but did unto the king thereof as he did unto the king of Jericho.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Joshua 10:30. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic verse from the Book of Judges. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a devastating victory for God and his army. It happened after the Israelites had been conquered by the Canaanites (the people who lived in the land). After a long and difficult battle, God delivered the captured city of Jericho to Israel. Then, God completely destroyed it – he slaughtered everyone inside, including the King and rulers. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the LORD delivered it also, and the king thereof, into the hand of Israel…” This means God actively chose to rescue the city of Jericho and gave it back to the Israelites. “…and he smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that [were] therein;” This is the key part. The word "smote" means to strike or kill someone. The “edge of the sword” was used here – a sharp point – to kill everyone inside the city. It’s a brutal act! “he let none remain in it; but did unto the king thereof as he did unto the king of Jericho.” This is where it gets really significant. The soldiers were instructed to treat the King of Jericho exactly like the King of Jericho. They were to kill everyone inside the city just as they killed the King of Jericho. What's the Big Message? This verse speaks about a complete and utter destruction. It’s a powerful message of God’s power, judgment, and protection. It shows that God is in control and doesn't hesitate to use force to protect his people. Important Context (Briefly): The Judges: The verse comes after the judges had been ruling over Israel for many years. They were a time of struggle and conflict. The Canaanites: The story is about a battle between God’s army and the Canaanites. In essence, it's a reminder that God can completely destroy anything he chooses to protect. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you a more detailed explanation of its historical context? Discuss what the verse might be teaching us about faith and courage?