What is the definition of Joshua 10:35?

And they took it on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that [were] therein he utterly destroyed that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish.

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Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 10:35. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about a devastating defeat. Here’s what it means in simpler terms:
The Basic Situation:
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Joshua is leading the Israelites.
He’s commanding them to conquer Lachish, a fortified city held by the Philistines (a group of people who lived nearby). 💎
They’ve been fighting for a while.
The verse immediately after says, "And they had fought for many days." It’s clear this was a long and difficult battle. 💎
The enemy attack:
Suddenly, the Philistines – led by Goliath – launch a massive assault on Lachish.
What Happened Next - The Destruction:
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They took it away:
The Philistsies attacked and took the entire city of Lachish. 💎
They destroyed it with a sword:
They used a powerful sword (the word “sword” is used here – it’s not just a weapon, but a symbol of judgment) to completely destroy the city. 💎
They utterly destroyed the souls within:
This is the crucial part. The verse says they "utterly destroyed" everyone who was 💎there💎. This includes soldiers, women, children, and anyone else who might have been inside. It's a brutal statement of complete annihilation.
What Does it Mean?
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A Huge Loss:
This event represents a huge loss for the Israelites. It signifies a significant defeat and demonstrates the power of the Philistines. 💎
Justice and Punishment:
The verse suggests that God is exacting justice on the Israelites’ failure to defend Lachish well. It's a punishment for their disobedience. 💎
A Warning:
It’s also a warning to the Israelites – it highlights that they need to be vigilant and prepared for any potential threat, even from unexpected places.
Context - The Larger Story:
Joshua 10:35 is part of a larger narrative in the Bible about God's judgment on Israel's enemies. It’s often seen as a consequence of their disobedience to God's commands – specifically, ignoring the warning to stay within the city walls.
In short, this verse describes a catastrophic defeat where the Philistines completely destroyed everyone inside Lachish.
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Do you want me to:
💎 Explain any part of this verse in more detail? 💎 Connect it to other Bible stories or events? 💎 Discuss its symbolic meaning (e.g., representing God's judgment)?