Joshua 10:11
And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.
Joshua 10:11 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Joshua, the story recounts a great victory for the Israelites as they fought against their enemies. As the enemies fled before the Israelites, they encountered a powerful display of God's wrath. The Lord cast down great stones from heaven, striking down their foes with hailstones. The impact of the hailstones was so severe that more of the enemy soldiers died from them than from the swords of the Israelites. This event serves as a reminder of the power and might of God, who fights on behalf of His people and delivers them from their enemies. It also showcases the supernatural intervention of God in the affairs of humans, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation. The verse highlights the theme of divine intervention and protection for those who trust in the Lord and follow His commands.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of Joshua 10:11, we see the display of God's power and intervention on behalf of the Israelites. The verse describes a miraculous event where the Lord caused great stones to fall from heaven upon their enemies, resulting in more deaths than those caused by the Israelites' swords. This can be seen as a demonstration of God's sovereignty over nature and his ability to fight on behalf of his people when they are under threat. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites were victorious in this battle due to their steadfast trust in the Lord. In addition, the use of the term "great stones" could also be symbolic of the weight of God's judgment falling upon the enemy, emphasizing the consequences of opposing God's will. Overall, Joshua 10:11 showcases the power and protection of God, as well as the importance of faith and obedience in the face of adversity.
Joshua 10:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth-horon, that Jehovah cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more who died with the hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.
World English Bible
As they fled from before Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth Horon, Yahweh hurled down great stones from the sky on them to Azekah, and they died. There were more who died from the hailstones than who the children of Israel killed with the sword.
Douay-Rheims
And when they were fleeing from the children of Israel, and were in the descent of Bethoron, the Lord cast down upon them great stones from heaven, as far as Azeca: and many more were killed with the hailstones, than were slain by the swords of the children of Israel,
Geneva Bible (1599)
And as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going downe to Beth-horon, the Lord cast downe great stones from heauen vpon them, vntill Azekah, and they dyed: they were more that dyed with the hailestones, then they whom the children of Israel slewe with the sword.