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Joshua 10:19

And stay ye not, but pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the LORD your God hath delivered them into your hand.

Joshua 10:19 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, the Israelites are commanded to not let their enemies escape but to pursue after them and attack the hindmost of their enemies. By doing so, they are ensuring that their enemies do not have the chance to regroup or seek refuge in their cities. This command demonstrates the importance of decisiveness and determination in battle, showing that the Israelites must be relentless in their pursuit of victory. The verse also highlights the belief that their success in battle is attributed to the deliverance of the LORD their God, emphasizing the faith and reliance on divine intervention in their military endeavors. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the Israelites' duty to trust in God's guidance and to execute His will in their actions, particularly in times of conflict and struggle.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Deuteronomy, the command to pursue after one's enemies and smite the hindmost of them is given in the context of a battle. Upon closer examination, the theological interpretation of this command reveals a deeper meaning regarding the spiritual warfare that believers face. The pursuit of enemies can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian's ongoing struggle against sin and evil forces. By pursuing after and not allowing the enemies to enter their cities, believers are reminded to be vigilant in guarding their hearts and minds from the influence of evil. The mention of the LORD delivering the enemies into their hands underscores the concept of divine assistance in overcoming challenges. As such, this verse serves as a reminder for believers to actively engage in spiritual warfare, trusting in God's strength and victory.

Joshua 10:19 in other translations

American Standard Version

but stay not ye; pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for Jehovah your God hath delivered them into your hand.

World English Bible

but don’t stay. Pursue your enemies, and them from the rear. Don’t allow them to enter into their cities; for Yahweh your God has delivered them into your hand.”

Douay-Rheims

And stay you not, but pursue after the enemies, and kill all the hindermost of them as they flee, and do not suffer them whom the Lord God hath delivered into your hands, to shelter themselves in their cities.

Geneva Bible (1599)

But stand ye not still: follow after your enemies, and smite all the hindmost, suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the Lord your God hath giuen them into your hand.