Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 10:24
And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.
24. put your feet upon the necks ] According to the usage portrayed on the monuments of Assyria and Egypt, which seems also to have been practised by the Byzantine emperors long after the Christian era. For this symbol of complete subjection comp. Psa 110:1; 1Co 15:25.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Put your feet upon the necks of these kings – A symbol of complete subjugation (compare the marginal references and 1Co 15:25).
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 24. Put your feet upon the necks of these kings.] This act was done symbolically, as a token, not only of the present complete victory, but of their approaching triumph over all their adversaries, which is the interpretation given of it by Joshua in the succeeding verse.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Put your feet upon the necks of these kings: this he did not from pride and contempt of their dignity in itself; but, partly, as a punishment of their impious rebellion against their sovereign Lord; partly, in pursuance of that curse of servility due to all this people, Gen 9:25; partly, as a token to assure his captains that God would subdue the proudest of them all under their feet; and partly, to oblige and teach his people severely to execute the judgment of God upon them, and not to spare any of them, either out of a foolish pity, or out of respect to their dignity, as Saul afterwards spared Agag to his own ruin.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
24. put your feet upon the necks ofthese kingsnot as a barbarous insult, but a symbolical action,expressive of a complete victory (Deu 33:29;Psa 110:5; Mal 4:3).
Jos10:28-42. SEVEN MOREKINGS CONQUERED.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And it came to pass, when they brought out these kings unto Joshua,…. And set them before him, and he had passed sentence on them:
that he called for all the men of Israel; that is, for the chief men, the principal officers of the army:
and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him; the chiliarchs and centurions, the captains of thousands and hundreds, of the several regiments in the army who went out to battle with him, and under him:
come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings; not in a contemptuous and insulting manner, not through vanity and haughtiness, but for the mortification of the kings; and as a token of their extreme subjection, and as a proper punishment for their crimes of idolatry, tyranny, and cruelty; and by way of terror to others of the kings of Canaan that should fight against them, and as a pledge and confirmation of the subjection of the rest, as well as to fulfil the promises and predictions of God, De 33:29; and which was done not of himself, but by the order, and according to the will of God:
and they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them; as Joshua ordered them, and in obedience to him their general.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(24) The captains.The original word occurs here for the first time (see Jdg. 11:6; Jdg. 11:11), and seems to mean the actual leaders, not merely the official heads, of the people, who had borne the brunt of the battle. These men having laboured, deserved to see the fruits of their labour; and the action of Joshua was well calculated to inspirit them, and to fire them with courage to lead their followers to the charge in battles that were yet to come.
Put your feet upon the necks of these kings.Comp. 2Sa. 22:41, Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; and Gen. 49:8.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
‘ And so it was that when they brought out these kings to Joshua, Joshua called for all the men of Israel and said to the chiefs of the men of war who went with him, “Come near. Put your feet on the necks of these kings.” And they came near, and put their feet on their necks.’
What Joshua now did was in order to give strength and encouragement to his commanders, and to their battalions. He wanted them all to feel involved. It would sustain the battalions in future battles to remember how their chiefs had been able to demonstrate their authority over these kings.
The putting of the feet on the neck was a symbolic action demonstrating overlordship. It is well witnessed on Assyrian and Egyptian representations. Compare 1Ki 5:3; Psa 110:1; Isa 51:23.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
DISCOURSE: 253
JOSHUAS VICTORY OVER THE CONFEDERATE KINGS
Jos 10:24-25. And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong, and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.
THE Jewish history, considered merely as an history, is the most wonderful, and most instructive, that ever was recorded: but considered as a shadow of things to come, it has an interest peculiar to itself. The attention which it excites, is not that of speculative curiosity, but of practical concern: and every one who desires to obtain favour with Israels God, feels himself bound to study it, in order to learn from it the character of God, together with the duties and privileges of his chosen people.
Having had frequent occasion, in our discourses on the Pentateuch, to shew, that the figurative import of this history is not imaginary, but real; and that such an explanation of it is strongly intimated in the New Testament; we may dispense with any remarks of that kind at present, and proceed to notice, in reference to the Christians warfare, the defeat of the five confederate kings by Joshua; a full account of which is given in the chapter before us.
The things which we shall more particularly refer to, are,
I.
The occasion of the confederacy
[The Gibeonites, who were a strong and powerful people, had made a league with Joshua, whilst all the other kingdoms of Canaan were determined to oppose him. This incensed all the other powers against them, especially their nearer neighbours, who considered it as betraying the common interest, and as facilitating the threatened subjugation of the whole country. To prevent the influence of such an example, and to punish those whom they regarded as traitors, fire kings united their forces to go and smite Gibeon, before they should be able to obtain any assistance from their new ally. They accordingly went up with all possible expedition to attack the city, and to wreak their vengeance on its inhabitants.
Here then we may see what usually takes place when any of the enemies of Christ submit themselves to him. Their former friends and companions consider it as a defection from their standard, and a dereliction of their cause; and often resent it with no little acrimony [Note: Isa 59:15; Joh 15:19; Luk 12:51-53.]: and though their opposition does not in all cases proceed to the same extremity, it never fails to shew itself in a way of contempt and ridicule [Note: 1Pe 4:4.]. Satan too is indignant at losing one of his vassals; and not only stimulates his subjects to commence hostilities against them [Note: Eph 2:2.], but labours by all possible wiles and devices to reduce them to their former bondage [Note: Eph 6:11; Eph 6:16; 1Pe 5:8.] There is the same enmity against the cause of Christ existing now as ever. As the kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers took counsel together, against the Lord, and against his Anointed [Note: Psa 2:2.], in the days of old, and the same rage continued against all the Apostles and Disciples in after ages [Note: Act 4:1-3; Act 5:18; Act 5:40; Act 9:23.], so must it be, and so it will be, as long as Satan shall be permitted to exert any influence over the minds of men [Note: 2Co 4:4; 2Ti 2:26.]: earth and hell will combine against the Church of Christ; and every one that enters into covenant with Jesus, shall have a powerful confederacy to contend with [Note: Gal 4:29; 2Ti 3:12; Eph 6:12.].]
From the occasion of that confederacy, we proceed to notice,
II.
The means by which it was defeated
[Instantly, and with great importunity, did the Gibeonites make application to Joshua for timely succour [Note: ver. 6.]. They rightly judged, that, having once made a covenant with them, he would afford them his effectual aid. Nor were they disappointed of their hope: for Joshua, without delay, gave orders to his whole army, and marched all night to their deliverance.
Such is the way in which Christians also must obtain deliverance. If they attempt to resist their enemies in their own strength, they will infallibly be vanquished: but if they betake themselves to prayer, they cannot but succeed. Prayer calls Omnipotence to their aid: and while it is yet offering, God will both heat and answer it [Note: Isa 65:24.]. Behold the Apostle Paul, how sorely he was beset, how grievously he was assaulted: yet scarcely had he been able thrice to repeat his cry for help, before the Lord answered him, My grace is sufficient for thee: and immediately you behold him triumphing, as if all his enemies were lying prostrate at his feet [Note: 2Co 12:7-9.]. Thus the Christian, whatever confederacy be formed against him, has only to cry unto the Lord for help, saying, I have no might against this great company that cometh against me, neither know I what to do; and the victory will be no longer doubtful [Note: 2Ch 20:12; 2Ch 20:15-17.]: the devil himself could not stand before such a prayer as that, but would instantly be put to flight [Note: Jam 4:7.]. Joshua felt that there was danger of his coming too late: but no such danger exists in relation to the Christian; for his Lord is always near, a present, a very present help in the time of trouble [Note: Psa 46:1.].]
Let us next contemplate,
III.
The extent of that defeat
[The confederate armies were discomfited in a moment, and the pursuit of them continued so long, that Joshua entreated that the sun and moon might be arrested in their career, in order to afford him light to finish the work he had begun [Note: ver. 12, 13.]. And because the slaughter of them by the hand of Israel was not sufficient, God himself cast down great hailstones upon them, and slew more than all the host of Israel had slain with the sword [Note: ver. 10, 11.]. All the five kings also were taken, and, after the captains of Israel had put their feet upon their necks, were slain, and hanged up on trees, as accursed monuments of Gods wrath and indignation. Thus complete was the destruction of Israels enemies by Israels God.
Thus shall the Christian also be enabled to say with the Apostle, Thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ! When once he has entered into covenant with Christ, sin shall no more have dominion over him: being Christs, he shall be enabled to crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts: yea, God will so give him the victory, that Satan himself shall be bruised under his feet shortly [Note: Rom 16:20.]. See the victories granted to David in answer to his prayer: these were a counterpart of those recorded in the text, and of those also which every true Christian shall experience [Note: Psa 18:4-10; Psa 18:16-19; Psa 18:36-40; Psa 18:50.].]
It was not for the purpose of insulting over a vanquished enemy that Joshua ordered his captains to trample on their necks, but in order to shew unto Israel, what sentiments this victory should inspire; and to set before their eyes,
IV.
The prospect it afforded them in all their future conflicts
[Many conflicts yet remained for them, before the whole land would be completely subdued. But, however numerous or severe these conflicts might be, the people had no reason to fear or be dismayed, since every enemy should be subdued before them in like manner, and be, as had long since been foretold, mere bread for them [Note: Num 14:9.].
In like manner are we also taught to regard our victories as pledges of future and greater conquests. Whilst we are in this militant state, we shall and many enemies to encounter. Sometimes they may appear so formidable as almost to defy Omnipotence itself: but we need not fear: there are at all times more with us than with them: we shall always have Jehovah himself on our side: and if God be for us, who can be against us? Our own weakness is no ground of fear; because God will perfect his own strength in our weakness: instead of breaking the bruised reed or quenching the smoking flax, he will bring forth judgment unto victory. In this light then let us view the menaces and assaults of all our enemies: they shall only be the means of displaying and magnifying the power of our God. Only let us remember that encouraging direction, Call upon me in the time of trouble, and I will hear thee, and thou shalt glorify me; and then may we rest assured, that no weapon which is formed against us shall prosper; yea, we may defy all the powers of earth and hell ever to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord [Note: Isa 54:17; Rom 8:35-39.].]
Application
1.
To those who put discouragements in the way of repenting sinners
[Few will acknowledge themselves to be persecutors of the Lords people, though there is scarcely a more common character to be found. But know, that mocking is as painful to the mind, as scourging is to the body [Note: Heb 10:33; Heb 11:36.]: and it were better to have a millstone hanged about your neck, and to be cast into the sea, than that you should offend one of Christs little ones [Note: Mat 18:6.] If any think, that, because multitudes concur with them, they are the less in danger, I would remind them of Gibeons enemies, and say, Associate yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces [Note: Isa 8:9-10.].]
2.
To those who yield to discouragement
[Think not of your own weakness, but of the power and grace of Christ. And if others cry out by reason of a confederacy, join not with them in their desponding apprehensions, but sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and make him your fear, and him your dread [Note: Isa 8:12-13.].]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
Jos 10:24 And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.
Ver. 24. Put your feet upon the necks of these kings. ] Not as proudly insulting over them, as that pope did over the emperor at Venice; but to show that he had quite subdued them, as Christ also hath all our spiritual enemies, Rom 8:37 and will tread Satan himself under our feet shortly. Rom 16:20 What, then, though that old serpent shoot his sting into our heel, and make us halt, as that martyr said? yet let us go on, though halting, to heaven, whence the devil is cast down. Rev 12:9
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
men. plural of ish App-14.
these kings. Some codices, with three early printed editions, read “these five kings”.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
put your feet: Deu 33:29, Jdg 8:20, Psa 2:8-12, Psa 18:40, Psa 91:13, Psa 107:40, Psa 110:1, Psa 110:5, Psa 149:8, Psa 149:9, Isa 26:5, Isa 26:6, Isa 60:11, Isa 60:12, Mal 4:3, Rom 16:20, Rev 2:26, Rev 2:27
Reciprocal: Gen 49:8 – the neck Deu 7:2 – deliver Deu 7:24 – he shall 2Sa 22:41 – necks 1Ki 5:3 – put Job 12:19 – General Psa 47:3 – our feet Psa 74:3 – Lift Isa 51:23 – Bow Hab 3:13 – thou woundedst Act 2:35 – thy foes Rom 5:4 – and experience Rom 16:4 – laid
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Jos 10:24. Put your feet on the necks, &c. This he commanded, not in insolence and pride, but in token that these kings and their countries were brought into an absolute subjection to the Israelites, that God had fulfilled his promise in part, (Deu 33:29,) and to assure his captains that he would completely fulfil it, and subdue the proudest of their enemies under their feet.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
10:24 And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the {h} necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.
(h) Signifying what would become of the rest of God’s enemies, seeing that kings themselves were not spared.