Joshua 10:21 (KJV)

What does Joshua 10:21 mean?

Joshua 10:21 describes how all the Israelites safely returned to their camp at Makkedah after a battle, with no one daring to speak out or threaten them. The verse emphasizes that the people of Israel were at peace and completely unopposed by their enemies at this point.

In this scene, the Israelites have just won a significant victory under Joshua’s leadership. The phrase about no one moving their tongue against Israel means that none of their enemies dared to insult, challenge, or attack them. This shows the total security and respect the Israelites had gained after their triumphs in battle.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 10:21

• "Peace" — שָׁלוֹם (shalom): This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it carries the sense of wholeness, safety, and well-being. Here, it highlights the complete safety the Israelites enjoyed after their victory.
• "Moved" — חָרַץ (charatz): This word is often understood as "to sharpen" or "to move," and in this context, it means to speak sharply or threaten. The verse uses it to show that no one dared to say anything negative or threatening against Israel.
• "Tongue" — לָשׁוֹן (lashon): This word literally means "tongue," but it is used here as a figure of speech for speaking or making threats. The phrase "none moved his tongue" is a vivid way to say that no one dared to speak against them.

Why Joshua 10:21 matters

• This verse clears up any idea that the Israelites were still in danger after the battle; it stresses their complete safety and the fear they inspired in their enemies.
• The verse connects to the larger story by showing the growing reputation and dominance of Israel under Joshua, which is a key theme in this part of the book.
• The detail about "none moved his tongue" reveals the deep respect or fear the surrounding peoples had for Israel after seeing what had happened in battle.