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.

JOSHUA 10:24KJV
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Joshua 10:24 (KJV)

What does Joshua 10:24 mean?

Joshua 10:24 describes how Joshua called the leaders of Israel’s army to come forward and place their feet on the necks of five defeated enemy kings, showing their complete victory and dominance over them. This act was a public demonstration meant to encourage the Israelites and symbolize God’s help in giving them victory over their enemies.

In this scene, Joshua is speaking to the military commanders after a major battle where Israel defeated a coalition of kings who opposed them. By having the captains put their feet on the necks of the captured kings, Joshua is not only humiliating the defeated rulers but also giving his own leaders a tangible sign of triumph. This moment is meant to boost the confidence of the Israelite warriors and remind them that their enemies can be overcome.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 10:24

  • "Necks" (צַוָּאר, tsavvar): In ancient times, putting a foot on someone’s neck was a clear symbol of total defeat and submission. This word highlights the complete control Israel now had over these kings.
  • "Captains" (קָצִין, qatsin): This term refers to military leaders or commanders, showing that Joshua wanted those in charge of the army to personally take part in this act, reinforcing their authority and leadership.
  • "Feet" (רֶגֶל, regel): The use of "feet" here is important because it was a common gesture in the ancient Near East to show victory and humiliation of enemies.

Why Joshua 10:24 matters

  • Joshua 10:24 clarifies that the victory was not just for Joshua alone but was meant to be shared and experienced by all the leaders and people of Israel.
  • The verse emphasizes the completeness of Israel’s triumph and the total defeat of their enemies, which would have been a powerful encouragement for the Israelites as they continued their conquest.
  • This act connects to the wider passage by setting up Joshua’s following words, where he encourages the people not to be afraid or discouraged, reinforcing trust in God’s promises.

Where else these words appear

“captains” Hebrew H7101 · used in 12 verses

  • Judges 11:6 And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.
  • Proverbs 25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
  • Isaiah 22:3 All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in thee are bound together, which have fled from far.

“necks” Hebrew H6677 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 27:16 And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:
  • Job 39:19 Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?
  • Jeremiah 27:11 But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.