Joshua 24:9 (KJV)

What does Joshua 24:9 mean?

Joshua 24:9 recounts how Balak, the king of Moab, tried to oppose Israel by hiring Balaam to curse them. The verse highlights an episode when Israel faced hostility from a neighboring king who sought supernatural means to harm them.

In this verse, Joshua is speaking to the assembled people of Israel, reminding them of their history as they renew their covenant with God. Joshua points out that Balak, son of Zippor, not only fought against Israel but also sent for Balaam, son of Beor, hoping that a curse would weaken or destroy Israel. This reminder sets the stage for recalling how God protected Israel despite these threats.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 24:9

• בָּלָק (Balak): This name means "devastator" or "one who lays waste," which fits the king's hostile intentions toward Israel in this story.
• לָחַם (lacham, "warred"): The Hebrew word here can mean to engage in battle or to wage war, but it can also carry the sense of striving against someone, not always in open combat. In this context, it includes Balak's attempt to harm Israel through spiritual means, not just military action.
• קָלַל (qalal, "curse"): This word means "to curse" or "to make light of." Balak's request for Balaam to curse Israel was an attempt to diminish or bring harm to them through spoken words, showing the seriousness with which such curses were viewed in the ancient world.

Why Joshua 24:9 matters

• Joshua 24:9 clarifies that Israel's challenges were not only military but also spiritual, as enemies sought to use curses against them.
• The verse emphasizes God's protection over Israel, since the attempt to curse them ultimately failed, as later verses recall.
• By mentioning both Balak and Balaam, Joshua reminds the people of specific threats they faced and how God intervened, reinforcing the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness as they renew their commitment.