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Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 - Verse 27

10:27
And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid, and laid great stones in the cave's mouth, which remain until this very day.

Meaning

Joshua 10:27 describes a particular event that took place at the going down of the sun, where Joshua commanded that the bodies of five enemy kings who had been defeated in battle be taken down from the trees and buried in a cave. This act was symbolic of ultimate victory over their enemies, as the bodies of these kings were displayed as a sign of triumph. By placing great stones at the mouth of the cave, Joshua ensured that the memory of this victory would be preserved for future generations. The act of burying the kings and sealing the cave was a physical expression of the defeat of the enemies of Israel and a testament to the power of God working through Joshua and the people of Israel. The reference to the stones which remain until this very day serves as a reminder of the historical importance of this event, highlighting the divine intervention and victory that had taken place.

Theological Overview

Joshua 10:27 speaks of the burial of five defeated kings in a cave, sealed with great stones until the time that the biblical account was recorded. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the significance of the actions taken by Joshua and his men. By commanding the bodies to be removed from the trees and placed in a cave, Joshua was not only respecting the dignity of the deceased but also following the customs and practices of that time. The use of great stones to seal the cave's mouth served to ensure that the bodies remained undisturbed, emphasizing the finality of their defeat. Additionally, the mention of the stones remaining until the time of the writing is a testament to the historicity and accuracy of the biblical account. This verse underscores the seriousness with which the Israelites dealt with their enemies and the importance of obedience to God's commands as exemplified by Joshua's actions.

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