What does Joshua 10:21 mean?
"And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel." - Joshua 10:21

Joshua 10:21 (KJV) says, "And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel."
This verse comes from the Book of Joshua in the Old Testament, which details the conquest of the promised land by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua after the death of Moses. In this particular verse, the people of Israel have just experienced a great victory in battle, and are returning to their camp in peace.
The context of this verse is important to understand its significance. In the preceding verses, Joshua and the Israelites have just fought and won a great battle at Gibeon against five kings who had come together to attack the Gibeonites for making a peace treaty with the Israelites. In a miraculous display of God's power, the sun and moon stood still at Joshua's command, allowing the Israelites to defeat their enemies. After this great victory, the people of Israel returned to their camp at Makkedah with peace and unity among them.
One of the overarching themes of this verse is the faithfulness and power of God. Throughout the entire Book of Joshua, we see God's hand guiding and protecting the Israelites as they claim the land He promised them. From the crossing of the Jordan River to the battle of Jericho and beyond, God's presence and power are evident. This verse is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people, as well as His ability to bring peace and unity in the midst of conflict and chaos.
Another theme present in this verse is the importance of unity among God's people. Despite the diversity and multitude of the Israelites, they returned to their camp with none moving his tongue against any of the children of Israel. This unity was crucial for the success of their conquest of the promised land. It is a reminder for believers today that unity and peace among us are essential for accomplishing God's purposes and claiming His promises for us.
Symbolically, the return of the people to their camp in peace represents the rest and security that comes from trusting in God's faithfulness and power. Just as the Israelites found peace and rest after their victory, believers can find peace and security in knowing that God is faithful to His promises and able to bring unity and peace in the midst of conflict.
In conclusion, Joshua 10:21 is a powerful and significant verse that demonstrates the faithfulness and power of God, the importance of unity among His people, and the peace and rest that comes from trusting in Him. It is a reminder for believers to trust in God's faithfulness, seek unity among each other, and find peace and rest in His presence. This verse offers encouragement and hope to those facing battles and conflicts, as it reminds us of God's ability to bring peace and unity in the midst of turmoil.
Have questions about Joshua 10:21?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Joshua 10:21 Artwork
Joshua 10:21 - "And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel."
"And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel." - Joshua 10:21
Joshua 21:10 - "Which the children of Aaron, being of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levi, had: for their's was the first lot."
Joshua 24:21 - "And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD."
Joshua 1:10 - "¶ Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,"
Joshua 10:43 - "And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal."
Joshua 10:38 - "¶ And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and fought against it:"
Joshua 10:15 - "¶ And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal."
Joshua 18:10 - "¶ And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions."
Joshua 10:17 - "And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah."
"Which the children of Aaron, being of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levi, had: for their's was the first lot." - Joshua 21:10
Joshua 21:21 - "For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs,"
Joshua 8:21 - "And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai."
Joshua 10:9 - "Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night."
"¶ Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying," - Joshua 1:10
Joshua 10:29 - "Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah:"
Joshua 10:36 - "And Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with him, unto Hebron; and they fought against it:"
Joshua 10:18 - "And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them:"
Joshua 12:21 - "The king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one;"
Joshua 21:14 - "And Jattir with her suburbs, and Eshtemoa with her suburbs,"
Joshua 21:15 - "And Holon with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs,"
"And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD." - Joshua 24:21
Joshua 11:21 - "¶ And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities."
Joshua 21:1 - "Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;"
Joshua 10:31 - "¶ And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it:"
Joshua 10:34 - "¶ And from Lachish Joshua passed unto Eglon, and all Israel with him; and they encamped against it, and fought against it:"
Joshua 19:21 - "And Remeth, and En-gannim, and En-haddah, and Beth-pazzez;"
Joshua 10:22 - "Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave."
Joshua 10:7 - "So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour."
Joshua 10:42 - "And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel."