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Joshua 10:19

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Joshua 10:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “but stay not ye; pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for Jehovah your God hath delivered them into your hand.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

but stay not ye; pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for Jehovah your God hath delivered them into your hand.
Joshua 10:19 — American Standard Version

Context — Joshua 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16And these five kings fled, and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah.
17And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah.
18And Joshua said, Roll great stones unto the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to keep them:
19but stay not ye; pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for Jehovah your God hath delivered them into your hand.
20And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, and the remnant which remained of them had entered into the fortified cities,
21that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.
22Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring forth those five kings unto me out of the cave.
← Joshua 10:18Joshua 10:20 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And stay you not, [but] pursue after your enemies, etc.] That is, do not stay at this cave, but having placed a sufficient guard there, go in pursuit of the enemy, with as much celerity as possible: and smite the hindmost of them; their rear; or “tail” them f197, as the word is, cut off the tail of them: suffer them not to enter their cities; where they would not only be safe themselves for a while, but would be able to hold out against a siege for some time, and give much trouble to conquer them: for the Lord your God hath delivered them into your hands; this he said to encourage them, and quicken them to the pursuit of them with all eagerness and vehemence. According to the Samaritan…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Enter their cities - Whereby they will recover their strength, and renew the war. God hath delivered them - Your work will be easy, God hath already done the work to your hands. Joshua 10:20”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“stay ye: Psa 18:37-41; Jer 48:10 smite: Heb. cut off the tail, Isa 9:14, Isa 9:15 suffer them: Jos 10:20; Sa2 17:13, Sa2 20:6; Jer 8:14 Joshua 10:20”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification