Definition: And they took it on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that [were] therein he utterly destroyed that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 10:35. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about a devastating defeat. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Joshua is leading the Israelites. He’s commanding them to conquer Lachish, a fortified city held by the Philistines (a group of people who lived nearby). They’ve been fighting for a while. The verse immediately after says, "And they had fought for many days." It’s clear this was a long and difficult battle. The enemy attack: Suddenly, the Philistines – led by Goliath – launch a massive assault on Lachish. What Happened Next - The Destruction: They took it away: The Philistsies attacked and took the entire city of Lachish. They destroyed it with a sword: They used a powerful sword (the word “sword” is used here – it’s not just a weapon, but a symbol of judgment) to completely destroy the city. They utterly destroyed the souls within: This is the crucial part. The verse says they "utterly destroyed" everyone who was there . This includes soldiers, women, children, and anyone else who might have been inside. It's a brutal statement of complete annihilation. What Does it Mean? A Huge Loss: This event represents a huge loss for the Israelites. It signifies a significant defeat and demonstrates the power of the Philistines. Justice and Punishment: The verse suggests that God is exacting justice on the Israelites’ failure to defend Lachish well. It's a punishment for their disobedience. A Warning: It’s also a warning to the Israelites – it highlights that they need to be vigilant and prepared for any potential threat, even from unexpected places. Context - The Larger Story: Joshua 10:35 is part of a larger narrative in the Bible about God's judgment on Israel's enemies. It’s often seen as a consequence of their disobedience to God's commands – specifically, ignoring the warning to stay within the city walls. In short, this verse describes a catastrophic defeat where the Philistines completely destroyed everyone inside Lachish. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to other Bible stories or events? Discuss its symbolic meaning (e.g., representing God's judgment)?