And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.
Study Helps
Interpretation
The meanest and most feeble, who have just begun to trust the Lord, are as much entitled to be protected as those who have long and faithfully been his servants. It is our duty to defend the afflicted, who, like the Gibeonites, are brought into trouble on our account, or for the sake of the gospel.
Read with
This thought runs through Joshua 10:8-11.
Glossary
- Azekah Place
- Dug over, a town in the Shephelah or low hills of Judah ( Josh. 15:35 ), where the five confederated Amoritish kings were defeated by Joshua and their army destroyed by a hailstrom (10:10, 11). Modern identification: Tel Azekah.
- Beth-horon Place
- Biblical settlement. Modern identification: Beit Ur al Tahta.