Verse 31 may begin in the same way as verse 29 (see comments).

The capture of Lachish, about 17 kilometers south of Libnah, seems to have been more difficult, since it is said that only on the second day was the city taken. Surrounded it and attacked it may be made into a separate sentence: “They surrounded the city and attacked it.”

Gave … victory over once again translates “put into the hands of” (see 10.8). This sentence may be translated, “On the second day of the battle the LORD put the city of Lachish in the power of the Israelites.”

The sentence Just as … in the city may be rephrased with more simplicity and reduced length: “They killed every person in the city, just as they had killed everyone in the city of Libnah.”

The city of Gezer is usually located 35 kilometers north of Lachish (but Soggin says its location is still uncertain). Its king came to the aid of Lachish, but he and his army were also destroyed. The city of Gezer itself was not taken until the time of Solomon (see 16.10; 1 Kgs 9.16).

In verse 33 several translational adjustments may be made. First, King Horam of Gezer may be rendered “King Horam, who ruled the city of Gezer.” Second, to the aid of Lachish may need to be rendered “to the aid of the people of Lachish.” Third, the last clause of this verse (but Joshua … them alive) may need to be translated either as a complete sentence or else as two complete sentences: “But Joshua and his army defeated King Horam and his army. Not one of King Horam’s men got away alive.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .