Joshua 10:1
Now it came to pass, when Adoni–zedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;
Joshua 10:1 (KJV)
Context
Joshua 10 opens a new phase in Israel’s conquest of Canaan. Under Joshua’s leadership, the people had already crossed the Jordan River and captured Jericho and Ai, destroying both cities and their kings. News of these victories spread through the land, and the Canaanite kings grew afraid. In this verse, Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, hears two things: Joshua’s success against Ai, and that the Gibeonites had made peace with Israel and were now living among them.
Jerusalem was already a significant city, though not yet conquered by Israel. Its king, Adoni-zedek, whose name means “lord of righteousness,” would soon act against God’s people. The Gibeonites had obtained their treaty through deception, as recorded in Joshua 9, yet Israel honored it. This treaty becomes the immediate cause of the war that follows in this chapter.
Meaning
The verse shows how the reputation of Israel’s God spread fear among the nations. The Canaanite kings understood that Israel’s victories were not ordinary military successes. They saw that the God of Israel was powerful and that His promises to give the land to Abraham’s descendants were being fulfilled. Adoni-zedek’s reaction reveals the choice facing every nation: oppose God’s people or seek peace with them.
The mention of Gibeon is important. Though the Gibeonites had deceived Joshua, their decision to seek peace showed faith in the God of Israel. They had heard what God had done and chose to align themselves with His people. In contrast, Adoni-zedek and the other kings chose resistance. This sets the stage for the coalition of five Amorite kings against Gibeon, which follows in the chapter.
Biblical connections
The events in this verse connect to God’s earlier command to Israel. In Deuteronomy 7:2, God had instructed Israel to destroy the nations of Canaan and not make treaties with them. Joshua and the leaders failed to inquire of the Lord before making the treaty with Gibeon, as Joshua 9:14 records. This failure brought complications, yet God still worked through the situation to accomplish His purposes.
The verse also echoes the pattern of God’s faithfulness. Just as God had given Jericho and Ai into Israel’s hands, He would give the coalition of kings into their hands. The spreading news of God’s power is a recurring theme in Joshua, showing that God’s name was being made known among the nations.
Application
This verse teaches the importance of seeking God’s guidance in every decision. Israel’s treaty with Gibeon, though made with good intentions, was not what God had commanded. When we act without prayer and without consulting God’s Word, we can make choices that lead to difficulties. Yet God remains faithful even when we fail, and He can use our mistakes for His glory.
The response of the Gibeonites and the response of Adoni-zedek present two paths. One path is to hear about God’s power and seek peace with Him. The other is to resist Him and face judgment. Believers today are called to respond to the news of God’s work with faith, not with fear or opposition.
Reflection
God’s work advances despite opposition. The news of His power can provoke fear in those who oppose Him and hope in those who seek Him. As you read the rest of Joshua 10, you will see how God miraculously intervened and gave Israel a great victory. This encourages believers to trust in God’s faithfulness, even when enemies gather against them.
Consider how you respond when you hear of God’s mighty works. Do you, like the Gibeonites, seek peace with Him through faith? Or do you, like Adoni-zedek, resist His will? The God who fought for Israel is the same God who watches over His people today. He is worthy of trust and obedience in every circumstance.
