Joshua 10:5
Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped before Gibeon, and made war against it.
Joshua 10:5 (KJV)
Context
Joshua, Moses’ successor, leads Israel in the conquest of Canaan. Gibeon, a significant city northwest of Jerusalem, had made a treaty with Israel after deceiving Joshua (Joshua 9). In response, Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, rallied four neighboring kings—of Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—to punish Gibeon for aligning with Israel. Together they gathered their forces, encamped before Gibeon, and made war against it.
Meaning
The verse names five Amorite kings, though the term “Amorite” broadly describes the Canaanite inhabitants, even where other groups like Jebusites or Hittites lived. Their united assault shows how seriously they viewed Gibeon’s defection. The coalition was formidable, yet the narrative immediately sets the stage for God’s deliverance, as Joshua 10:8 records God’s assurance: “Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand.”
Biblical connections
This attack directly results from Israel’s covenant with Gibeon. Though the treaty was obtained through deception, Israel honored it, and Joshua came to Gibeon’s aid. The episode also foreshadows God’s miraculous intervention—hailstones and the sun standing still (Joshua 10:10-14)—demonstrating that no human alliance can thwart God’s purposes for His people.
Application
From this verse, believers learn to trust God’s guidance and obey His commands, confident that He fights for them. The account underscores the importance of keeping commitments, even when they are costly, and acting with integrity. It also encourages unity among believers, as the Gibeonites and Israelites joined forces against opposition. When facing resistance to God’s purposes, Christians can persevere, knowing that God is greater than any coalition against them.
Reflection
This passage reminds us that opposition often arises when we align with God’s will. Yet the same God who fought for Israel is with His people today. Regularly reading Scripture deepens our understanding of God’s faithfulness and strengthens our trust in His sovereign power.
