“Now it came to pass, when Adonizedek 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;
Historical Context:Joshua 10 is part of the narrative of the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. After the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, the Israelites had successfully conquered Jericho and Ai. Word of their victories had spread, and various kings in the land were becoming concerned.
Adonizedek, the King of Jerusalem:Adonizedek was the king of Jerusalem at the time. Jerusalem was an important city in the region and held strategic significance. Adonizedek had heard about the Israelites’ victories over Jericho and Ai, and he grew fearful of their advances.
The Conquest of Ai and Gibeon’s Treaty:Joshua and the Israelites had already conquered the city of Ai and destroyed it, just as they had done with Jericho. Additionally, the inhabitants of Gibeon, a nearby city, had realized the Israelites’ strength and opted to make peace with them by forming a treaty. This alliance with Gibeon had upset the other kings in the region, including Adonizedek.
The Impact of Israel’s Victories:The news of Israel’s victories and the peace treaty with Gibeon had a profound impact on the surrounding Canaanite kings. It fueled their fear and led them to form an alliance against Israel, gathering their forces to fight against Joshua and the Israelite army.
Lessons and Application:
- Faithfulness and Obedience:The conquest of Jericho, Ai, and the treaty with Gibeon illustrate the importance of Israel’s faithfulness to God’s command to possess the Promised Land. God had instructed Joshua to destroy the cities of Canaan and not make treaties with their inhabitants (Deuteronomy 7:2). However, in the case of Gibeon, Joshua and the Israelites failed to inquire of the Lord (Joshua 9:14), and as a result, made a treaty with them. This highlights the need for seeking God’s guidance and following His instructions in all circumstances.
- God’s Protection and Providence:The events in Joshua 10 reveal God’s providential care and protection over His people. Despite the formation of an alliance against Israel, God intervened and granted Joshua and the Israelites a great victory against their enemies.
- Consequences of Disobedience:While God ultimately worked through the situation to bring about His purposes, the Israelites faced challenges and had to overcome the consequences of their decision to make a treaty with Gibeon. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God’s guidance and being obedient to His commands, as disobedience can lead to complications and difficulties.
- Trusting in God’s Promises:Joshua’s leadership and the faith of the Israelites in God’s promises were crucial throughout this period. They faced formidable enemies, but their trust in the Lord and His promises sustained them. This encourages believers today to trust in God’s faithfulness, even in the face of challenges and opposition.
As you further study Joshua 10 and the subsequent verses, you will see how God miraculously intervened and granted the Israelites a great victory over their enemies.
