‏ Joshua 10

Joshua 10:1 – The Combination Against Gibeon

This section explains how, after some time in Canaan, Israel’s progress seemed slow to some people. They had taken Jericho by a miracle, Ai by a clever plan, and Gibeon by surrender, but had not conquered much more. Some Israelites complained about Joshua’s careful approach, wanting faster action. However, God had promised to give them the land little by little (Exodus 23:30 ^a). Joshua wisely waited for the Canaanites to attack first, which made Israel’s later victories look more fair and just. God also planned for the Canaanite kings to unite, making it easier for Israel to defeat them all at once (Micah 4:12 ^b). Sometimes, waiting for the right moment brings a better result.

v. 1: Adoni-zedec, king of Jerusalem, became the leader of a group of five kings who joined together against the Gibeonites. His name means “lord of righteousness,” and he might have come from the family of Melchizedek, but he was an enemy to Israel. He was especially upset that Gibeon, a strong and important city, had made peace with Israel. He encouraged other kings to help attack Gibeon. He did this either to take back the city for his country or to punish Gibeon for joining Israel. This shows that people who follow God can sometimes be hated by others for their choices, just as Jesus said the world will hate his followers (v. 1 ^c).

v. 2–5: Adoni-zedec called on neighboring kings to join his alliance and attack Gibeon. He wanted to punish Gibeon for making peace with Israel, and he convinced the other kings to help him (vv. 3–5 ^d). Their plan was to attack Gibeon together.

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v. 6: The Gibeonites sent a message to Joshua, asking for help because the five kings were coming to attack them (v. 6 ^e). Even though they had tricked Israel before, the peace treaty was still in force. The Gibeonites trusted Joshua and expected him to protect them, since they were now Israel’s servants. This is like how we can ask God for help because we belong to Him (Psalm 119:94 ^f).

The Sun and Moon Stand Still

This section tells about one of the most famous miracles in Israel’s history. Joshua leads Israel to help the Gibeonites when several Canaanite kings attack them. God encourages Joshua not to be afraid, promises victory, and then does something extraordinary—he makes the sun and moon stand still so Israel has time to win the battle. This miracle shows God’s power and his willingness to answer the prayers of his people.

v. 7: Joshua and his army leave Gilgal to help the city of Gibeon. Even though the Gibeonites had tricked Israel into making a peace treaty, Joshua keeps his promise and goes to help them. This teaches us to keep our word, even when it is hard.

v. 8: God tells Joshua not to be afraid. He promises that Joshua will defeat the enemy kings and that none of them will be able to stand against Israel. God’s word gives Joshua the courage to act quickly and trust in God’s help.

v. 9: Joshua marches all night from Gilgal and surprises the enemy. This shows his dedication and faith. Joshua does not wait until morning; he works hard and expects God to keep his promise.

v. 10: The Lord confuses the enemy armies and helps Israel defeat them. The Israelites chase them down and kill many of them. This shows that God fights for his people and can turn any situation in their favor (Exodus 14:14 ^g).

v. 11: As the enemy flees, God sends a hailstorm from the sky. The hailstones kill more of the enemy than the Israelites do with their swords. This miracle shows that God is in control of nature and uses it to save his people.

v. 12: During the battle, Joshua prays to God and asks for the sun to stand still over Gibeon and the moon over the Valley of Aijalon. This bold prayer shows Joshua’s faith. He believes that God can do the impossible if it is needed for his people to win.

v. 13: God answers Joshua’s prayer. The sun stops in the sky and does not set for about a whole day. This gives Israel enough time to win the battle. The Bible says that nothing like this had happened before or since. It is also written in the Book of Jashar, a book of ancient poems. This event proves that God listens to the prayers of his servants and can do amazing things for them (James 5:17-18 ^h).

v. 14: The Bible says there has never been a day like this, when God listened to a man and fought so clearly for Israel. God’s power is unlimited, and he honors the faith of those who trust him and pray boldly.

This story teaches us that God keeps his promises, answers prayer, and has power over everything—even the sun and moon. We can trust God in every situation and should pray with faith, knowing that nothing is too hard for him (Jeremiah 32:17 ⁱ).

Joshua 10:15 – The Five Kings Slain

This section describes the defeat of the five kings who attacked Gibeon. The kings brought a large army, but God helped Israel win by sending a hailstorm that caused confusion and destruction among their enemies. After the battle, Joshua wanted to let his army rest at Gilgal, but there was still more work to do. The pursuit of the enemy and the handling of the captured kings needed Joshua’s attention. The story shows how God gave Israel a complete victory and protected every Israelite during the fight.

v. 15: After the battle, Joshua and his army returned to their camp at Gilgal (v. 15 ^j). Joshua thought the work was finished for now and that the people could rest. But soon, he realized there was more to be done to secure the victory.

v. 16–19: News came to Joshua that the five kings were hiding in a cave. Joshua ordered the cave to be guarded so the kings could be dealt with later (v. 18 ^k). Meanwhile, he told his men to chase the enemy soldiers and stop them from escaping to their cities (v. 19 ^l). Joshua focused first on defeating the enemy’s army before celebrating victory over the kings.

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v. 20–21: The Israelites killed many of their enemies, and only a few escaped into walled cities. After the battle, all the Israelites were safe—no one was hurt or missing (v. 21; Exodus 11:7 ^m). The victory brought peace and honor to Israel, and no one dared to speak against them.

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v. 22–23: Joshua called for the five kings to be brought out of the cave. Their hiding place became a prison. God allowed them to be saved from the hail and the sword so they could be given a public judgment (vv. 22, 23 ⁿ). This was like how Pharaoh was kept alive for God’s purposes (Exodus 9:16 ^o).

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v. 24–25: Joshua had his commanders put their feet on the necks of the kings. This was not done out of pride, but as a sign that God was more powerful than any king (vv. 24, 25; Isaiah 41:25 ^p). Joshua encouraged his people not to be afraid, reminding them that God would give them victory over all their enemies (Deuteronomy 33:29 ^q).

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v. 26–27: The five kings were put to death by Joshua. Their bodies were hung until evening, then placed in the cave they had used to hide (vv. 26, 27 ^r). The cave became both their prison and their grave. The story is a warning that hiding from God does not bring safety. If these kings had asked for peace earlier, they could have lived, but they waited too long.

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Joshua 10:28 – Seven Kings Defeated and Slain

This section explains how Joshua made use of the great victory God gave Israel over their enemies. Joshua quickly moved to take over several cities in the region, defeating their kings and armies. He acted fast, taking advantage of the fear and confusion in Canaan after the defeat of the five kings. Joshua followed God’s command, showing no mercy to the people in these cities, which was a sign of God’s judgment against their sin. The land that Israel won in this campaign would soon belong to the tribes of Israel. The story also shows that God fought for Israel and that victory was possible only because of His help.

v. 28: Joshua captured Makkedah, one of the cities where the five kings had fled, and destroyed everyone in it, as God had commanded (v. 28 ^s). This was the beginning of a series of victories over other cities.

v. 29–30: Next, Joshua attacked Libnah and took it as well. He put everyone in the city to death, leaving no survivors, just like in Makkedah (vv. 29, 30 ^t).

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v. 31–32: Joshua then went to Lachish, surrounded it, and captured it quickly. Again, everyone in the city was destroyed as God had commanded (vv. 31, 32 ^u).

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v. 33: Horam, king of Gezer, came to help Lachish, but Joshua defeated him and his army as well (v. 33 ^v). Sometimes, those who try to stop God’s plans only bring trouble on themselves.

v. 34–35: Joshua went on to Eglon, captured the city, and destroyed everyone there the same day (vv. 34, 35 ^w).

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v. 36–37: After Eglon, Joshua took Hebron and destroyed all its people and its king (vv. 36, 37 ^x).

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v. 38–39: Joshua then attacked Debir, captured it, and treated it like the previous cities, putting everyone to the sword (vv. 38, 39 ^y).

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v. 40–42: These verses give a summary of Joshua’s victories in the southern part of Canaan. He quickly conquered all these cities, not leaving anyone alive, because that is what God commanded (vv. 40–42 ^z). The land would later become part of the tribe of Judah. God’s judgment against the Canaanites was for their idolatry and wickedness. The victories also showed God’s great love for Israel and His power to fulfill His promises (Isaiah 43:4; Psalm 80:8 ^aa).

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v. 43: Joshua and the army returned to the camp at Gilgal after these victories (v. 43 ^ab). These battles were successful because the Lord fought for Israel (v. 42 ^ac). If God is with us, no one can stand against us.