What is the meaning of Joshua 10:3? Therefore The sentence opens with “Therefore,” tying this verse to what just happened in Joshua 10:1-2. News of Gibeon’s peace treaty with Israel (Joshua 9:15-27) and of Israel’s stunning victories at Jericho and Ai (Joshua 6–8) terrified the Canaanite kings. Scripture consistently shows how God’s mighty acts spark either repentance or resistance (Exodus 15:14-16; Joshua 2:9-11). Here the response is determined resistance—not only against Israel but ultimately against the LORD who fights for them (Joshua 10:42; Psalm 2:1-3). Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem Adoni-zedek, “lord of righteousness,” ruled the fortified city later called the “holy city” (Psalm 48:1-2), but he stood in stark contrast to the true “King of Righteousness,” Melchizedek of Genesis 14:18-20, who honored the Most High God. Adoni-zedek feared Israel’s God rather than revered Him, mirroring Pharaoh’s hard heart (Exodus 7:13). His position reminds us that political power aligned against God inevitably collapses (Isaiah 40:23-24; Revelation 19:19-21). sent word Instead of seeking peace, he opts for alliance and aggression. This echoes Psalm 83:3-5, where hostile nations “plot together” against God’s people. Human pride drives leaders to seek strength in numbers, yet Proverbs 21:30 affirms, “There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.” to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon Five southern city-states form a military coalition: • Hebron (later given to Caleb, Joshua 14:13) • Jarmuth (listed among the conquered kings, Joshua 12:11) • Lachish (a stronghold later attacked by Sennacherib, 2 Kings 18:14) • Eglon (allotted to Judah, Joshua 15:39) These cities represent strategic highlands and trade routes. By banding together they hope to overpower Gibeon (Joshua 10:4-5). Yet their alignment provides Joshua one decisive campaign to break Canaanite resistance in the south (Joshua 10:40-42), illustrating Romans 8:28—God turns even enemy coalitions into opportunities for His people’s good. saying, Verse 4 records the actual summons: “Come up and help me; let us attack Gibeon.” The moment captures how sin spreads—one rebellious heart invites others to join (Proverbs 1:10-16). Meanwhile, Israel’s prior covenant with Gibeon (though made under deceptive circumstances) will now compel Joshua to defend them, displaying covenant faithfulness that foreshadows God’s own steadfast commitment to His promises (Psalm 105:8). summary Joshua 10:3 reveals the fearful, defiant reaction of Canaanite kings to God’s advancing purposes. Adoni-zedek’s coalition highlights how worldly power rallies against the people of God, yet also how the LORD sovereignly orchestrates events to accelerate Israel’s conquest. The verse sets the stage for a miraculous victory that proclaims: no alliance, however formidable, can thwart the plans of the living God who keeps covenant and fights for His people. |
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