What is the meaning of Joshua 10:5? So the five kings of the Amorites The narrative pauses to spotlight a single coalition, not merely a scattering of tribal chieftains. “Amorites” here functions as an umbrella term for one of the peoples God had already marked out for removal (Genesis 15:16; Deuteronomy 7:1–2). Their mobilization fulfills God’s earlier word that whole nations would resist Israel’s entry (Exodus 23:27–28). The number five hints at a complete regional response, showing that the threat was formidable yet still firmly under God’s sovereignty (Psalm 2:1–4). —the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon— Joshua names the cities so readers grasp the geographic spread: • Jerusalem, future capital of Israel (Genesis 14:18; 2 Samuel 5:6–7). • Hebron, long-established and later given to Caleb (Numbers 13:22; Joshua 14:13). • Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon, strongholds in the Shephelah lowlands (Joshua 15:35 - 39). Listing them underscores that every important center in southern Canaan is represented. Rather than facing Israel one by one (as at Jericho and Ai), these rulers copy the strategy predicted in Joshua 9:1–2—uniting against the advancing people of God. joined forces and advanced with all their armies The five kings “joined forces” exactly as Adoni-Zedek of Jerusalem proposed (Joshua 10:3–4). They commit “all their armies,” illustrating total opposition—yet also concentrating their strength where God plans to break it. Similar massings of enemy power later appear in Judges 6:33 and 2 Chronicles 20:1–2, each time paving the way for supernatural deliverance. For believers today, the scene echoes Ephesians 6:12: visible armies gather, but the real contest belongs to the Lord (Joshua 10:8). They camped before Gibeon Gibeon had recently secured a covenant with Israel (Joshua 9:15). By camping “before” the city, the coalition announces siege intentions while daring Joshua to honor that covenant. The placement also shows practical savvy: Gibeon’s strategic hilltop location commanded the routes into the heart of Canaan (Jeremiah 41:12). Their encampment thus threatens Israel’s newly acquired ally and attempts to block Israel’s forward momentum. and made war against it. The final phrase moves from posture to action. War begins, forcing Israel either to abandon its oath or rush to Gibeon’s aid. Joshua chooses faithfulness (Joshua 10:7), and God responds with extraordinary intervention—hailstones and an extended day (Joshua 10:11–14). The enemy’s aggression ultimately magnifies God’s power, echoing Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” The coalition’s war becomes the stage on which God vindicates His people and His promises. summary Joshua 10:5 records the moment five Amorite kings unite, surround Gibeon, and launch war—an intimidating coalition that nevertheless sets the stage for one of Scripture’s most dramatic victories. The verse highlights God’s foreknowledge of opposition, Israel’s obligation to covenant loyalty, and the certainty that no matter how many rulers gather, the Lord remains supreme. |
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