Joshua 10:1-2 – As soon as Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, heard how Joshua had captured Ai and had devoted it to destruction, doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king, and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were among them, he feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were warriors.
Thus far we have seen Israel gain victory by a miracle (Jericho), a strategy (Ai) and a surrender (Gibeon).�
In chapter 9, we examined the account of the Gibeonites who used deceit to trick Israel into making peace with them and sparing their lives.� They became laborers who cut wood, hauled water and performed other menial tasks at the temple for the priests and Levites.
Since the four cities of Gibeon had entered into the treaty with Israel, it meant that Israel now had a very strong foothold in Canaan. This caused a fresh wave of fear to crash over the remaining kingdoms in Canaan.
Their fear was well founded. Gibeon was a large, prosperous, well-fortified city and its warriors were brave and fierce. If they surrendered to Israel, what chance did the remaining kingdoms have of victory?
It was this fear of Israel that caused many of the other kings in Canaan to band together, forming a military alliance against Israel (Joshua 9:1-2). The leader of the alliance was Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem.
There are two points we want to make here.
First, 'Adoni-zedek' is not an actual name. It is a title used by the Jebusite kings, similar to the title 'Pharaoh' which was used by the rulers of Egypt.
Second, this is a good time to stop and discuss the name 'Jerusalem'. This city was originally called Salem (Genesis 14:18). It was also known as 'Jebus' by the Jebusites who lived there.
When the Promised Land was split up between the tribes, this city technically fell to the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:28), although it was right on the border between them and Judah.� Judah, the bigger and more war-like tribe, eventually captured the lower part of the city.� Still, the upper portion of the city, known as the stronghold of Zion, remained in possession of the Jebusites (Joshua 15:63, Judges 19:10-12).�
It wasn't until much later that David stormed the stronghold of Zion, captured it, and renamed it the 'city of David' (II Samuel 5:6-9). The actual name 'Jerusalem' only came into use once David had established the city as the religious and political capital of the nation.
So, at the time these events actually occurred, the city was being called 'Jebus'.
Joshua 10:3-4 – So Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, to Piram king of Jarmuth, to Japhia king of Lachish, and to Debir, king of Eglon, saying, "Come up to me and help me, and let us strike Gibeon. For it has made peace with Joshua and with the people of Israel."
Here is a general idea of the placement of these five cities:
- Jerusalem – Again, this city existed as Jebus during the time of Joshua.� Much later, during the era of the kings, David moved the tabernacle there and made it the capital city of Israel.� [The tabernacle would later be replaced with the temple of Solomon, built by David's son.]� The Jews considered Jerusalem the most important city in the Promised Land because it was the center of political and religious life.� For this reason, the location of other cities is often given in relationship/proximity to it.�
- Hebron – This city was located approximately 30 south of Jerusalem.� It fell into the territory of Judah.� Hebron has a rich and varied history in the scriptures; it is the city which Caleb will eventually conquer and keep for his possession.
- Jarmuth – There were actually two cities in Canaan with this name.� The more northern city was within the eventual territory of Issachar (Joshua 21:29).� But the one in the alliance against Israel was about 18 miles from Jerusalem and was within the territory of Judah.
- Lachish – This city is also very prominent in the scriptures and plays in important role in the history of Israel.� For example, Amaziah king of Judah was assassinated in Lachish when he fled from Jerusalem (II Kings 14:19).� Lachish was besieged by Sennacherib (II Kings 18:14-17) during the reign of Hezekiah, and by Nebuchadnezzar during the reign of Zedekiah (Jeremiah 34:7).� It too was in the territory of Judah.
- Debir – There is no definite information to indicate the exact location of this city.� However, scripture does tell us that it fell within the territory of Judah (Joshua 15:39).
We know that some of the places/locations in this chapter (such as Jerusalem) were not so named until much later in Israel's history. It can therefore be concluded that either the book of Joshua was penned (written down on paper) a long time after these events occurred or else a scribe went back and updated the material so later readers were able to identify the locations mentioned in the text.
At any rate, the plan of the five kings is simple.� Gibeon is now a vassal (slave) of Israel.� Rather than attacking Israel directly, they attack Gibeon, knowing that if they overthrow Gibeon, they will not only punish them for abandoning the alliance, but they will also put a sudden halt to the advance of the Israelites. Re-taking the cities of Gibeon would be a significant blow to Israel both militarily and psychologically.� In the natural realm, the strategy of the alliance is a good one.
What about Israel? For their part, even though God has promised to give them the land, they do not aggressively move forward eager to destroy all those in their path. In fact, Israel was never the aggressor in this war with the five kings; it was the Canaanite alliance that prompted this war and thus sealed their own destruction.
As for us, we see the hand of God at work in this alliance. The five kings thought they would be stronger if they banded together. But God turned this into an opportunity for Israel to subdue five nations all at once. This is a good time to remind ourselves not to be overwhelmed by our circumstances. If God is on our side, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?
Joshua 10:5-6 – Then the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, gathered their forces and went up with all their armies and encamped against Gibeon and made war against it. And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal saying, "Do not relax your hand from your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites who dwell in the hill country are gathered against us."
We know that Jerusalem was inhabited by the Jebusites while the Hittites lived in Hebron. Yet, in this verse, the five kings are described as being Amorites. Why is that?
The Amorites were the most powerful and numerous tribe/people group within the territory of Canaan.� For that reason, the people of the region were often referred to as simply the 'Amorites' or 'Canaanites'.� Both terms are generic names for any of the tribes or people groups living in Canaan.��
We know that Adoni-Zedec, the king of Jerusalem, was the leader of the alliance but we are not entirely sure why. He may have been the most powerful among the five nations. Or maybe the alliance was his idea. Or perhaps the other kingdoms were dependent upon his kingdom in some way. For instance, if Hebron or Elgon depended on Jerusalem for protection or certain crops or other economic reasons, they would have no choice but to submit to Adoni-Zedec's authority.
Whatever the reason, the five kings gathered their armies and advanced on Gibeon with Adoni-Zedec leading the attack.
As we would expect, at the first sign of trouble the people of Gibeon immediately dispatched messengers to Joshua, calling for aid.� Even though they had obtained their treaty with Israel by deceit, it was evident that the treaty was binding, so the Gibeonites felt that Joshua was obligated to help them.� In truth, those who pay allegiance to another should reasonably be able to expect their protection.
And of course, we immediately see the spiritual parallel here: We are the servants of God; our allegiance is to him and him alone. We are just as weak and undeserving as the Gibeonites, yet God has entered into a covenant with us. Therefore, when the powers of darkness come against us, we can rely on our heavenly Father to come to our aid. We can also take comfort knowing that he is infinitely stronger and wiser than our enemy. Our God has NEVER lost a battle, and he never will! We can place our faith in him with the utmost confidence.
Psalms 119:94 – I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts.
When our spiritual enemies come against us and threaten to destroy us (as they surely will), let us seek the aid of God through prayer and stand in faith on his promises.
As an aside, what do you think went through Joshua's mind when the messengers of Gibeon arrived requesting help?
Is it possible that he felt a sense of guilt or remorse?� I believe Satan tried to convince him that he was personally responsible for this whole mess, because of the mistake he made in securing the treaty with Gibeon.� I am also sure the enemy tried to fill him with regret and embarrassment.� Maybe Satan even tried to convince Joshua that he was being chastised by God because of his mistakes.� However, the reality is that none of that was true.�
The events that were taking place were not because God was angry with Joshua or because he wanted to punish him. They were happening to give Israel an astonishing victory and to bring glory to God. In the natural, Israel could not defeat the alliance. So when God blesses her with the victory, his name is glorified and the remaining heathen nations learn about him. That is what God was accomplishing through this situation. His plans are always so much bigger, greater and far-reaching than we ever imagine!
The enemy may try to attack you in the same way – by trying to fill your mind with doubt or feelings of unworthiness.� He may suggest that God can't use you in ministry because of a mistake/sin you committed in the past.� He may try to convince you that God is angry/disappointed in you and so you are unfit to be near him or participate in his kingdom.�
If the enemy tries to put that kind of burden on you, do what Joshua did – go directly into the presence of God and 'clear the air'. Get the reassurance you need to move forward into victory. Whatever battle you are facing, you can be sure it isn't a punishment from God; it's a test of faith that is going to bless you, build your testimony and bring glory to God!
Joshua 10:7-8 – So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. And the Lord said to Joshua, "Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you."
The kings of the alliance seemed very sure of victory at Gibeon (see verse 4). Perhaps they believed that Israel would abandon Gibeon, since the treaty they made had been forged through deceit. After all, that's probably what they would have done, if they were in Joshua's shoes.
But Joshua does not rely on his own wisdom. He seeks the will of God in this matter. I am sure that because of his recent mistake, he made no move to leave Gilgal until he had clearly heard the voice/instruction of God. But once he did, he promptly gathered his fighting men and immediately set out on the long march to Gibeon. He went with the assurance that he had no reason to fear the enormous forces gathered against him, because God was going to give him victory.
There are two significant points here that we need to apply to our own lives.�
First, we too must boldly place our faith in God, just as Joshua did.� Instead of looking at our circumstances or the might of those who oppose us, let us keep our eyes fixed on God, who is bigger, wiser, richer, stronger and better equipped than any enemy we face.� He is willing to lead us to victory, if only we will follow him.
Second, when we hear the voice of God, we must not wait to act!� Joshua was assured of victory, but he did not use that as an excuse to delay marching to Gibeon.� When God tells you to call and encourage someone, or to donate money, or to start a new program/ministry, DO NOT DELAY.�
Follow his commands immediately and you will prosper.� The voice of God should energize/spur you on to complete your work as opposed to giving you an excuse to be lazy.
And once again, we can't help but notice the mercy God displays towards the Gibeonites. God could simply have abandoned them to destruction by the alliance, but instead they are spared which results in an opportunity for them and their future generations to know the Lord.
Joshua 10:9 – So Joshua came upon them suddenly, having marched up all night from Gilgal.
The last time Israel made this journey, it took three days (Joshua 9:17). Tradition says that this time, they made the march in a single night, although that is not confirmed. All the scriptures really indicate is that Israel did not delay, but promptly answered the call of the Gibeonites.
Some commentators believe that Joshua completed the entire march from Gilgal to Gibeon in a single night. This would be a distance of approximately 20 miles. That is certainly possible for skilled warriors, but it would have been very tiring.
Other commentators feel that this journey took longer. The way the scripture is worded, it would be possible for Israel to have marched a day, camped overnight, marched the second day and instead of camping a second night, they could have marched all night and arrived at Gibeon 'suddenly' the next morning.
In either case, it seems that the alliance was either not expecting Israel to come at all, or they were not expecting them for several days yet. Israel's arrival threw the alliance into a state of fear and confusion.
Joshua 10:10 – And the Lord threw them into a panic before Israel, who struck them with a great blow at Gibeon and chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon and struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah.
How exactly did the Lord throw the enemies of Israel into a panic? The men of the alliance may have been frightened simply by seeing the army of Israel arriving on the scene unexpectedly. However, there may be another explanation as well.
At other times, the Lord 'terrified' Israel's enemies with strong storms of lightening, thunder and wind:
1 Samuel 7:10 - And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and brought confusion upon them; and they were routed before Israel.
We know that God is shortly going to cast hailstones down on Israel's enemies, so it would make sense that a powerful storm would be brewing during this time, with strong winds, thick clouds and drastic changes in temperature.
I don't know about you, but I feel that storms can sometimes be very scary; especially if hail is falling and a tornado is nearby! It would be one thing to hide inside/take cover during a storm like this, but to be out in the open and expected to fight in a battle would be very frightening indeed!
Nevertheless, the battle commenced and Israel 'struck a great blow' upon her enemies. The soldiers of Israel continued to chase down the Canaanites even as they retreated.
We are told that the enemy soldiers ran up the ascent of Beth-horon.� This is another reference to a city that did not exist during the time of this battle.� ��
Beth-horon ('house of caves') actually consisted of two cities (upper/north and lower/south), which were founded by a descendent of Ephriam (I Chronicles 7:24). The cities were located about 6-7 miles west of Gibeon on mountains with a steep pass between them. It was this pass that the enemy soldiers were using to try and reach the higher ground of the mountain top in order to defend themselves (or hide in the caves).
As we mentioned previously, a later scribe or editor gave us the names of these cities so we could know/understand the exact location of the battle.
And as it turns out, the location of the cities of Beth-horon were significant. The main road from Jerusalem to the seacoast went through the pass described in this verse. This makes both the pass and any cities located there very strategic and important to national security. In fact, we find both cities being strongly fortified by King Solomon (II Chronicles 8:5). Jewish tradition says this was the same spot where Israel later destroyed the forces of Sennacherib (II Kings 19:35).
The point is that Israel's overwhelming victory was made possible by God, who was fighting on their side.� In other words, Israel couldn't have accomplished this in her own strength.� It was God working through (or in conjunction with) the soldiers of Israel which brought about this victory over the alliance:
Psalms 44:3 – For not by their own sword did they [Israel] win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm, and the light of your face, for you [God] delighted in them.
In the same way, we are powerless against the forces of evil that come against us. However, if we listen to Holy Spirit and take action as he directs us, we can be sure that he will fight for us and victory will result.
It logically follows that God is the one who should receive the glory for not only the victories of ancient Israel, but also for the spiritual victories of the church in this age.
Joshua 10:11 – And as they fled before Israel, while they were going down the ascent of Beth-horon, the Lord threw down large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died. There were more who died because of the hailstones than the sons of Israel killed with the sword.
The soldiers of the alliance were already terrified by the storm which God brought upon them at the time of battle. As if that were not enough, Israel was slaughtering them at will. All hope was lost; those that were left began to flee for their lives. They were heading for the top of the mountain in the hope of finding a cave or safe hiding place to spend the night.
But they never made it to safety because at that moment, God again influences the battle. �He caused large, deadly hailstones to fall upon the soldiers of the alliance.� According to the scriptures, the number of men who died by the hailstones was greater than the number who were killed by Israel's army.
And as you may recall, this was not the first time God had used hail against the enemies of Israel.
The seventh plague to befall the Egyptians was a plague of hail, with fire and thunder. The storm and the hail were so bad, that any man or beast left outside was killed. In addition, all of the trees and crops were also destroyed (Exodus 9:13-33). Egypt suffered, but God protected his people from this disaster (Exodus 9:26).
Apparently, God keeps hailstones in storage just for occasions such as these:
Job 38:22-23 -Have you entered into the treasury of the snow? or have you seen the treasury of the hail, which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?
Some commentators have described these hailstones as God's bullets; God was like a sniper who was sure to hit whoever he aimed for, even when Israel was mixed up with the enemy. Regardless of where the enemy soldiers ran for cover (Azekah or Makkedah or the mountain top), the hail pursued and overtook them.
Joshua 10:12-14 – At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, "Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon." And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man, for the Lord fought for Israel.
Joshua knew that many of Israel's enemies were being slaughtered, but he also understood that all those who escaped would regroup and as a result, Israel would have to battle them again at some point in the future.� Clearly, it was in Israel's best interest to slay all of her enemies in one day, but sunset was not far off and Joshua did not think there would be time to finish the work.� Accordingly, he makes a God-inspired declaration of faith that the sun would stand still until Israel had annihilated the five armies of the alliance.���
Verses 12-13 have caused a lot of controversy in the academic community. The question is this: Did the sun and moon literally stand still for a day, or was this simply a poetical statement?
First, it's important to understand that when interpreting scripture, it is always best to seek a literal interpretation unless there is something in the text to indicate otherwise.
In this case, a literal interpretation would mean that God stopped the earth from spinning around the sun for roughly 24 hours.� While we can't prove that happened, there is nothing to disprove it either.�
Scientists can come up with all kinds of reasons why this could not have happened.� But it can be argued that God is omnipotent; he who formed the earth and set it upon its axis is well able to make it pause or stop for a time, if he wished.� He is also well able to address any adverse consequences that might arise as a result of the stoppage.�
Conclusion:� This scripture could be interpreted literally.�
However, there is something in the text that causes us to suspect (or at least consider) a poetical interpretation. It's the phrase 'Is this not written in the Book of Jashar'.
'Jashar' literally means 'upright'. The Book of Jashar was a kind of national sacred book which contained songs and poems in praise of the heroes of Israel. It was essentially an anthology of the 'golden deeds' of Israel and her heroes. New songs and poems were added in each generation.
The point to be made here is that this book was a book of poems and songs.�� Since that is the case, the descriptions of the sun and moon standing still could easily be poetical imagery.�
Conclusion:� This scripture could be interpreted poetically; if that is the case, these events did not actually take place.�
In the end, we are left with three possible explanations of the events of this memorable day:
First, it could have been a real and literal event in which God stopped the earth from rotating around the sun.� This would have lengthened the day and given Israel a chance to defeat her enemies instead of allowing them to escape during the night.
Second, this could simply be a poetical description which indicates that time seemed to stand still as Israel fought the alliance. This explanation says that Joshua 'poetically' asked God to give him time to defeat his enemies before nightfall. God answered his prayer not by literally lengthening the day, but by assisting Israel in killing her enemies; before the close of the day the five kings and their armies were slain, which was an answer to Joshua's prayer.
Third, there are those who believe that God caused a refraction of light (or some other atmospheric phenomenon) to occur, causing the sun to appear above the horizon after its setting and which produced sufficient light to enable Israel to pursue and overcome her enemies. This explanation still maintains that a miracle occurred; it just wasn't a pause in the earth's orbit of the sun.
What do you think?� Which explanation seems most likely to you?
Joshua 10:15 – So Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.
This verse is out of place in the narrative. Joshua and all of Israel did not return to Gilgal until after the end of this military campaign, which hasn't happened yet. At the end of this day, they return to their military encampment at Makkedah, not Gilgal.
Let me offer you some encouragement:
No matter how strong, powerful, well connected, well funded or untouchable your enemies may seem, they are NOT greater than our God!
The alliance of five kings appeared to be a very formidable enemy to Joshua and his troops. Indeed, in their own strength they could not have defeated their enemies. But Israel was assured of victory, because God fought on her behalf.
Likewise, the forces of evil that are at work today in our society seem infinitely powerful.� And it's true that in our own strength we cannot hope to uproot or defeat them.� But thankfully, we are not just relying on ourselves.� God fights on our behalf just as surely as he did for Israel and because of that we too are assured of victory.� ��
Let me offer you some relief:
Joshua wasn't perfect; he made some mistakes, as we all do. When you fall from grace or make a mistake the key is to repent, seek forgiveness and then move on.
Satan wants to hinder you from doing that. He wants to keep reminding you of past failures to make you think you are unfit for God's service, or that God is harboring some kind of grudge against you.
But Satan is a liar, so don't let him deceive you.� If failure eliminated you from God's service, then no one would be serving God!� Scripture tells us that a righteous person may fall, but he or she always gets back up again:
Proverbs 24:16 - For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall by calamity.
In other words, never give up! Dust yourself off and get back into the service of the King immediately!
Let me offer you some strength:
There are differing opinions on whether or not the sun actually stood still in the sky as Israel fought against the Canaanite alliance. But one thing is absolutely indisputable – God fights on behalf of his people!
Psalm 18:17 - He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them who hated me: for they were too strong for me.
When Jesus returns to earth to get his bride (the church) he won't be coming to get a group of defeated, timid, weak or fearful people who are hiding in caves waiting to be rescued.� He will be coming to get a victorious, confident, strong, brave, overcoming church who learned to partner with God to defeat the powers of darkness! �����
Whatever battle you are facing today, know this:� When you are weak, God is strong on your behalf.� The battle may not unfold the way you thought or hoped it would, but you can be sure that God will see you through to victory.