Joshua 10:3

KJV

Wherefore Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore Adonizedek {H139} king {H4428} of Jerusalem {H3389} sent {H7971} unto Hoham {H1944} king {H4428} of Hebron {H2275}, and unto Piram {H6502} king {H4428} of Jarmuth {H3412}, and unto Japhia {H3309} king {H4428} of Lachish {H3923}, and unto Debir {H1688} king {H4428} of Eglon {H5700}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

So Adoni-Tzedek king of Yerushalayim sent this message to Hoham king of Hevron, Pir'am king of Yarmut, Yafia king of Lakhish and D'vir king of 'Eglon:

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying,

American Standard Version

Wherefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:3 details the immediate and fearful reaction of the southern Canaanite kings to Israel's growing power and the Gibeonite defection. This verse specifically identifies Adonizedek, the king of Jerusalem, as the orchestrator of a formidable coalition, dispatching a summons to four other prominent Amorite kings: Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon, to unite against the Israelite advance. This strategic alliance sets the stage for a pivotal confrontation in the conquest of Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 10:3 emerges directly from the narrative of Israel's conquest and covenant-making. The preceding chapter, [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception"), recounts how the Gibeonites, through cunning deception, secured a peace treaty with Israel, circumventing the divine command to utterly destroy the Canaanites. This treaty, though made under false pretenses, was honored by Joshua and the Israelite leaders due to their oath ([Joshua 9:15](/joshua/9-15 "Joshua 9:15 - Israel's Covenant with Gibeon")). The immediate verses of [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Battle of Gibeon") describe the alarm this Gibeonite defection caused among the Canaanite kings, particularly Adonizedek of Jerusalem, who perceived it as a direct threat to their collective security and dominance. Gibeon was a significant city, described as "one of the royal cities, and because it was larger than Ai, and all its men were mighty" ([Joshua 10:2](/joshua/10-2 "Joshua 10:2 - Gibeon's Strength")), making its alliance with Israel a strategic blow to the Canaanite resistance. Thus, verse 3 initiates the counter-movement, detailing the formation of the opposing confederacy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Israelite conquest (Late Bronze Age) was characterized by a fragmented political landscape in Canaan, comprising numerous independent city-states, each ruled by its own king. These city-states often engaged in rivalries but could form temporary alliances when faced with a common external threat. The Amorites, mentioned implicitly through the names of the kings and cities, were a dominant ethnic group in the southern highlands of Canaan. Jerusalem, even at this early stage, held significant strategic importance, situated on a defensible ridge. Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon were also key strongholds in the southern region, controlling vital trade routes and agricultural lands. The act of "sending" messengers to form a coalition was a standard diplomatic and military practice of the time, reflecting the urgency and gravity of the perceived threat posed by the Israelites, whose recent victories at [Jericho](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") and [Ai](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Conquest of Ai") had undoubtedly spread fear throughout the land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **United Opposition** against God's people. The Canaanite kings, despite their internal rivalries, coalesce in a desperate attempt to resist the divinely ordained conquest, highlighting the spiritual nature of the conflict. Secondly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**. While seemingly a formidable threat, this grand alliance ultimately serves God's larger purpose by gathering multiple enemy kings into one place, allowing for a decisive and comprehensive defeat that fulfills God's promise to give Israel the land ([Joshua 1:3-4](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3-4 - God's Promise to Joshua")). Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as Israel's adherence to the Gibeonite treaty, despite its deceptive origins, directly precipitates this major confrontation, demonstrating that even unexpected circumstances can be woven into God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adonizedek (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônîy-Tsedeq'_):** This name literally means "my lord is righteousness" or "lord of justice." The "Adoni-" prefix ("my lord") is a common element in Semitic names. The "zedek" element ("righteousness") is particularly significant, echoing the name of [Melchizedek](/genesis/14-18 "Genesis 14:18 - Melchizedek, King of Salem"), the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, who blessed Abraham. While Melchizedek represented true righteousness and a prefigurement of Christ, Adonizedek, despite bearing a similar name, stands in direct opposition to God's righteous plan for Israel. This contrast highlights a common biblical motif where human claims to righteousness or authority clash with divine truth and purpose. His name ironically foreshadows his ultimate defeat by the God of true righteousness.
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** The verb "shalach" denotes a deliberate, purposeful dispatching or sending. In this context, it signifies a formal diplomatic and military initiative. Adonizedek's act of sending messengers to these specific kings indicates a strategic and urgent call for a confederation, rather than a casual invitation. It reflects his proactive leadership and the perceived gravity of the situation, initiating a coordinated response to the Israelite threat. This verb emphasizes the intentionality behind the formation of this powerful alliance.
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** The repeated designation of "king" for Adonizedek and each of the four other rulers underscores the political structure of Canaan at the time—a collection of independent city-states, each governed by its own monarch. The title "king" implies absolute authority within their respective domains, control over military forces, and the power to enter into treaties or wage war. The listing of five kings signifies a significant concentration of power and a unified front of the most influential southern Canaanite rulers, highlighting the formidable nature of the opposition Israel was about to face.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent":** This opening clause establishes the cause and the primary actor of the subsequent events. "Wherefore" (or "Now it came to pass") links this action directly to the Gibeonite treaty and the fear it instilled ([Joshua 10:1-2](/joshua/10-1-2 "Joshua 10:1-2 - Adonizedek's Alarm")). Adonizedek, identified as the king of Jerusalem, takes the initiative, demonstrating Jerusalem's political prominence and his leadership among the Canaanite city-states. His act of "sending" signifies a formal, urgent summons for a military alliance.
* **"unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth,":** This part of the verse begins the detailed enumeration of the kings and their cities who were summoned. Hebron was a major city in the southern hill country, known for its strategic location and ancient significance. Jarmuth was another important city in the Shephelah (foothills) region. The inclusion of these kings indicates Adonizedek's intent to gather a broad and powerful coalition from key southern strongholds.
* **"and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying,":** The list continues with Japhia of Lachish and Debir of Eglon, further solidifying the geographical scope and military strength of the proposed alliance. Lachish was a formidable fortress city, archaeologically attested as a major center. Eglon was also a significant city in the Shephelah. The phrase "saying" indicates that Adonizedek's message, detailed in the following verse ([Joshua 10:4](/joshua/10-4 "Joshua 10:4 - Adonizedek's Plea")), was conveyed to these rulers, urging them to join forces against Gibeon and, by extension, Israel. This collective naming emphasizes the unified nature of the impending conflict.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 10:3 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Catalogue** or **Listing**, as the verse meticulously enumerates the five kings and their respective cities. This detailed roster serves to impress upon the reader the formidable nature of the opposition Israel is about to face, emphasizing the breadth and depth of the Canaanite resistance. The specific naming of each king and city also lends a sense of historical verisimilitude and precision to the narrative. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the climactic Battle of Gibeon described later in [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Battle of Gibeon"). The formation of this grand alliance signals an impending large-scale conflict, building narrative tension and anticipation. Finally, there is a subtle **Irony** in the name "Adonizedek," meaning "lord of righteousness," given that he is the primary antagonist opposing God's righteous conquest of the land. This ironic contrast highlights the spiritual battle between human self-righteousness or pagan claims to authority and the true righteousness of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:3 powerfully illustrates the theological principle that human schemes, even those intended to thwart God's purposes, are ultimately subject to His sovereign will. Adonizedek and the other Amorite kings, driven by fear and a desire to preserve their dominion, formed a seemingly insurmountable alliance. However, this very act of consolidation inadvertently played into God's hands, gathering a significant portion of the southern Canaanite resistance into one place for a decisive defeat. This demonstrates God's ability to orchestrate events, using even the opposition of His enemies to advance His redemptive plan and fulfill His covenant promises to Israel concerning the land. It underscores that no earthly power, however formidable, can ultimately stand against the divine decree.

* [Psalm 2:1-4](/psalms/2-1-4 "Psalm 2:1-4 - The Futility of Opposition to God's Anointed")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 10:3, though seemingly a simple list of names and places, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that faithfulness to God's covenant, even when it leads to unexpected alliances or provokes opposition, can be part of His larger strategy. Just as the Gibeonite treaty, initially a deception, became the catalyst for a major victory, so too can God use unforeseen circumstances and challenges in our lives to bring about His greater purposes. When we face formidable opposition, whether from external pressures or internal struggles, this passage encourages us not to despair. The formation of the Canaanite coalition, intended to crush Israel, ultimately led to their concentrated defeat. This teaches us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even the most threatening, and can turn the strategies of our adversaries into opportunities for His glory and our deliverance. Our task is to remain faithful, trust in His overarching plan, and recognize that His power is revealed most clearly when human strength is insufficient.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when unexpected alliances or difficult situations arise in my life that seem to complicate God's plan?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly negative circumstances or opposition to position me for a greater victory or to reveal His power?**
* **What "formidable alliances" (challenges, fears, spiritual attacks) am I currently facing, and how can I trust God's sovereignty to turn them for my good?**

### FAQ
**Why did Adonizedek specifically target Gibeon, and why was this alliance so significant?**

Answer: Adonizedek targeted Gibeon because Gibeon, a powerful Hivite city, had made a peace treaty with Israel ([Joshua 9:15](/joshua/9-15 "Joshua 9:15 - Israel's Covenant with Gibeon")). This alliance was a direct betrayal of the Canaanite resistance and a strategic blow to their collective security. Gibeon was a major city, described as "one of the royal cities, and because it was larger than Ai, and all its men were mighty" ([Joshua 10:2](/joshua/10-2 "Joshua 10:2 - Gibeon's Strength")). Its defection meant Israel had a strong foothold within Canaanite territory without a fight. The alliance of the five Amorite kings was significant because it represented a unified front of the most powerful city-states in the southern highlands, including Jerusalem, Hebron, Lachish, Jarmuth, and Eglon. This coalition aimed to punish Gibeon for its perceived treachery and to halt Israel's advance, setting the stage for the largest and most decisive battle in the southern campaign of the conquest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 10:3, while detailing an ancient military alliance, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing spiritual battle and the ultimate triumph of God's Anointed King. Adonizedek, whose name means "lord of righteousness," ironically leads an unrighteous coalition against God's people, foreshadowing the world's opposition to the true King of Righteousness, Jesus Christ. Just as the Canaanite kings united against Israel, so too have the "kings of the earth" set themselves against the Lord and His Anointed ([Psalm 2:2](/psalms/2-2 "Psalm 2:2 - Kings Against the Lord")). From the conspiracy to crucify Him ([Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - Herod, Pilate, and the Gentiles against Jesus")) to the ongoing spiritual warfare against His church ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")), the pattern of united opposition against God's redemptive plan persists. However, the ultimate outcome in Joshua 10, where this formidable alliance is decisively defeated by God's miraculous intervention, points forward to Christ's definitive victory over sin, death, and all opposing powers. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the King who has already triumphed over every principality and power through His cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Believers, united with Christ, are called to participate in His victory, knowing that no weapon formed against them shall prosper, for their King has already secured the ultimate triumph ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 11:9

And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah,

Micah 1:13

O thou inhabitant of Lachish, bind the chariot to the swift beast: she [is] the beginning of the sin to the daughter of Zion: for the transgressions of Israel were found in thee.

Numbers 13:22

And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, [were]. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)

2 Kings 18:17

¶ And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which [is] in the highway of the fuller's field.

2 Kings 18:14

And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold.

Genesis 37:14

And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.

Joshua 15:63

As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.