Joshua 10:5

KJV

Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped before Gibeon, and made war against it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore the five {H2568} kings {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}, the king {H4428} of Jerusalem {H3389}, the king {H4428} of Hebron {H2275}, the king {H4428} of Jarmuth {H3412}, the king {H4428} of Lachish {H3923}, the king {H4428} of Eglon {H5700}, gathered themselves together {H622}, and went up {H5927}, they and all their hosts {H4264}, and encamped {H2583} before Gibeon {H1391}, and made war {H3898} against it.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the five kings of the Emori - the kings of Yerushalayim, Hevron, Yarmut, Lakhish and 'Eglon - got together, went up with all their armies, pitched camp against Giv'on and made war against it.

Berean Standard Bible

So the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—joined forces and advanced with all their armies. They camped before Gibeon and made war against it.

American Standard Version

Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped against Gibeon, and made war against it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:5 vividly describes the formidable coalition of five Amorite kings—Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—who united their forces to launch a punitive campaign against Gibeon. This alliance was a direct, hostile response to Gibeon's recent treaty with Israel, perceiving it as a grave betrayal and a strategic threat to the Canaanite resistance. The verse sets the critical stage for a decisive battle in the southern campaign, highlighting the concentrated opposition Israel was about to face in their divinely mandated conquest of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of the Gibeonite deception and their subsequent covenant with Israel in [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception and Covenant"). The Gibeonites, through cunning, secured a peace treaty from Joshua, which Israel was bound to uphold despite the deceit ([Joshua 9:15](/joshua/9-15 "Joshua 9:15 - Israel's Oath to Gibeon")). This unexpected alliance sent shockwaves through the Canaanite city-states. [Joshua 10:1-4](/joshua/10-1 "Joshua 10:1-4 - Adoni-zedek's Reaction and Call to Arms") details the alarm of Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, who recognized Gibeon's strategic importance and the profound threat posed by its defection. Gibeon was a large and powerful city, "like one of the royal cities" ([Joshua 10:2](/joshua/10-2 "Joshua 10:2 - Gibeon's Importance")). Its alliance with Israel meant a significant weakening of the Canaanite front and provided Israel with a crucial foothold in the central highlands. Thus, the formation of this five-king alliance in [Joshua 10:5](/joshua/10-5 "Joshua 10:5 - The Amorite Coalition") is a direct, logical consequence of the events in the preceding chapter, setting the stage for Israel's defense of their new allies and the subsequent expansion of the conquest.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Canaanite landscape was characterized by independent city-states, often forming temporary alliances for mutual defense or aggression. The term "Amorites" (Hebrew: _'Emori_) in this context refers to the dominant people group inhabiting the central and southern highlands of Canaan, including the strategic mountainous regions where these five cities were located. Jerusalem, Hebron, Lachish, Jarmuth, and Eglon were significant strongholds, controlling vital trade routes and agricultural lands. Gibeon's decision to make peace with Israel was a direct violation of the unwritten code of Canaanite solidarity against the invading Israelites. From a Canaanite perspective, it was an act of treason that threatened their collective survival. The swift and unified military response described in this verse reflects the desperate fear and urgency among these kings, who understood that Gibeon's defection could create a dangerous precedent and unravel their fragile resistance against Joshua's advancing forces. Their objective was not only to punish Gibeon but also to send a clear message to any other city contemplating a similar alliance with Israel.

* **Key Themes:** The formation of this formidable alliance highlights several critical themes in the Book of Joshua. Firstly, it underscores the **United Opposition** Israel faced during the conquest. The Canaanites were not a monolithic entity, but this verse shows their capacity for coordinated resistance when faced with an existential threat. Secondly, it demonstrates the **Consequences of Covenant** and the importance of upholding oaths, even those made under duress. Israel's commitment to defend Gibeon, as promised in [Joshua 9:15-19](/joshua/9-15 "Joshua 9:15-19 - Israel Upholds the Gibeonite Covenant"), directly leads to this major confrontation. This commitment tests Israel's faithfulness to their word and God's law. Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, it reveals the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**. While the Canaanite kings acted out of their own fear and strategic calculations, their very alliance inadvertently played into God's larger plan for Israel's conquest. This concentration of enemy forces provided Joshua with a singular opportunity to achieve a decisive victory that would break the back of southern Canaanite resistance, demonstrating God's power to orchestrate events, even the actions of His enemies, to fulfill His promises to His people, as seen in the subsequent events of [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Sun Stands Still").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Amorites (Hebrew, _ʾĔmōrī_):** This term broadly refers to a significant Semitic people group, often used in the Old Testament to denote the pre-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan, particularly those in the central and southern highlands. While "Canaanite" can be a general term for all inhabitants, "Amorite" here specifically identifies the powerful, often warlike, groups that controlled key city-states like Jerusalem and Hebron. Their presence in the highlands indicates their strategic importance and formidable nature as opponents.
* **Hosts (Hebrew, _ṣābāʾ_):** This word refers to a military force, army, or multitude. Its use here emphasizes the substantial military might of each king and, by extension, the combined strength of the coalition. The term conveys the image of a well-organized and numerous fighting force, highlighting the gravity of the threat posed to Gibeon and, indirectly, to Israel. It underscores that this was not a minor skirmish but a full-scale military campaign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore the five kings of the Amorites,"**: This opening clause establishes the causal link to the preceding events, particularly Gibeon's treaty with Israel. It immediately identifies the key players—a coalition of five kings—and their ethnic affiliation, highlighting their collective power and shared objective.
* **"the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon,"**: This detailed enumeration of the five kings and their respective cities underscores the formidable nature and geographical reach of the alliance. These were not minor chieftains but rulers of significant, strategically important city-states in the southern highlands, indicating a major concerted effort.
* **"gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts,"**: This phrase describes the unified action and mobilization of the coalition. "Gathered themselves together" (Hebrew: _qābaṣ_) implies a deliberate, organized assembly of forces. "Went up" suggests an ascent, likely from their respective cities in the lowlands or other areas towards the higher ground where Gibeon was situated, indicating a coordinated military movement. The inclusion of "all their hosts" emphasizes the full military might brought to bear.
* **"and encamped before Gibeon, and made war against it."**: This final clause states the immediate objective of the alliance: a direct military assault on Gibeon. "Encamped before Gibeon" signifies the siege and preparation for battle, while "made war against it" confirms their hostile intent and the initiation of hostilities. This action directly precipitates Israel's involvement and the ensuing great battle.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 10:5 effectively employs **Enumeration** and **Foreshadowing**. The explicit listing of the five kings and their cities (Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, Eglon) is a clear example of **Enumeration**, serving to emphasize the formidable and widespread nature of the opposition. This detailed naming not only provides geographical specificity but also underscores the gravity of the threat, as these were prominent and powerful city-states. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**. By detailing the formation of such a significant alliance and their aggressive move against Gibeon, the narrative immediately signals that a major confrontation is imminent. This sets the stage for one of the most pivotal and miraculous battles in the Book of Joshua, where God's direct intervention will be dramatically displayed, turning the enemy's concentrated effort into an opportunity for Israel's decisive victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:5, by detailing the formation of this powerful Amorite coalition, serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of opposition to God's purposes and His ultimate sovereignty. The kings' alliance, driven by fear and strategic calculation, represents a desperate human attempt to thwart the divine plan for Israel's inheritance of Canaan. Yet, paradoxically, their very act of gathering together creates the conditions for God to deliver a decisive blow against the combined forces of the enemy, demonstrating His ability to turn the schemes of adversaries into opportunities for His glory. This narrative reinforces the truth that no human or demonic alliance can ultimately prevail against the will of the Almighty, and that even in the face of overwhelming odds, God is actively working to fulfill His covenant promises to His people.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel")
* [Psalm 2:1-4](/psalms/2-1 "Psalm 2:1-4 - The Nations Rage, God Laughs")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 10:5 offers a powerful and enduring lesson for believers today. Just as the Amorite kings united in formidable opposition against Gibeon and, by extension, against Israel, so too will those who align themselves with God's purposes often encounter concerted resistance. This opposition may manifest in various forms: spiritual warfare, societal pressure, personal attacks, or systemic challenges. The verse reminds us that walking in faith and upholding our commitments to God can indeed invite conflict, as the forces hostile to God's kingdom will seek to undermine His work and His people. However, the narrative that unfolds from this verse also provides immense encouragement. The very alliance formed to destroy Gibeon became the means by which God delivered a great victory for Israel, demonstrating His sovereign power to turn the enemy's schemes into opportunities for His power to be displayed. It serves as an assurance that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable alliances or overwhelming odds, God is for His people and can use any circumstance to further His divine plan, ultimately working all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Our call is to stand firm, trust in His strategic wisdom, and rely on His strength when the "kings" of opposition gather against us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "alliances" or forms of opposition do you currently perceive gathering against your faith or God's work in your life?**
* **How does the historical account of God turning the enemy's strategy into His victory encourage you in your present challenges?**
* **In what ways might your commitment to God's covenant or truth invite opposition, and how are you prepared to respond in faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did these specific five kings form an alliance against Gibeon, and not directly against Israel?**

Answer: The alliance of these five kings was a direct response to Gibeon's treaty with Israel, as detailed in [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Treaty"). From the perspective of the Canaanite city-states, Gibeon's action was a profound betrayal and a strategic defection. Gibeon was a significant city, and its alliance with Israel provided Joshua's forces with a crucial foothold in the central highlands, threatening the collective security of the remaining independent Canaanite kingdoms. The kings, particularly Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem ([Joshua 10:1](/joshua/10-1 "Joshua 10:1 - Adoni-zedek's Reaction")), understood that if Gibeon was allowed to defect without consequence, other cities might follow suit, weakening their united front against the Israelite invasion. Therefore, their immediate goal was to punish Gibeon, reassert Canaanite solidarity, and send a clear message to any other city considering peace with Israel. By attacking Gibeon, they indirectly challenged Israel, knowing that Israel was bound by oath to defend their new allies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 10:5, with its depiction of a formidable, united opposition against God's people and their new ally, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Amorite kings gathered their "hosts" to make war against Gibeon, so too did the powers of sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil, along with the earthly authorities, conspire against God's ultimate Champion. [Psalm 2:1-2](/psalms/2-1 "Psalm 2:1-2 - The Nations Rage") prophetically declares, "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed." This ancient prophecy found its climactic fulfillment in the crucifixion of Christ, where Herod, Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, "gathered together against [God's] holy servant Jesus" ([Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27 "Acts 4:27-28 - The Conspiracy Against Jesus")). Yet, in a divine paradox, this very gathering of hostile forces, intended for destruction, became the means by which God achieved His greatest victory. On the cross, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His resurrection is the ultimate demonstration that no alliance, no matter how formidable, can ultimately prevail against God's Anointed. For believers, this means that while we may face spiritual battles against "rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")), we are assured of victory through Christ, who has already overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ's Victory Over the World")). The "gates of hell shall not prevail" against His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Endures")), for the King of kings will ultimately return to utterly defeat all His enemies, establishing His eternal reign ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-21 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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.