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Joshua 10:4

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Come up unto me, and help me, that we may smite Gibeon: for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.

Come up {H5927} unto me, and help {H5826} me, that we may smite {H5221} Gibeon {H1391}: for it hath made peace {H7999} with Joshua {H3091} and with the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

"Come up and help me, and we'll attack Giv'on, because it has made peace with Y'hoshua and the people of Isra'el."

“Come up and help me. We will attack Gibeon, because they have made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.”

Come up unto me, and help me, and let us smite Gibeon; for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.

Commentary

Context

Joshua 10:4 records the urgent plea of Adoni-zedek, the king of Jerusalem, to neighboring Amorite kings. This verse is pivotal, setting the stage for one of the most significant battles in the Book of Joshua. The "peace" referred to is the deceptive covenant the Gibeonites made with Israel, as detailed in Joshua 9:15. This alliance struck fear and outrage among the other Canaanite city-states, who perceived Gibeon's actions as a betrayal and a direct threat to their collective resistance against the invading Israelites. Adoni-zedek, recognizing the growing power of Joshua and the children of Israel, sought to punish Gibeon for its defection and, by extension, to confront Israel's advance.

Key Themes

  • Fear and Reaction to Israel's Advance: The verse highlights the widespread fear among the Canaanite kings regarding the success of Joshua's campaigns. Gibeon's peace treaty was a breaking of ranks, and the other kings saw it as a sign of Israel's unstoppable momentum.
  • Consequences of Alliances: Gibeon's strategic, albeit deceitful, alliance with Israel directly led to a coalition of hostile kingdoms forming against them. This illustrates the complex political landscape and the immediate repercussions of such agreements in ancient Canaan.
  • Formation of Opposition: Adoni-zedek's call to arms marks the beginning of a united front against Israel. This coalition of five Amorite kings aimed to eliminate Gibeon and, implicitly, to challenge Israel's dominance in the region.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "smite Gibeon" comes from the Hebrew word nakah (נָכָה), which is a strong verb often translated as to strike, beat, or kill. It conveys a clear intent of violent and decisive destruction. The term "made peace" is from the Hebrew root shalom (שָׁלוֹם), signifying a state of wholeness, well-being, or agreement. In this context, it emphasizes the formal cessation of hostilities between Gibeon and Israel, a move that enraged the other Amorite kings.

Theological Significance & Application

Joshua 10:4 is a testament to God's sovereign plan unfolding. Even the fear and opposition of Israel's enemies were ultimately used by God to bring about His purposes. The Amorite kings' decision to attack Gibeon led directly to a major confrontation where God miraculously intervened on behalf of Israel, most notably in the miracle of the sun standing still. This verse reminds us that:

  • God's Providence Prevails: Even when human alliances are formed or opposition mounts, God remains in control, orchestrating events to fulfill His promises to His people (Romans 8:28).
  • Reactions to God's Work: The world often reacts with fear and hostility to the advancement of God's kingdom. This historical account provides a pattern of how those who are not aligned with God's will may band together against His people.

Understanding this verse helps us appreciate the larger narrative of God's faithfulness in bringing His people into the promised land, despite significant opposition.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 9:15 (5 votes)

    ¶ And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.

  • Joshua 10:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now it came to pass, when Adonizedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;

  • Revelation 20:8 (2 votes)

    And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea.

  • Revelation 20:10 (2 votes)

    And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

  • Acts 21:28 (2 votes)

    Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all [men] every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

  • Revelation 16:14 (2 votes)

    For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, [which] go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

  • Acts 9:23 (2 votes)

    ¶ And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: