Joshua 10:5

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Joshua 10:5 details the formidable alliance formed by five Amorite kings in response to Gibeon's treaty with Israel. This verse sets the stage for one of the most pivotal battles in the Book of Joshua, showcasing the united opposition Israel faced during the conquest of Canaan.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of the Gibeonites' deceptive treaty with Israel, as described in Joshua chapter 9. The kings of the surrounding Canaanite city-states, particularly Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, perceived Gibeon's alliance with Israel as a profound betrayal and a direct threat to their collective resistance. Gibeon was a significant and powerful city, and its defection weakened the Canaanite front against Joshua's advancing forces. Therefore, these five kings, representing key cities in the southern highlands—Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—banded together to punish Gibeon and, by extension, challenge Israel's growing influence.

Key Themes

  • United Opposition: The formation of this five-king coalition underscores the desperation and fear among the Canaanite city-states. It represents a significant, organized military response against Israel and its new ally, Gibeon.
  • Consequences of Alliance: Gibeon's treaty, though initially made through deceit, now directly involves Israel in a major conflict. Joshua and the Israelites are compelled to defend their new allies, fulfilling their oath made in Joshua 9:15.
  • Divine Providence: Even the strategic actions of the enemy kings are ultimately part of God's larger plan to deliver the land into Israel's hands. This massive alliance provides the opportunity for a decisive victory that would break the back of southern Canaanite resistance.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Amorites" (Hebrew: 'Emori) here refers to a prominent group of inhabitants in the central and southern highlands of Canaan. While sometimes used broadly for all Canaanites, in this context, it specifically points to the powerful city-states that controlled the strategic mountainous regions, including the key city of Jerusalem.

Practical Application

Joshua 10:5 reminds believers that making a stand for God's purposes or upholding commitments can often invite strong opposition. Just as these kings united against Gibeon and, indirectly, against Israel, so too might forces align against those who walk in faith. However, this verse also foreshadows God's ultimate intervention. The very alliance formed to destroy Gibeon became the means by which God delivered a great victory for Israel, demonstrating that He can turn the enemy's schemes into opportunities for His power to be displayed. It serves as an encouragement that even in the face of formidable alliances, God is for His people and can use any circumstance to further His divine plan.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 15:16 (2 votes)

    But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet full.

  • Joshua 9:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, when all the kings which [were] on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard [thereof];

  • Joshua 9:2 (2 votes)

    That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord.

  • Isaiah 8:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.

  • Isaiah 8:10 (2 votes)

    Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us.

  • Joshua 10:6 (2 votes)

    And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us.

  • Numbers 13:29 (2 votes)

    The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.