Joshua 10:5

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.

Study Bible

So the five kings of the Amorites
The phrase "five kings of the Amorites" refers to a coalition of local rulers in the southern region of Canaan. The Amorites were a significant group in the ancient Near East, often representing the broader Canaanite population. Historically, the Amorites were known for their city-states and their influence in the region. This coalition signifies a formidable opposition to Israel, highlighting the gravity of the threat faced by Joshua and the Israelites. The number five may symbolize human weakness in the face of divine strength, as seen throughout Scripture where God often uses the few to overcome the many.

the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon
These cities were significant urban centers in ancient Canaan. Jerusalem, later to become the capital of Israel, was already a fortified city. Hebron was a city of great antiquity, associated with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon were also important cities, each with its own strategic and economic significance. The mention of these specific cities underscores the widespread resistance against Israel's divinely ordained conquest. Archaeological evidence supports the existence and importance of these cities during the Late Bronze Age, providing a historical backdrop to the biblical narrative.

joined forces
The phrase "joined forces" indicates a strategic alliance formed to counter the threat posed by the Israelites. This coalition reflects the common practice of city-states uniting against a common enemy. In a spiritual sense, it illustrates how opposition to God's purposes often involves a concerted effort by those who resist His will. The unity of these kings, though formidable, ultimately stands in contrast to the divine unity and purpose guiding Israel.

advanced with all their armies
The phrase "advanced with all their armies" suggests a full-scale military mobilization. This was not a minor skirmish but a significant military campaign. The use of "all their armies" emphasizes the total commitment of these kings to the battle, reflecting the seriousness of the threat they perceived from Israel. Historically, such military campaigns were common in the ancient Near East, where city-states often engaged in warfare to protect their interests.

besieged Gibeon
The act of besieging Gibeon indicates a strategic move to isolate and weaken the city. Gibeon had recently made a treaty with Israel, and its siege was an attempt to punish the city for its alliance and to deter others from following suit. In a broader sense, the siege represents the spiritual warfare faced by those who align themselves with God's people. The historical context of siege warfare involved cutting off supplies and waiting for the city to surrender, a tactic that required patience and resources.

and fought against it
The phrase "fought against it" signifies the active engagement in battle. This was not merely a show of force but an actual conflict with the intent to conquer. Theologically, this battle represents the ongoing struggle between the forces of darkness and the people of God. The historical context of warfare in the ancient Near East involved not only physical combat but also psychological and spiritual dimensions, as cities often relied on their gods for protection and victory.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Five Kings of the Amorites
These were the rulers of the Amorite cities who formed a coalition against Gibeon. Their unity against a common enemy highlights the threat they perceived from Israel's growing influence.

2. Jerusalem
At this time, Jerusalem was a Canaanite city-state under Amorite control. Its king was part of the coalition against Gibeon.

3. Hebron
Another significant city in the region, Hebron was known for its ancient roots and later became a key city in Israel's history.

4. Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon
These were other city-states in the southern region of Canaan, each with its own king, joining the coalition against Gibeon.

5. Gibeon
A significant city that had made a peace treaty with Israel, leading to the coalition of Amorite kings attacking it.

Teaching Points

Unity in Opposition
The coalition of the Amorite kings shows how those opposed to God's plans often unite against His people. Believers should be prepared for opposition but trust in God's sovereignty.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Despite the formidable alliance against them, Israel's victory is assured because of God's promises. This encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness in their own battles.

The Importance of Alliances
The Gibeonites' alliance with Israel, though initially deceitful, ultimately brought them under God's protection. This highlights the importance of aligning oneself with God's people.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as the Amorite kings gathered against Gibeon, spiritual forces often gather against believers. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the coalition of the Amorite kings about the nature of opposition to God's people today?

2. How does the account of the Gibeonites' alliance with Israel encourage us to seek God's protection and align ourselves with His people?

3. In what ways does God's faithfulness to Israel in Joshua 10:5 inspire confidence in His promises to us?

4. How can we apply the concept of spiritual warfare, as seen in the coalition against Gibeon, to our daily lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for your faith. How did you see God's hand at work in that situation, similar to how He worked for Israel in Joshua 10?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 9
This chapter provides context for why the Amorite kings attacked Gibeon. The Gibeonites had deceived Israel into making a peace treaty, which angered the surrounding Canaanite kings.

Exodus 23:27-28
God's promise to send terror ahead of Israel and throw their enemies into confusion is seen in action as the coalition of kings ultimately fails against Israel.

Psalm 2:1-4
The gathering of the kings against God's people can be seen as a foreshadowing of the nations' futile rebellion against the Lord and His anointed.