Joshua 10:1-9 ▼

1 Now Adoni-zedek (my lord is righteous) king of Jerusalem (city of peace) heard that Joshua (YHWH saves) had captured Ai (heap of ruins) and devoted it to destruction {cherem} doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho (city of palms) and its king—and that the people of Gibeon (hill city) had made peace with Israel (he wrestles with God) and were living near them.

2 So Adoni-zedek and his people were greatly alarmed, because Gibeon (hill city) was a great city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai (heap of ruins), and all its men were mighty.

3 Therefore Adoni-zedek (my lord is righteous) king of Jerusalem (city of peace) sent word to Hoham (whom YHWH impels) king of Hebron (association), Piram (like a wild donkey) king of Jarmuth (heights), Japhia (shining) king of Lachish (invincible), and Debir (sanctuary) king of Eglon (calf-like), saying,

4 “Come up and help me. We will attack Gibeon (hill city), because they have made peace with Joshua (YHWH saves) and the Israelites (God prevails).”

5 So the five kings of the Amorites (sayers)—the kings of Jerusalem (city of peace), Hebron (association), Jarmuth (heights), Lachish (invincible), and Eglon (calf-like)—joined forces and advanced with all their armies. They camped before Gibeon (hill city) and made war against it.

6 Then the men of Gibeon (hill city) sent word to Joshua (YHWH saves) in the camp at Gilgal (a wheel): “Do not abandon your servants. Come quickly and save us! Help us, because all the kings of the Amorites (sayers) from the hill country have joined forces against us.”

7 So Joshua (YHWH saves) and his whole army, including all the mighty men of valor, came from Gilgal (a wheel).

8 The LORD {YHWH} said to Joshua (YHWH saves), “Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you.”

9 After marching all night from Gilgal (a wheel), Joshua (YHWH saves) caught them by surprise.