Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying, Adoni-zedek king of JerusalemThe name "Adoni-zedek" means "lord of righteousness" in Hebrew, which is ironic given his opposition to God's people. Jerusalem, at this time, was a Canaanite city, and its king's name suggests a claim to moral or divine authority. Historically, Jerusalem was a significant city even before David made it the capital of Israel. The mention of Adoni-zedek highlights the spiritual battle between the forces of God and the pagan kings who opposed Israel. sent word
This phrase indicates a formal communication, likely through messengers. In the ancient Near East, alliances were often formed through such communications. The act of sending word underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation, as Adoni-zedek sought to rally other kings against the Israelites. to Hoham king of Hebron
Hebron is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a rich biblical history. It was later given to Caleb as an inheritance. The name "Hoham" is less clear in meaning, but his role as king of Hebron places him in a position of influence. Hebron's involvement in this coalition against Israel shows the widespread fear and opposition to the Israelites' advance. Piram king of Jarmuth
Jarmuth was a city in the Shephelah region, known for its strategic location. The name "Piram" might mean "wild ass," suggesting strength or stubbornness. This king's inclusion in the alliance indicates the regional impact of Israel's conquests and the collective response of the Canaanite kings. Japhia king of Lachish
Lachish was a fortified city, significant in military terms. The name "Japhia" means "shining" or "splendid," which could reflect the city's prominence. Lachish's king joining the coalition highlights the strategic importance of this alliance, as Lachish was a key city in controlling the region. Debir king of Eglon
Eglon was another city in the Shephelah, and Debir's name might mean "oracle" or "speaker." This suggests a role of influence or authority. The inclusion of Eglon in the alliance further demonstrates the widespread fear of Israel's God and the desperation of the Canaanite kings to resist His people. saying
This word introduces the message that Adoni-zedek sent to the other kings. It sets the stage for the coalition's response to the threat posed by Israel. The use of "saying" indicates a call to action, a rallying cry for these kings to unite against a common enemy. This reflects the broader spiritual battle depicted throughout the book of Joshua, where earthly powers resist the divine mandate given to Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. Adoni-zedekThe king of Jerusalem during the time of Joshua. His name means "Lord of Righteousness," which is ironic given his opposition to Israel. 2. HohamThe king of Hebron, a city with historical significance, later becoming a Levitical city and a city of refuge. 3. PiramThe king of Jarmuth, a city in the lowlands of Judah. 4. JaphiaThe king of Lachish, a significant city in the Shephelah region, known for its strategic military importance. 5. DebirThe king of Eglon, another city in the Shephelah, which later becomes part of the territory of Judah. Teaching Points The Irony of NamesAdoni-zedek's name means "Lord of Righteousness," yet he stands against God's people. This reminds us that names or titles do not always reflect character. We must discern true righteousness through actions and alignment with God's will. The Power of AlliancesThe coalition of kings against Israel shows the power and influence of alliances. As believers, we should be cautious about the alliances we form, ensuring they align with God's purposes. God's Sovereignty Over OppositionDespite the formidable alliance against Israel, God is sovereign and His plans prevail. This encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty when facing opposition in our lives. The Role of Fear in Decision-MakingThe fear of Israel's God prompted the coalition. Fear can lead to poor decisions if not rooted in reverence for God. We should ensure our decisions are based on faith, not fear. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the coalition of kings in Joshua 10:3 reflect the challenges we face when standing for God's truth in today's world? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our alliances and partnerships align with God's will, as seen in the context of Joshua 10? 3. How does the irony of Adoni-zedek's name challenge us to reflect on the authenticity of our own faith and witness? 4. What can we learn from the response of the kings to Israel's presence about the role of fear and faith in our decision-making processes? 5. How does the account of Joshua 10:3 encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty when we face opposition or challenges in our spiritual journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 9The preceding chapter provides context for the coalition of kings, as it describes the Gibeonite deception and their subsequent treaty with Israel, which provoked the surrounding kings. Genesis 14The mention of a king of Jerusalem (Melchizedek) who was a priest of God Most High, contrasting with Adoni-zedek's opposition to God's people. Psalm 2This psalm speaks of kings of the earth taking their stand against the Lord and His Anointed, reflecting the coalition against Israel. People Adonizedec, Amorites, Debir, Eglon, Gibeon, Hoham, Horam, Israelites, Japhia, Jasher, Joshua, PiramPlaces Ai, Azekah, Beth-horon, Debir, Eglon, Gaza, Gezer, Gibeon, Gilgal, Hebron, Jarmuth, Jericho, Jerusalem, Kadesh-barnea, Lachish, Libnah, Makkedah, Negeb, Valley of AijalonTopics Adonizedec, Adoni-zedec, Adoni-zedek, Ado'ni-ze'dek, Appealed, Debir, Eglon, Hebron, Hoham, Japhia, Japhi'a, Jarmuth, Jerusalem, Lachish, Piram, Piream, Saying, WhereforeDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 10:1-7 7240 Jerusalem, history Library Five Kings in a Cave
TEXT: "And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight."--Joshua 10:24-25. The history of the …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas IscariotPraying Saints of the Old Testaments
The Holy Spirit will give to the praying saint the brightness of an immortal hope, the music of a deathless song, in His baptism and communion with the heart, He will give sweeter and more enlarged visions of heaven until the taste for other things will pall, and other visions will grow dim and distant. He will put notes of other worlds in human hearts until all earth's music is discord and songless.--Rev. E. M. Bounds Old Testament history is filled with accounts of praying saints. The leaders of …
Edward M. Bounds—Prayer and Praying Men Gibeon. Josh 10:06
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John Newton—Olney Hymns The Northern Coast of Judea. Beth-Horon.
This coast is marked out Joshua 18:12; where, at verse 14, are very many versions to be corrected, which render the sea; such are, the Syriac, the Seventy, the Vulgar, the Italian, ours, &c.: whence ariseth a sense of insuperable difficulty to a chorographical eye: when it should, indeed, be rendered of the west, as the Chaldee, Arabic, R. Solomon, &c. rightly do. We read of a double Beth-horon in the Old Testament, but one only under the second Temple... At that place that great Canaanitish army …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath-Day.
Almighty God will have himself worshipped, not only in a private manner by private persons and families, but also in a more public sort, of all the godly joined together in a visible church; that by this means he may be known not only to be the God and Lord of every Singular person, but also of the creatures of the whole universal world. Question--But why do not we Christians under the New, keep the Sabbath on the same seventh day on which it was kept under the Old Testament? I answer--Because our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Joshua 10:3 NIVJoshua 10:3 NLTJoshua 10:3 ESVJoshua 10:3 NASBJoshua 10:3 KJV
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