Joshua 10 3

Joshua 10:3 kjv

Wherefore Adonizedec king of Jerusalem, sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying,

Joshua 10:3 nkjv

Therefore Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying,

Joshua 10:3 niv

So Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem appealed to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish and Debir king of Eglon.

Joshua 10:3 esv

So Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, to Piram king of Jarmuth, to Japhia king of Lachish, and to Debir king of Eglon, saying,

Joshua 10:3 nlt

So King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem sent messengers to several other kings: Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon.

Joshua 10 verses

Joshua 10 3 Meaning

Joshua 10:3 describes the initial political reaction to Gibeon's alliance with Israel, initiating a concerted effort by significant Canaanite city-states to counter the expanding Israelite influence. It lists five prominent kings and their cities who formed an immediate coalition to attack Gibeon for their defection. This action sets the stage for a major conflict, ultimately leading to God's intervention and Israel's decisive victory over these southern Canaanite powers. The verse establishes the key players and their alliance, indicating the urgency and threat they perceived from Joshua and Israel.

Joshua 10 3 Context

Joshua 10:3 is situated immediately after Gibeon's controversial treaty with Israel (Joshua 9), which stirred great fear among the Canaanite kingdoms. The Canaanites, upon hearing that Gibeon—a large and powerful city—had made peace with Israel, perceived this as a significant betrayal and a direct threat to their collective security and continued existence in the land. This verse details the rapid formation of a coalition in response. Adoni-Zedek, king of Jerusalem, is presented as the primary instigator, gathering four other kings of prominent cities in the southern hills and plains to punish Gibeon. This alliance was a pre-emptive strike, not against Israel directly, but against Gibeon, intending to deter any other Canaanite cities from making peace with the Israelites. Historically, alliances were common in the ancient Near East for military defense or offense, reflecting the geopolitical realities of independent city-states. The Amorites were a major ethnic group in Canaan at this time, and these kings likely belonged to this broader designation. Their desperate act sets the stage for one of the most famous battles in Israel's conquest, leading to a miraculous divine intervention.

Joshua 10 3 Word analysis

• Therefore (וַיְהִי): This serves as a connective particle, indicating the immediate consequence of the events described in Josh 10:1-2—the fear of Adoni-Zedek and Jerusalem. It signifies cause and effect, leading directly to the formation of the alliance.
• Adoni-Zedek (אֲדֹנִי־צֶדֶק, Adoni-Tzedek): A significant name meaning "My lord is righteousness" or "Lord of righteousness."
  • Original Context: This name echoes "Melchizedek" (מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק, Malki-Tzedek), "My king is righteousness," king of Salem (ancient Jerusalem) in Gen 14:18.
  • Polemics: The king of Jerusalem bore a name associated with righteousness, yet his actions (leading an alliance against Gibeon and God's people) are unrighteous and in opposition to divine will. This subtly critiques Canaanite claims of divine connection or legitimacy through such names, demonstrating their inherent corruption. It highlights the contrast between their self-proclaimed righteousness and their actual defiance of the one true God.
  • Significance: The king of this central city, Jerusalem, which would later become Israel's capital and God's dwelling place, initiating opposition is deeply symbolic of the spiritual battle over the land.
• king of Jerusalem (מֶלֶךְ יְרוּשָׁלִַם, melech Yerushalayim):
  • Historical/Cultural Context: Jerusalem (or "Salem") was an ancient and strategic city, a natural fortress, even before the Israelite conquest. Its pre-Israelite inhabitants, likely Jebusites or Amorites, fortified it. Being king of Jerusalem indicated significant regional power and influence among the city-states.
• sent (וַיִּשְׁלַח, vayishlach): The verb denotes active and intentional dispatch. Adoni-Zedek proactively initiated the coalition, showing his leadership and concern over the Gibeonite treaty. This was not a casual message but a formal summoning or proposal for alliance.
• to Hoham king of Hebron, to Piram king of Jarmuth, to Japhia king of Lachish, and to Debir king of Eglon:
  • Hebron (חֶבְרוֹן, Chevron): An ancient city of immense strategic importance in the southern hill country, well-fortified, and significant in the patriarchal narratives (e.g., Abraham's burial plot in Gen 23). Its inclusion indicates the reach of Jerusalem's influence and the gravity of the perceived threat.
  • Jarmuth (יַרְמוּת, Yarmut): Located in the Shephelah (foothills) west of Jerusalem, controlling a key pass. Its participation signifies the alliance's broad geographic coverage.
  • Lachish (לָכִישׁ, Lakhish): A major, strongly fortified city in the Shephelah, known for its powerful defenses and military might. Often regarded as the second most important city in Judah after Jerusalem. Its involvement indicates a significant military challenge.
  • Eglon (עֶגְלוֹן, Eglon): Located in the western Shephelah. Like Lachish and Jarmuth, it represents the defensive line of cities against incursions from the plains or coast.
  • Words-group significance: These five kings represent a formidable coalition of key Amorite city-states controlling crucial strategic locations in the central and southern Canaanite region. Their combined power would have been a significant threat, demonstrating the unified resistance Israel faced. This alliance signifies a united front of kingdoms seeking to preserve their control and halt Israel's progress. The list underlines the widespread fear caused by Israel's victories and Gibeon's treaty, and it highlights the formidable enemies God delivered into Israel's hands.
• saying (לֵאמֹר, lemor): This Hebrew word introduces direct speech or the purpose of the preceding action. It indicates that the subsequent verse (Joshua 10:4) contains the explicit message sent by Adoni-Zedek, conveying the urgent plea for assistance against Gibeon.

Joshua 10 3 Bonus Section

• The naming of "Adoni-Zedek" bears a stark contrast to Melchizedek (Gen 14), who was also "King of Salem" (Jerusalem) and a priest of God Most High. Melchizedek blessed Abram, while Adoni-Zedek actively resisted God's chosen people, despite having a name associated with righteousness. This underscores a spiritual theme of genuine versus counterfeit righteousness and leadership in God's eyes.
• The geographic locations of the five cities (Jerusalem, Hebron in the Judean mountains, and Jarmuth, Lachish, Eglon in the Shephelah) indicate a coordinated strategy to secure both the hill country and the plains. This alliance aimed to establish a strong, combined front.
• The reaction of these kings highlights the immediate ripple effect of Gibeon's choice. Their fear of Israel stemmed not just from their military prowess but likely from the theological understanding that their victories were a manifestation of their God's power.

Joshua 10 3 Commentary

Joshua 10:3 serves as the critical turning point that propels the narrative from a series of individual conquests to a major, decisive confrontation. The formation of this powerful five-king coalition demonstrates the unified fear and determined opposition Israel faced as they advanced. The prominence of "Adoni-Zedek," king of Jerusalem—a name echoing "righteousness"—leading an alliance dedicated to preventing God's plan underscores the ironic spiritual battle. It represents the unrighteous powers of Canaan making their last stand against God's appointed people and their righteous cause. This seemingly powerful human alliance inadvertently fulfills God's plan, bringing together the kings of the land so that they can be swiftly judged and eradicated by Israel, proving divine sovereignty over earthly resistance. The detailed listing of each king and city emphasizes the strength and strategic importance of the foe, heightening the impact of their ultimate defeat. This collective resistance was divinely orchestrated, setting the stage for the miraculous sun-standing event and a monumental victory that expanded Israel's control over southern Canaan.