In this chapter, the Israelites kill the southern kings and completely destroy the cities. The chapter begins, “Now Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, heard that Joshua had captured and completely destroyed Ai and killed its king, just as he had destroyed the city of Jericho and killed its king. He also learned that the Gibeonites had made peace with Israel and were now their allies. He and his people became very afraid when they heard all this because Gibeon was a large city -- as large as the royal cities and larger than Ai.” (Joshua 10:1-2)
Since the Gibeonite men were mighty warriors, King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem sent messengers to five Amorite kings, asking for help to destroy Gibeon because Gibeon had made peace with the Israelites. As a result, these kings and their armies attacked Gibeon.
Gibeon then sent word to Joshua, asking for help, and the Lord told Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for I will give you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.” (verse 8)
Joshua and the Israelites then traveled from Gilgal to Gibeon and slaughtered the Amorite armies in great numbers. “As the Amorites retreated down the road from Beth-horon, the Lord destroyed them with a terrible hailstorm that continued until they reached Azekah. The hail killed more of the enemy than the Israelites killed with the sword.” (verse 11)
“On the day the Lord gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the Lord in front of all the people of Israel. He said, “Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.” So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. The Lord fought for Israel that day. Never before or since has there been a day like that one, when the Lord answered such a request from a human being.” (Joshua 10:12-14) Wow!
The five kings from Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon escaped during the battle and hid in a cave at Makkedah. When the kings had been found, Joshua eventually had them brought to him. “Joshua told the captains of his army, “Come and put your feet on the kings’ necks.” And they did as they were told. “Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua told his men. “Be strong and courageous, for the Lord is going to do this to all of your enemies.” Then Joshua killed each of the five kings and hung them on five trees until evening.” (Joshua 10:24-26)
That same day, Joshua went to the city of Makkedah and killed everyone in it, including the king. Joshua and the Israelites went on to completely destroy the cities of the kings he had just killed, along with the rest of the cities and villages in the area. “Joshua conquered the whole region -- the kings and people of the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills, and the mountain slopes. He completely destroyed everyone in the land, leaving no survivors, just as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded. Joshua slaughtered them from Kadesh-barnea to Gaza and from Goshen to Gibeon. In a single campaign Joshua conquered all these kings and their land, for the Lord, the God of Israel, was fighting for his people.” (Joshua 10:40-42)
The chapter ends with the Israelites returning to their camp at Gilgal.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for fighting for us! Help us to trust in you, so we can be strong and courageous...knowing that you will step on the necks of our enemies and even make the sun motionless! We love you! AND LORD, THANK YOU FOR PREPARING MY MOTHER TO COME HOME TODAY (May 3, 2021)! You are a magnificent God!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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