Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, reacts with alarm to Israel’s recent conquests and Gibeon’s covenant with Joshua, sparking a major conflict in the region.
Joshua 10:1 says, “Now it came about when Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had captured Ai, and had utterly destroyed it (just as he had done to Jericho and its king, so he had done to Ai and its king), and that the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were within their land,” (v.1). This verse opens with a report reaching Adoni-zedek, the ruler of Jerusalem. Historically, Jerusalem sat in the central hill country of ancient Canaan, controlling a valuable strategic position. Adoni-zedek likely ruled sometime around the late 15th century BC or early 14th century BC, when Joshua led the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan. His name, which means “Lord of Righteousness,” ironically contrasts with the conflict he sets in motion upon hearing of Israel’s victories.
When Adoni-zedek learns about Joshua’s recent victories, the writer specifically mentions that Israel “had utterly destroyed” Ai and its king, “just as he had done to Jericho and its king” (v.1). Throughout the book of Joshua, Jericho and Ai were the first two major Canaanite strongholds to fall to the Israelites after they crossed the Jordan. These triumphs demonstrated God’s steadfast support for Joshua’s leadership, a reality that deeply concerned surrounding rulers. Jericho was located near the Jordan River, serving as a key foothold east of the central highlands, while Ai lay a bit farther west in Israel’s initial route of conquest (Joshua 6; 8).
Another unsettling factor for Adoni-zedek is “that the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were within their land” (v.1). Gibeon was situated roughly nine miles northwest of Jerusalem, a location that put it strategically close to the king’s territory. By forging a treaty with Joshua (Joshua 9:15), the Gibeonites avoided destruction. This treaty drastically shifted regional power dynamics, threatening the security of Jerusalem and its allied city-states. Recognizing the scope of Israel’s growing influence, Adoni-zedek moves quickly, setting the stage for the conflict described later in Joshua 10.
Israel’s victory and Gibeon’s alliance with Joshua represent God faithfully accomplishing His promises to His people through their obedience and courage.
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Joshua 10:1 meaning
Joshua 10:1 says, “Now it came about when Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had captured Ai, and had utterly destroyed it (just as he had done to Jericho and its king, so he had done to Ai and its king), and that the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were within their land,” (v.1). This verse opens with a report reaching Adoni-zedek, the ruler of Jerusalem. Historically, Jerusalem sat in the central hill country of ancient Canaan, controlling a valuable strategic position. Adoni-zedek likely ruled sometime around the late 15th century BC or early 14th century BC, when Joshua led the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan. His name, which means “Lord of Righteousness,” ironically contrasts with the conflict he sets in motion upon hearing of Israel’s victories.
When Adoni-zedek learns about Joshua’s recent victories, the writer specifically mentions that Israel “had utterly destroyed” Ai and its king, “just as he had done to Jericho and its king” (v.1). Throughout the book of Joshua, Jericho and Ai were the first two major Canaanite strongholds to fall to the Israelites after they crossed the Jordan. These triumphs demonstrated God’s steadfast support for Joshua’s leadership, a reality that deeply concerned surrounding rulers. Jericho was located near the Jordan River, serving as a key foothold east of the central highlands, while Ai lay a bit farther west in Israel’s initial route of conquest (Joshua 6; 8).
Another unsettling factor for Adoni-zedek is “that the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were within their land” (v.1). Gibeon was situated roughly nine miles northwest of Jerusalem, a location that put it strategically close to the king’s territory. By forging a treaty with Joshua (Joshua 9:15), the Gibeonites avoided destruction. This treaty drastically shifted regional power dynamics, threatening the security of Jerusalem and its allied city-states. Recognizing the scope of Israel’s growing influence, Adoni-zedek moves quickly, setting the stage for the conflict described later in Joshua 10.
Israel’s victory and Gibeon’s alliance with Joshua represent God faithfully accomplishing His promises to His people through their obedience and courage.