They formed a coalition in fear and attacked Gibeon, setting the stage for God’s deliverance through Joshua.
“So the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, gathered together and went up, they with all their armies and camped by Gibeon and fought against it.” (v.5) In this verse, we see a confederation of five Amorite kings collectively marching against the city of Gibeon. The mention of these specific monarchs highlights both the strategic importance of Gibeon within Canaan and the growing concern among local rulers that Israel’s alliances threatened their hold on the region. Geographically, Gibeon is located in the central hill country of ancient Israel, roughly six miles from Jerusalem. The king of Jerusalem at that time ruled over what would become the heart of Israel many generations later, eventually renowned as King David’s capital. Hebron, also among the cities listed, is situated about 19 miles south of Jerusalem in the Judean hills, with a rich historical narrative as the burial place of the patriarchs (Genesis 23:19—).
“...the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon...” (v.5) underscores the unity of these rulers who collectively resisted the newly arrived Israelites under Joshua. Historically, this event occurred around the late 15th or early 14th century BC, at a time when Joshua, succeeding Moses after the Exodus (c. 1446 BC), was commissioned to lead the Israelite conquest of Canaan (Joshua 1—). Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon were cities in the southern lowland region of Canaan. Their alliance with Jerusalem and Hebron formed a formidable block, demonstrating how fear of God’s people often drove together those who otherwise might have been rivals. This alliance can be compared to later events in Israel’s history when foreign nations similarly banded together in opposition to God’s chosen leaders (Psalm 2—).
“…gathered together and went up, they with all their armies and camped by Gibeon and fought against it.” (v.5) shows the palpable tension in Canaan. Gibeon had earlier made a treaty with Joshua, aligning itself with Israel (Joshua 9—). This new alliance drew the ire of surrounding kings, foreshadowing the spiritual opposition believers may face (Ephesians 6:12—). The five kings represent multiple power centers banding together to confront the threat they perceived in Gibeon’s decision to follow a new path. Their action displays a resistance to God’s unfolding plan, hinting at a greater reality eventually fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who would also encounter worldly opposition and triumph (John 16:33—).
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Joshua 10:5 meaning
“So the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, gathered together and went up, they with all their armies and camped by Gibeon and fought against it.” (v.5) In this verse, we see a confederation of five Amorite kings collectively marching against the city of Gibeon. The mention of these specific monarchs highlights both the strategic importance of Gibeon within Canaan and the growing concern among local rulers that Israel’s alliances threatened their hold on the region. Geographically, Gibeon is located in the central hill country of ancient Israel, roughly six miles from Jerusalem. The king of Jerusalem at that time ruled over what would become the heart of Israel many generations later, eventually renowned as King David’s capital. Hebron, also among the cities listed, is situated about 19 miles south of Jerusalem in the Judean hills, with a rich historical narrative as the burial place of the patriarchs (Genesis 23:19—).
“...the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon...” (v.5) underscores the unity of these rulers who collectively resisted the newly arrived Israelites under Joshua. Historically, this event occurred around the late 15th or early 14th century BC, at a time when Joshua, succeeding Moses after the Exodus (c. 1446 BC), was commissioned to lead the Israelite conquest of Canaan (Joshua 1—). Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon were cities in the southern lowland region of Canaan. Their alliance with Jerusalem and Hebron formed a formidable block, demonstrating how fear of God’s people often drove together those who otherwise might have been rivals. This alliance can be compared to later events in Israel’s history when foreign nations similarly banded together in opposition to God’s chosen leaders (Psalm 2—).
“…gathered together and went up, they with all their armies and camped by Gibeon and fought against it.” (v.5) shows the palpable tension in Canaan. Gibeon had earlier made a treaty with Joshua, aligning itself with Israel (Joshua 9—). This new alliance drew the ire of surrounding kings, foreshadowing the spiritual opposition believers may face (Ephesians 6:12—). The five kings represent multiple power centers banding together to confront the threat they perceived in Gibeon’s decision to follow a new path. Their action displays a resistance to God’s unfolding plan, hinting at a greater reality eventually fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who would also encounter worldly opposition and triumph (John 16:33—).