Who is Adoni-zedec in this passage and why is he afraid?

Adoni-zedec is the king of Jerusalem mentioned at the start of this passage. He becomes very afraid when he hears that Joshua has destroyed Jericho and Ai, and that Gibeon, a large and strong city, has made peace with Israel. To him, this means Israel is gaining power and influence in the land. He worries that other cities might follow Gibeon’s example, so instead of seeking peace, he gathers four other Amorite kings and decides to attack Gibeon for siding with Joshua and Israel.

Why did the five Amorite kings attack Gibeon instead of Israel directly?

The five Amorite kings see Gibeon as a kind of traitor city, because it chose to make peace with Israel instead of fighting. Gibeon is described as a great city with mighty men, so its decision carries weight. The kings fear that if Gibeon can submit to Israel, other cities might do the same. Rather than face Israel directly at first, they move against Gibeon to punish it, scare others from making peace, and try to weaken Israel’s new ally. Their attack shows how the wicked resent those who turn toward God’s people.

Why did Joshua go to rescue the Gibeonites after they had deceived Israel earlier?

Joshua had made a covenant of peace with the Gibeonites, even though they had tricked Israel into it. Once that covenant was made, Joshua was bound by his word before God. When Gibeon called for help, saying, “Slack not thy hand from thy servants,” Joshua honored that agreement. He marched all night with his warriors to defend them. This shows that God’s people are called to keep their promises, even when the agreement came about in a flawed way, and that covenant responsibilities carry real weight.

What does it mean that the Lord fought for Israel in this battle?

The passage repeats that the Lord fought for Israel. This is seen in several ways. God first encourages Joshua, telling him not to fear because He has already delivered the enemies into his hand. During the battle, God throws the enemy into confusion, so they are routed. As they flee, God sends great hailstones from heaven, and more of the enemy die from the hail than from Israel’s swords. On top of this, God listens to Joshua’s prayer about the sun and moon. All of this shows that victory comes from God’s power, not human strength alone.

What happened when Joshua prayed, “Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon”?

Joshua, seeing the battle still going on, speaks to the Lord and, in the sight of Israel, commands the sun to stand still over Gibeon and the moon over the valley of Ajalon. The text says the sun stood still and the moon stayed until Israel finished dealing with their enemies, and that the sun did not hurry to go down for about a whole day. This is described as a unique day when the Lord listened to the voice of a man. It highlights both God’s power over creation and His kindness in answering bold, faith-filled prayer.

What are the great stones or hailstones from heaven in this story?

As the Amorite armies flee down the slope toward Beth-horon, the Lord throws great stones from heaven on them all the way to Azekah. The passage explains that more of the enemy die from these stones, described as hailstones, than from Israel’s sword. This shows God using nature itself as His weapon. It underlines that the battle is really God’s, not just Israel’s. The hailstones are a picture of God’s judgment on those who resist His purposes and attack the people and cities that have sought peace under His protection.

What is the book of Jasher mentioned in this passage?

The passage briefly says, “Is not this written in the book of Jasher?” after describing the sun standing still. The book of Jasher is not explained here, but it seems to have been a known writing at that time, likely recording notable songs or events of the upright or valiant. It has not been preserved for us today. The mention of it simply shows that there were other records of God’s acts and Israel’s history, and it points out that this remarkable day was noted beyond just this narrative.

Why is this day called unique with no day like it before or after?

The text says there was no day like this before it or after it, because the Lord listened to the voice of a man in such an extraordinary way and fought for Israel. The focus is not only on the length of the day, but on God’s special response to Joshua’s prayer in the middle of battle. God stretches out the day, uses hailstones, and gives complete victory while honoring His covenant. This marks the event as a rare and special display of God’s power and willingness to act when His servant calls on Him in faith.

What does this passage teach about God’s character and His promises?

This passage shows God as faithful, powerful, and deeply involved with His people. He does not abandon Israel even when they are helping a group that had deceived them earlier, because a covenant has been made. He tells Joshua not to fear and keeps His word by handing the enemy over. God controls events on the ground, like confusion in battle and hailstones, and even the movement of the sun and moon. All this shows that when God gives a promise and His people walk in it, He is able and willing to carry them through every threat.

How can believers today apply the story of Joshua defending Gibeon?

This story encourages believers to honor their commitments, seek God’s guidance, and act in faith. Joshua did not use God’s promise as an excuse to sit still; he marched all night and fought while trusting God to act. He also protected those he had pledged to protect, even when they were imperfect allies. For us, this points to keeping our word, helping those under our care, and praying boldly in hard situations. It reminds us that real faith works, prays, and then looks to God as the one who gives the victory.

Josh.10.1

Joshua 10:1

KJV

Now it came to pass, when Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.