Joshua 10:2
That they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jerusalem (here first mentioned in Joshua) was a significant Canaanite city-state that would remain unconquered until David's time (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Adoni-zedek's name parallels an earlier Jerusalem king, Melchizedek (king of righteousness, Genesis 14:18), suggesting a dynastic title or tradition. The city's elevated position and strong fortifications made it formidable. Gibeon's characterization as 'greater than Ai' and with 'mighty men' indicates it was a major military power. Archaeological evidence suggests Gibeon was indeed a substantial city with significant population. Its defection to Israel represented a major strategic loss for Canaanite resistance. The fear this provoked among remaining Canaanite kings was rational—Gibeon's assessment that fighting Israel was futile could inspire others to seek peace, collapsing unified resistance. Adoni-zedek's strategy of punishing Gibeon aimed to make an example, deterring other cities from similar defection. This shows ancient understanding of psychological warfare: maintaining allied morale by punishing betrayal.
Questions for Reflection
- How does defection of a strong ally (like Gibeon) affect enemy morale more than defeating weaker opponents?
- What does Adoni-zedek's fear-driven aggression teach about how threatened powers respond to perceived betrayal?
- When has God used unexpected alliances or defections to advance His kingdom purposes?
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Analysis & Commentary
Fear grips Jerusalem's king Adoni-zedek because 'Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities...greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty.' The comparison to royal cities indicates Gibeon's significance—comparable to capitals in size and strength. The note that its warriors were 'mighty' emphasizes military capability. Adoni-zedek's fear stems from strategic calculation: if mighty Gibeon made peace with Israel rather than resist, this both strengthened Israel (adding Gibeon's forces) and demoralized other Canaanite cities (showing resistance was futile). The king's name Adoni-zedek (אֲדֹנִי־צֶדֶק—my lord is righteousness or lord of righteousness) ironically contrasts his unrighteous actions. His fear leads to aggression against Gibeon, attempting to punish their treaty and deter other defections. This pattern repeats in history: threatened powers attack perceived collaborators more viciously than original enemies.