Joshua 10:4
Come up unto me, and help me, that we may smite Gibeon: for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The five-king coalition represented southern Canaan's major powers. Attacking Gibeon served multiple purposes: punishment (deterring other defections), military (Gibeon's warriors removed from potential opposition), and psychological (demonstrating consequences of collaborating with Israel). Ancient Near Eastern warfare recognized that punishing betrayal maintained alliance cohesion. Gibeon's defection threatened to unravel Canaanite resistance—if strong cities sought peace, weaker cities would follow. The coalition had to act decisively. Ironically, attacking Israel's new ally obligated Israel to intervene (9:15 established covenant), bringing the confrontation Canaanites hoped to avoid by attacking Gibeon rather than Israel directly. This demonstrates how God's providence works through human decisions—even enemy strategies advance divine purposes. The battle at Gibeon would devastate southern Canaan's resistance, opening the region for conquest. What seemed like strategic wisdom (attacking the weak defector) became tactical disaster (drawing God's army into battle they couldn't avoid).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's providence work through even enemies' strategies to accomplish His purposes?
- What does attacking Israel's allies (rather than Israel) teach about indirect approaches in spiritual warfare?
- When have you seen apparent setbacks (like Gibeon being attacked) become opportunities for greater victory?
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Analysis & Commentary
Adoni-zedek's message to allied kings: 'Come up unto me, and help me, that we may smite Gibeon: for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.' The imperative 'come up' indicates urgent summons. Jerusalem's elevated position (geographically highest city in region) makes 'come up' literally accurate. The request for help (azar, עָזַר—to aid, assist) creates coalition obligation. The target—Gibeon—is strategic: punishing defectors deters further defections. The phrase 'it hath made peace' treats Gibeon's survival strategy as betrayal. The dual naming 'Joshua and...Israel' recognizes both personal leadership and national covenant. This coalition against Gibeon inadvertently triggers Israel's treaty obligation, bringing decisive battle. God's sovereignty orchestrates even enemies' strategies to accomplish His purposes. What intended to weaken Israel actually concentrates Canaanite forces for decisive defeat.