
Text -- Joshua 10:1-3 (NET)




Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics



collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Wesley: Jos 10:1 - -- That is, were conversant with them, had submitted to their laws, and mingled interests with them.
That is, were conversant with them, had submitted to their laws, and mingled interests with them.

Wesley: Jos 10:2 - -- That is, he and his people, the king being spoken of Jos 10:1, as a publick person representing all his people.
That is, he and his people, the king being spoken of Jos 10:1, as a publick person representing all his people.

Wesley: Jos 10:2 - -- Either really a royal city, or equal to one of the royal cities, though it had no king, but seems to have been governed by elders, Jos 9:11.
Either really a royal city, or equal to one of the royal cities, though it had no king, but seems to have been governed by elders, Jos 9:11.

Wesley: Jos 10:3 - -- zedek sent - Either because he was superior to them, or because he was nearest the danger, and most forward in the work.
zedek sent - Either because he was superior to them, or because he was nearest the danger, and most forward in the work.
JFB: Jos 10:1 - -- "lord of righteousness"--nearly synonymous with Melchizedek, "king of righteousness." These names were common titles of the Jebusite kings.
"lord of righteousness"--nearly synonymous with Melchizedek, "king of righteousness." These names were common titles of the Jebusite kings.

JFB: Jos 10:1 - -- The original name, "Salem" (Gen 14:18; Psa 76:2), was superseded by that here given, which signifies "a peaceful possession," or "a vision of peace," ...

JFB: Jos 10:1 - -- That is, the Israelites; had made an alliance with that people, and acknowledging their supremacy, were living on terms of friendly intercourse with t...
That is, the Israelites; had made an alliance with that people, and acknowledging their supremacy, were living on terms of friendly intercourse with them.

JFB: Jos 10:2 - -- The dread inspired by the rapid conquests of the Israelites had been immensely increased by the fact of a state so populous and so strong as Gibeon ha...
The dread inspired by the rapid conquests of the Israelites had been immensely increased by the fact of a state so populous and so strong as Gibeon having found it expedient to submit to the power and the terms of the invaders.

JFB: Jos 10:2 - -- Although itself a republic (Jos 9:3), it was large and well-fortified, like those places in which the chiefs of the country usually established their ...
Although itself a republic (Jos 9:3), it was large and well-fortified, like those places in which the chiefs of the country usually established their residence.

JFB: Jos 10:3-4 - -- A combined attack was meditated on Gibeon, with a view not only to punish its people for their desertion of the native cause, but by its overthrow to ...
A combined attack was meditated on Gibeon, with a view not only to punish its people for their desertion of the native cause, but by its overthrow to interpose a barrier to the farther inroads of the Israelites. This confederacy among the mountaineers of Southern Palestine was formed and headed by the king of Jerusalem, because his territory was most exposed to danger, Gibeon being only six miles distant, and because he evidently possessed some degree of pre-eminence over his royal neighbors.
Clarke: Jos 10:1 - -- Adoni - zedec - This name signifies the Lord of justice or righteousness; and it has been conjectured that the Canaanitish kings assumed this name i...
Adoni - zedec - This name signifies the Lord of justice or righteousness; and it has been conjectured that the Canaanitish kings assumed this name in imitation of that of the ancient patriarchal king of this city, Melchizedek, whose name signifies king of righteousness, or my righteous king: a supposition that is not improbable, when the celebrity of Melchizedek is considered

Clarke: Jos 10:1 - -- Jerusalem - ירושלם Yerushalam . This word has been variously explained; if it be compounded of שלם shalam , peace, perfection, etc., and...
Jerusalem -

Clarke: Jos 10:2 - -- As one of the royal cities - Not a regal city, but great, well inhabited and well fortified, as those cities which served for the royal residence ge...
As one of the royal cities - Not a regal city, but great, well inhabited and well fortified, as those cities which served for the royal residence generally were. It does not appear that the Gibeonites had any king - they seem to have been a small but powerful republic, all the men thereof were mighty, merely governed by their elders: for in their address to Joshua, Jos 9:11, they mention no king, but simply state that they were sent by their elders and the inhabitants of their country; nor do we any where read of their king; and therefore we may naturally suppose that they had none.

Clarke: Jos 10:3 - -- Hoham king of Hebron - This city was situated in the mountains, southward of Jerusalem, from which it was about thirty miles distant. It fell to the...
Hoham king of Hebron - This city was situated in the mountains, southward of Jerusalem, from which it was about thirty miles distant. It fell to the tribe of Judah

Clarke: Jos 10:3 - -- Piram king of Jarmuth - There were two cities of this name; one belonged to the tribe of Issachar, see Jos 21:29; that mentioned here fell to the tr...

Clarke: Jos 10:3 - -- Japhia king of Lachish - This city is celebrated in Scripture; in that city Amaziah was slain by conspirators, 2Ki 14:19. It was besieged by Sennach...
Japhia king of Lachish - This city is celebrated in Scripture; in that city Amaziah was slain by conspirators, 2Ki 14:19. It was besieged by Sennacherib, 2Ki 18:14, 2Ki 18:17; and without effect by the king of Assyria, as we learn from Isa 37:8 : it was also besieged by the army of Nebuchadnezzar, see Jer 34:7; it also fell to the lot of Judah, Jos 15:39

Clarke: Jos 10:3 - -- Debir king of Eglon - Where this city was situated is very uncertain; but we learn from Jos 15:39, that it fell to the lot of the tribe of Judah.
Debir king of Eglon - Where this city was situated is very uncertain; but we learn from Jos 15:39, that it fell to the lot of the tribe of Judah.
Calvin -> Jos 10:1
Calvin: Jos 10:1 - -- 1.Now it came to pass, etc He had formerly briefly glanced at, but now more fully details the conspiracy of the kings, who dwelt both in the mountain...
1.Now it came to pass, etc He had formerly briefly glanced at, but now more fully details the conspiracy of the kings, who dwelt both in the mountains and in the plain. For after mentioning that they were struck with fear, and leagued together to make common war, he had broken off abruptly, and proceeded to speak of the Gibeonites. But what he had previously said of the kings in general, he now applies only to one individual; not because Adoni-zedek alone was afraid, but because he stirred up all the others, and was the principal originator and leader in carrying on the war against the Israelites. This is sufficiently expressed by the plural number of the verb; for it is said, When Adoni-zedek had heard — they feared greatly. From this it appears that they were all of the same mind, but that while some of them held back from fear, he who possessed greater authority, and was nearer the danger, invited the four others to arms. 90
In the beginning of the chapter it is again told, how the five kings formed an alliance to meet the Israelites, and ward off the overthrow with which they were all threatened. But as the Gibeonites had meanwhile surrendered, they first turned their arms against them, both that by inflicting punishment upon them, as the betrayers of their country, they might make them an example to all their neighbors, and that by striking terror into those vanquished enemies, they might also inspire their own soldiers with confidence. They resolve, therefore, to attack the Gibeonites who, by their embassy, had made a disruption and opened a passage to the Israelites. They had, indeed, a fair pretext for war, in resolving to punish the effeminacy of those who had chosen to give their sanction to strangers, about to lay the whole country waste, rather than faithfully defend their neighbors. And the Gibeonites experienced how useless their crafty counsel must have been, had they not been saved in pity by the Israelites. Meanwhile the Lord allowed them to be involved in danger, in order that, being twice freed, they might more willingly and meekly submit to the yoke.
TSK: Jos 10:1 - -- Adoni-zedec, Gen 14:18; Heb 7:1
as he had : Jos 6:21, Jos 8:2, Jos 8:22-29
how the : Jos 9:15-27, Jos 11:19, Jos 11:20
Adoni-zedec, Gen 14:18; Heb 7:1
as he had : Jos 6:21, Jos 8:2, Jos 8:22-29
how the : Jos 9:15-27, Jos 11:19, Jos 11:20

TSK: Jos 10:2 - -- they feared : Jos 2:9-13, Jos 2:24; Exo 15:14-16; Deu 11:25, Deu 28:10; Psa 48:4-6; Pro 1:26, Pro 1:27; Pro 10:24; Heb 10:27, Heb 10:31; Rev 6:15-17
G...
they feared : Jos 2:9-13, Jos 2:24; Exo 15:14-16; Deu 11:25, Deu 28:10; Psa 48:4-6; Pro 1:26, Pro 1:27; Pro 10:24; Heb 10:27, Heb 10:31; Rev 6:15-17
Gibeon : Gibeon was situated on an eminence, as its name imports, 40 furlongs north from Jerusalem, according to Josephus.
the royal cities : Heb. cities of the kingdom, 1Sa 27:5; 2Sa 12:26

TSK: Jos 10:3 - -- king of Jerusalem : Jos 10:1, Jos 10:5, Jos 12:10-13, Jos 15:35-39, Jos 15:54, Jos 15:63, Jos 18:28
Hebron : Hebron was situated on an eminence, 20 mi...
king of Jerusalem : Jos 10:1, Jos 10:5, Jos 12:10-13, Jos 15:35-39, Jos 15:54, Jos 15:63, Jos 18:28
Hebron : Hebron was situated on an eminence, 20 miles south of Jerusalem, and the same distance north of Beersheba. It is now called El Khalil, ""the well-beloved,""the usual epithet which the Turks and Arabs apply to Abraham, whose sepulchral cave they still shew; over which St. Helena built a magnificent church Its original site was on an eminence, at the southern foot of which the present village is pleasantly situated, on which are the remains of an ancient castle, its sole defence. Jos 14:15; Gen 23:2, Gen 37:14; Num 13:22; 2Sa 2:11

collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: Jos 10:1 - -- Adoni-zedec - i. e "Lord of righteousness"(compare Melchizedek, "King of righteousness"); probably an official title of the Jebusite kings. ...
Adoni-zedec - i. e "Lord of righteousness"(compare Melchizedek, "King of righteousness"); probably an official title of the Jebusite kings.
Jerusalem - i. e. "foundation of peace,"compare Gen 14:18. The city belonged to the inheritance of Benjamin Jos 18:28, but was on the very edge of the territory of Judah Jos 15:8. Hence, it was the strong and war-like tribe of Judah which eventually captured the lower part of the city, most likely in the days of Joshua’ s later conquests Jdg 1:8, and after the warlike strength of the Jebusites had been weakened by the defeat in the open field, recorded in this chapter. The upper town, more especially the fortified hill of Zion, remained in the hands of the Jebusites, who accordingly kept a footing in the place, along with the men of Judah and Benjamin, even after the conquest Jos 15:63; Jdg 1:21; and would seem, indeed, to have so far, and no doubt gradually, regained possession of the whole, that Jerusalem was spoken of in the days of the Judges as a Jebusite city. David finally stormed "the stronghold of Zion,"and called it "the City of David"2Sa 5:6-9. It was, probably, only after this conquest and the adoption by David of the city as the religious and political metropolis of the whole nation, that the name Jerusalem came into use 2Sa 5:5 in substitution for Jehus.

Barnes: Jos 10:3 - -- For Hebron, see Gen 13:18. Jarmuth, afterward one of the cities of Judah Jos 15:35, is probably identified with the modern Yarmuk. Lachish was also ...
For Hebron, see Gen 13:18. Jarmuth, afterward one of the cities of Judah Jos 15:35, is probably identified with the modern Yarmuk. Lachish was also a city of Judah Jos 15:39, and, like Jarmuth, occupied by Jews after the captivity, Neh. 11:39. It was fortified by Rehoboam after the revolt of the Ten tribes 2Ch 11:9, and seems to have been regarded as one of the safest places of refuge 2Ki 14:19. Through Lachish the idolatry of Israel was imported into Judah Mic 1:13, and of this sin the capture of the city by Sennacherib was the punishment 2Ki 18:14-17; 2Ki 19:8. Lachish is by most authorities identified with Um Lakis, lying some twenty miles west of Eleutheropolis, on the road to Gaza (and by Conder with El Hesy).
Eglon is the modern Ajlan.
Poole: Jos 10:2 - -- They feared, i.e. he and his people, the king being spoken of Jos 10:1 , as a public person representing all his people. Or, he and the following ...
They feared, i.e. he and his people, the king being spoken of Jos 10:1 , as a public person representing all his people. Or, he and the following kings, Jos 10:3 . But this fear is mentioned, Jos 10:2 , as the cause why he sent to those kings.
As one of the royal cities either,
1. Really a royal city, the Hebrew particle caph oft signifying the truth of a thing, as Hos 4:4 5:10 , and oft elsewhere. Or,
2. Equal to one of the royal cities, though it had no king, but seems to be governed aristocratically by their elders, Jos 9:11 .

Poole: Jos 10:3 - -- He sent, either because he was superior to them in power or dignity, or because he was nearest the danger, and most forward in the work.
He sent, either because he was superior to them in power or dignity, or because he was nearest the danger, and most forward in the work.
Haydock: Jos 10:1 - -- Ver 1. Adonisedec means, "Lord of justice," as Melchisedec denotes "the king of justice;" perhaps Salem was originally styled Zedec. (Masius) ...
Ver 1. Adonisedec means, "Lord of justice," as Melchisedec denotes "the king of justice;" perhaps Salem was originally styled Zedec. (Masius) ---
This king had probably some control over the neighbouring cities. (Menochius) ---
He was also in the greatest danger; and not daring to attack the Israelites, he resolves to fall upon the Gabaonites unawares, that other cities might be deterred from following their example. ---
Confederates. Hebrew, "and were among them," which may signify either that the Israelites were to dwell in the towns belonging to the Gabaonites, or that the latter should live along with them, as one and the same people, following the same religion, and bound together by the same interests.
Down. (Deuteronomy xxi.) The victorious army had returned some time before the evening, and had time to take the city of Maceda; though some, without reason, believe that this took place the day following.

Haydock: Jos 10:2 - -- Cities. Yet we read not of its king, chap. ix. 11. (Calmet) ---
Septuagint, "It was like a royal metropolis." (Haydock) ---
Valiant. Prudence ...
Cities. Yet we read not of its king, chap. ix. 11. (Calmet) ---
Septuagint, "It was like a royal metropolis." (Haydock) ---
Valiant. Prudence therefore, and not fear, had influenced them to take this step.

Haydock: Jos 10:3 - -- Hebron was about 24 miles south of Jerusalem, and Jerimoth 16. Lachis was a very famous city, (4 Kings xiv., and xviii. 14,) about nine miles so...
Hebron was about 24 miles south of Jerusalem, and Jerimoth 16. Lachis was a very famous city, (4 Kings xiv., and xviii. 14,) about nine miles south of Eleutheropolis, which was itself situated about 20,000 paces towards the south of Jerusalem; (Itin. Anton.) though some assert it was 22 or 32 miles distant. Eusebius and St. Jerome generally fix the situation of places by this city. Eglon was twelve miles to the eastward of it. The Septuagint read Odollam, (Calmet) which was either the same city, (Eusebius) or one probably near it, chap. xii. 12, 5[15]., and ver. 35, 9[39].
Gill: Jos 10:1 - -- Now it came to pass, when Adonizedek king of Jerusalem,.... So called, perhaps by anticipation, Jerusalem, since it seems to have had this name given ...
Now it came to pass, when Adonizedek king of Jerusalem,.... So called, perhaps by anticipation, Jerusalem, since it seems to have had this name given it by the Israelites, when they had got possession of it: and Jerusalem signifies "the possession of Salem" w, and in memory of this its ancient name, the Jews say x, they do not put "jod" in Jerusalem between "lamed" and "mem"; though some make the signification of it, "they shall see peace" y; and others, nearer to its old name, and with respect to it, "fear Salem", O ye enemies. Now the king of this place
had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; which, being nearer to him than Jericho, the more alarmed him:
as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; burnt the one, and slew the other; and this terrified him, lest he and his city should undergo the same fate:
and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them; which as it weakened the interest of the kings of Canaan, might set an example to other places to do the like. Abarbinel suggests, that the Gibeonites making peace with Israel secretly, without the knowledge of their king, as he supposes, made Adonizedek fearful, lest his subjects should do the like; the Jewish chronologers say z, that these three acts respecting Jericho, Ai, and Gibeon, were all finished within three months.

Gill: Jos 10:2 - -- That they feared greatly,.... The king of Jerusalem and his people, lest they should fall into the hands of the Israelites, and be used as Jericho and...
That they feared greatly,.... The king of Jerusalem and his people, lest they should fall into the hands of the Israelites, and be used as Jericho and Ai, and the kings and inhabitants of them were, and that they would be the next that should fall a sacrifice to them; for Gibeon was fifty furlongs from Jerusalem, as Josephus says a; and in another place he says b but forty, which were but five miles; and if fifty, but little more than six miles; according to Bunting c, it was but four miles: and what added to their terror was:
because Gibeon was a great city; being a metropolitan city, and having others subject to it; therefore the surrender of that to the Israelites might intimidate other cities, and lead them by example to do the like, and so of bad consequence:
as one of the royal cities; the Vulgate Latin version omits the note of similitude, and reads, "and one of the royal cities"; and sometimes "caph" or "as" is not a note of likeness, but of reality; yet as we nowhere read of a king of Gibeon, the sense may be, that though it was not a royal seat, it was equal to those that were, and like one, being a metropolitan city: and
because it was greater than Ai: had more inhabitants in it, and perhaps better fortified:
and all the men thereof were mighty; men of strength, courage, and valour, warlike men, and therefore for such a city to yield so easily, and in such a base, mean, and cowardly way, was setting a very bad example.

Gill: Jos 10:3 - -- Wherefore Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron,.... Which, according to Jerom d was twenty two miles from Jerusalem; it was an an...
Wherefore Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron,.... Which, according to Jerom d was twenty two miles from Jerusalem; it was an ancient city built seven years before Zoan in Egypt; See Gill on Gen 13:18 and See Gill on Num 13:22,
and unto Piram king of Jarmuth; a city which fell to the lot of Judah, as did Hebron, Jos 15:35; according to Jerom e, it was four miles distant from Eleutheropolis; according to Procopius f fourteen, about the village Eshtaol, near to which Samson was buried, Jdg 16:31; but Jerom g speaks of a city called Jermus, in the tribe of Judah, which seems to be the same with this; and which he says in his day was a village, that went by the name of Jermucha, ten miles from Eleutheropolis, as you go to Aelia or Jerusalem; and as Eleutheropolis lay twenty miles from Jerusalem, this place must be ten miles from it, lying between them both:
and unto Japhia king of Lachish; which the above writer says h was a city in the tribe of Judah, and in his time a village, seven miles from Eleutheropolis, as you go to Daroma, or the south; and, according to Bunting i, it lay between Eleutheropolis and Hebron, and was twenty miles from Jerusalem towards the southwest:
and unto Debir king of Eglon; which the Septuagint version calls Odollam or Adullam; and Jerom, following this version, makes Eglon the same with Adullam, when it is certain they were different places, and had distinct kings over them, Jos 12:12; and which he says k in his time was a very large village, twelve miles from Eleutheropolis to the east; and, according to Bunting l it was twelve miles from Jerusalem southward. To these four kings the king of Jerusalem sent:
saying; as follows.

expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Jos 10:2 This statement is subordinated to v. 1 in the Hebrew text, which reads literally, “When Adoni-Zedek…they feared greatly.” The subjec...
Geneva Bible -> Jos 10:3
Geneva Bible: Jos 10:3 Wherefore ( a ) Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto...

expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> Jos 10:1-43
TSK Synopsis: Jos 10:1-43 - --1 Five kings war against Gibeon.6 Joshua rescues it.10 God fights against them with hailstones.12 The sun and moon stand still at the word of Joshua.1...
MHCC -> Jos 10:1-6
MHCC: Jos 10:1-6 - --When sinners leave the service of Satan and the friendship of the world, that they make peace with God and join Israel, they must not marvel if the wo...
Matthew Henry -> Jos 10:1-6
Matthew Henry: Jos 10:1-6 - -- Joshua and the hosts of Israel had now been a good while in the land of Canaan, and no great matters were effected; they were made masters of Jerich...
Keil-Delitzsch -> Jos 10:1-4
Keil-Delitzsch: Jos 10:1-4 - --
The report that Joshua had taken Ai, and put it, like Jericho, under the ban, and that the Gibeonites had concluded a treaty with Israel, filled Ado...
Constable -> Jos 5:13--13:1; Jos 10:1-27
Constable: Jos 5:13--13:1 - --C. Possession of the land 5:13-12:24
Before Israel entered the land of Canaan, God had been preparing fo...
