College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Joshua 10 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 10
The southern coalition. Five kings of the Amorites banded themselves together to punish the inhabitants of Gibeon because they had made peace with the Israelites, They did not attack Israel, but vented their rage on the Canaanites who inhabited the Hivite towns under the direction of Gibeon. These kings were utterly defeated by Joshua near Beth-horon in the battle where God miraculously interfered by causing the sun to stand still for a whole day.
The death of the five kings. After the battle was over; Joshua made sure that none escaped, not even the kings. He did not make the same mistake as that made by Saul when he saved Agag, the king of the Amalekites, and some of the best of the spoils, even though he had been commanded to destroy them utterly.
The summary of the conquest. Different towns were listed as those completely subjugated by Joshua as he led the Israelites in their victorious battles. The land which they subdued was that which stretched from Kadesh-Barnea in the south to Gibeon in the north. Joshua returned to his camp in Gilgal after the southern coalition was defeated.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Politics make strange bed-fellows. The combination of the five kings of the Amorites who banded themselves to punish the inhabitants of Gibeon indicates the way in which these Canaanites would ordinarily fight against themselves. The kings did not attack the Israelites directly; but they went out to punish one of their own cities, because the people there had made a league with the invading Israelites. Probably the king of Hebron and the king of Jebus would not ordinarily get along together at all. When they faced a common enemy, however, they were willing to drop their differences and go out in a unified campaign.
2.
He put the stars in place. The miracle of the sun standing still has drawn a lot of attention. Many different explanations have been given as to how the phenomenon could have occurred. Some suggest that gases bent the sun's rays so that it was light for a long time on the earth. Others have suggested that it only seemed that the day was long because the Israelites were so busy in fighting that they forgot to notice the time. All these explanations cannot explain the plain historical statement of fact that the sun stood still. God fought for Israel. He who put the sun, moon, and stars in place in the beginning (Genesis 1:14) caused them to stop in their places while Israel won this battle.
3.
Victory belongs to the faithful. Joshua learned his lesson after Jericho. He knew it was not enough to come close to doing what God asked him to do. He did not spare any of the kings who had fought against God's people. All of them were executed according to the commandments of the law. After these campaigns were waged, he was able to return in peace to his camp at Gilgal. Christians have the same hope of eventual victory and the Sabbath rest in heaven.
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 10
1.
What was the name of the king who led in the forming of the southern coalition?
2.
Of what city was he the ruler?
3.
What five other cities joined in the coalition?
4.
What city in Canaan did these kings attack?
5.
Where was the camp of Israel at the time?
6.
Along the way to what city did Israel chase the Canaanites?
7.
Over what valley was the moon standing while the battle was fought?
8.
Over what city was the sun standing while the battle was fought?
9.
What territory on the South is listed as the southern border of the conquered territory?
10.
What city is listed as being on the northern border of the conquered territory?