Book of Joshua - Chapter 10 - Verse 4

In this verse from the book of Joshua, Adoni-Zedek, the king of Jerusalem, calls upon his allies to come and help him in attacking Gibeon. Gibeon had made a peace treaty with Joshua and the Israelites, and this alliance threatened the surrounding kings. Adoni-Zedek saw this as a betrayal and sought to punish Gibeon for making peace with their enemies. The verse reflects the political intricacies and power struggles of the ancient Near East, where alliances were constantly shifting and leaders had to constantly navigate between making treaties and engaging in warfare. Adoni-Zedek's call for assistance in smiting Gibeon highlights the importance of loyalty, diplomacy, and the constant threat of conflict in the region during that time. By understanding the context and background of this verse, readers can gain insight into the complexities of biblical geopolitics and the challenges faced by the ancient Israelites in establishing their presence in the Promised Land.

This verse from the Book of Joshua, specifically Joshua 10:4, provides an interesting insight into the theological implications of making peace with one's enemies. In this instance, the ruler of Jerusalem, Adonizedek, calls upon other kings to come together and attack the city of Gibeon because it had made peace with Joshua and the Israelites. This raises the question of whether forging peace treaties with perceived enemies is a betrayal or a strategic move in the context of war. The word "smite" in this verse suggests a violent act, indicating the common approach of conquering enemies through force in ancient times. It also raises ethical considerations about loyalty, deception, and the nature of alliances in times of conflict. This verse invites deeper reflection on the complexities of diplomacy, warfare, and moral decision-making in the biblical narrative. By examining the underlying theological themes and word studies in this verse, readers can gain a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by ancient civilizations in navigating relationships with other tribes and nations.