Joshua 10:4 is a call to arms among several Amorite kings. Let's break it down:
"Come up to me and help me...": This is an urgent plea for military assistance. The speaker, Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem (as established in verse 1), is calling upon his allies for support.
"Let us strike Gibeon...": Gibeon is the target. The Amorite kings plan to attack the city of Gibeon.
"...for they have made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.": This explains the reason for the attack. Gibeon, a Hivite city (Joshua 9:3-27), had previously deceived Joshua and entered into a treaty (peace agreement) with him and the Israelites. This alliance between Gibeon and Israel is seen as a threat to the Amorite kings.
In essence, the verse means:
The king of Jerusalem is rallying his neighboring Amorite kings to attack Gibeon because Gibeon has made a treaty with the Israelites, which is considered a betrayal and a strategic disadvantage for the Amorites. The Amorite kings likely fear the expanding power of Israel and view Gibeon's alliance as strengthening the Israelites and threatening their own kingdoms.
Joshua 10:4 is a call to arms among several Amorite kings. Let's break it down:
"Come up to me and help me...": This is an urgent plea for military assistance. The speaker, Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem (as established in verse 1), is calling upon his allies for support.
"Let us strike Gibeon...": Gibeon is the target. The Amorite kings plan to attack the city of Gibeon.
"...for they have made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.": This explains the reason for the attack. Gibeon, a Hivite city (Joshua 9:3-27), had previously deceived Joshua and entered into a treaty (peace agreement) with him and the Israelites. This alliance between Gibeon and Israel is seen as a threat to the Amorite kings.
In essence, the verse means:
The king of Jerusalem is rallying his neighboring Amorite kings to attack Gibeon because Gibeon has made a treaty with the Israelites, which is considered a betrayal and a strategic disadvantage for the Amorites. The Amorite kings likely fear the expanding power of Israel and view Gibeon's alliance as strengthening the Israelites and threatening their own kingdoms.