Joshua 10:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Now it came to pass, when Adonizedec king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →News of Israel's victories at Jericho and Ai, and Gibeon's peace treaty, reaches the king of Jerusalem.
What Does Joshua 10:1 Mean?
Chapter 10 opens with rumor running ahead of Israel. Adonizedec, whose name means lord of righteousness, rules Jerusalem long before David would make it his city. He hears two things at once: that Joshua has leveled Jericho and Ai, and that nearby Gibeon has slipped over to Israel's side. A neighbor making peace with the advancing nation changes everything for the kings of the land.
The verse sets the stage for a clash that the reader already senses will end in God's favor. Behind the political fear lies a deeper truth: the word of what God has done spreads faster than armies march. Hearts are being weighed by how they respond to the news. Some, like Gibeon, seek peace; others, like this king, gather for war. The same report that draws one to safety hardens another.
Joshua 10:1 in the Original Language
Adonizedec (אֲדֹנִי־צֶדֶק), 'lord of righteousness' -- a royal title echoing Melchizedek, the earlier king of that same city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 10:1
What does Joshua 10:1 mean?
News of Israel's victories at Jericho and Ai, and Gibeon's peace treaty, reaches the king of Jerusalem.