When five Amorite kings—of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—attack Gibeon for making peace with Israel, Joshua marches all night from Gilgal and catches them by surprise as the LORD throws them into confusion before Israel. The LORD casts great hailstones from heaven, killing more than the sword, and at Joshua's command the sun stands still over Gibeon and the moon over the Valley of Aijalon for about a whole day until Israel avenges itself. The five kings hiding in the cave at Makkedah are sealed in, then brought out, humiliated, executed, and hung on trees; Joshua proceeds to conquer the southern cities—Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, Debir—leaving no survivors.
Read Joshua Chapter 10 Summary
Characters in This Chapter

Successor of Moses who led Israel in conquering and settling the Promised Land

Faithful spy who received Hebron as his inheritance at age 85

Canaanite woman who hid the spies and was saved with her family

Israelite who sinned by taking devoted things from Jericho, causing Israel's defeat at Ai

First High Priest of the Second Temple
Places in This Chapter

First city conquered, whose walls fell miraculously after Israel marched around them

Miraculously crossed on dry ground, marking Israel's entry into the Promised Land

Jerusalem is the holiest city in Judaism and Christianity, central to the biblical narrative. King David captured it and made it his capital, and his son Solomon built the First Temple there. It was the site of Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and the birth of the Christian church at Pentecost. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history.

Gibeon was a Canaanite city whose inhabitants tricked Joshua into making a peace treaty. God made the sun stand still here during Joshua's battle. Solomon offered sacrifices at the great high place in Gibeon, where God appeared to him in a dream offering him anything he asked.

Hebron is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives are buried in the Cave of Machpelah here. David was anointed king of Judah in Hebron and ruled from there for seven years before moving the capital to Jerusalem.
Position in Book
Fall of Jericho, Achan's sin, conquest of Ai, the Gibeonite deception, southern and northern campaigns, list of defeated kings.




