Wesley Corpus

Chapter X In this chapter we have an account of the confederacy against Gibeon, and the request of the Gibeonites to Joshua, ver. 1 - 6. Of Joshua's marching and defeating the confederate kings, ver. 7 - 11. Of the sun's standing still, ver. 12 - 14. Of the execution of the kings, ver. 15 - 27. Of the taking their cities, and conquering all that country, ver. 28 - 42. Of the return of the army to Gilgal, ver. 43. Among them - That is, were conversant with them, had submitted to their laws, and mingled interests with them. Thy - That is, he and his people, the king being spoken of ver.1, as a publick person representing all his people. Royal cities - Either really a royal city, or equal to one of the royal cities, though it had no king, but seems to have been governed by elders, chap.9:11. Adoni - zedek sent - Either because he was superior to them, or because he was nearest the danger, and most forward in the work. Of the Amorites - This name being here taken largely for any of the Canaanites, as is frequent; for, to speak strictly, the citizens of Hebron here mentioned, ver.3, were Hittites. It is reasonably supposed, that the Amorites being numerous and victorious beyond Jordan poured forth colonies into the land of Canaan, subdued divers places, and so communicated their name to all the rest. Slack not thy hand - Do not neglect or delay to help us. Whom thou art obliged to protect both in duty as thou art our master; and by thy owns interest, we being part of thy possessions; and in ingenuity, because we have given ourselves to thee, and put ourselves under thy protection. In the mountains - ln the mountainous country. Joshua ascended - Having no doubt asked advice of God first, which is implied by the answer God gives him, ver.8. All the mighty men - That is, an army of the most valiant men picked out from the rest; for it is not probable, either that he would take so many hundred thousands with him, which would have hindered one another, or that he would leave the camp without an army to defend it. Came suddenly - Though assured by God of the victory, yet he uses all prudent means.