5 Then the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon—joined forces. They moved up with all their troops and took up positions against Gibeon and attacked it.
6 The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: “Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us.”
7 So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. 8 The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.”
The alliance of the kings was actually a benefit to the Israelites because they could engage in one campaign war and not many small ones. The armies were confronted and defeated in a single battle. Why? Everything had been worked out by God. Israel had trusted God to give them the victory. Then, Joshua immediately responded to the Gibeonites’ call for help. Again, Joshua and Israel were following God’s commands and putting God first. They had made an oath, and because of God, they took their word seriously. God was taking care of his people. Learn from Joshua and the Israelites and put God first and keep your word.
