Joshua 10:1-11
New enemies appear on the scene. Leading them they have the king of Jerusalem, Adoni-zedec (lord of righteousness). What a difference between this character and Melchizedek (king of righteousness), king of Salem (Genesis 14:18-20). The latter blessed Abram, then blessed the most high God who had delivered the enemies into the patriarch’s hands. By contrast Adoni-zedec assumes the leadership of the enemies of the people of Abraham. He unites his allies against Gibeon who, in turn, calls upon his new ally. What an unfortunate result of the unfaithfulness in ch. 9! Seeing they had the LORD with them, did the people need any other support? Such alliances merely add to the danger.
But in spite of the fact, God still gives the victory. Israel sets off from Gilgal, the place of circumcision and type of the judgment of the flesh. The letter to the Colossians teaches us the full spiritual significance of the place. As we are dead and raised up with Christ it is then our responsibility to put to death our members (Colossians 2:20; Colossians 3:1; Colossians 3:5). The return to Gilgal, which corresponds to that act, is the great secret of victory. In order to conquer, the one who fights by faith must first of all appreciate that he has no strength. So he is ready to let action come from God alone. The LORD Himself wages war from heaven on behalf of His people Israel.