v1-2: The reaction of the Canaanite peoples to Israel's early victories. Although they were Amorites, each was king over a city and its surrounding area. In ch 12, there are 31.9-24 such cities listed.

v3-5: Adoni-Zedek gathered the five kings together. Their target was actually Gibeon, rather than Israel, for Gibeon had made peace with Israel. Later the northern kings came together to attack Israel (11.1).

v6: Joshua only learned of the attack on Gibeon when they sent messengers to him.

v8: After the problems of chapter 8, and the error in making the covenant with Gibeon, the Lord gave encouragement to Joshua.

v9: Zeal and effort; Israel marched all night for Gibeon; just because victory is promised, it doesn't mean that we just sit back and watch it happen.

v10-11: There was direct intervention from God; He fought on behalf of His people. The fact that more Amorites were killed by the hailstones than by the Israelite soldiers demonstrated that the victory was from God. This would prevent the Israelites becoming proud. This was important, as they had many more battles to face.

v12-14: Having marched all night, Israel fought all day; a further indication of the commitment and effort required. Joshua prayed for a longer day, so that the victory could be completed. In answer to his prayer, both the sun and moon stopped in the sky.

v15: See v43; it seems Joshua and the people did not return to Gilgal until after they had exacted punishment in the five Amorite kings.

v16-20: The five kings had been captured in the battle; Joshua left them trapped in the cave until the battle was over.

v21: See Ex 11.7. No one uttered a word against the victorious army.

v22-25: By putting their feet on the kings' necks, the army commanders were given encouragement that they would continue to be victorious. This sign of victory was not restricted to Joshua. his 'army commanders' shared in it.

v26: Contrast 1 Sam 15.8, where Saul failed to deal with the Gentile king. Joshua was perhaps ruthless, but never cruel (contrast Judg 1.7). Sin in our lives must be dealt with ruthlessly.

v28-39: Joshua and Israel next attacked the southern cities;

• These included Lachish, Eglon, and Hebron, who had previously attacked Gibeon (v31-37; see 10.5);
• They also attacked Makkedah, Libnah, and Debir, other cities in the area (v28-30,38-39);
• And they attacked Horam king of Gezer, who had come to help Lachish (v33)

We read that the Lord God fought for Israel. Note also that Joshua and “all Israel with him” went up from town to town. Here was a leader inspiring his people to follow.

v40-43:   The writer summarises Joshua’s southern campaign, and notes that the God of Israel fought for Israel. Victory came at the will and intervention of God.