Joshua 10:2
That they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty.
Joshua 10:2 (KJV)
Context
Joshua 10 records Israel’s conquest of southern Canaan. In the previous chapter, the Gibeonites deceived Joshua into a peace treaty, fearing the destruction coming upon the Canaanite nations. When Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, heard that Gibeon had made peace with Israel, he and his people “feared greatly.” Their fear was not ordinary alarm but deep dread, because they knew what had happened to Jericho and Ai.
Meaning
The verse gives two reasons for this fear. First, Gibeon was a “great city,” “as one of the royal cities,” meaning it held significant political and strategic importance, possibly with its own king. Second, it was “greater than Ai,” a city Israel had already conquered, and “all the men thereof were mighty.” Gibeon’s strength lay not only in its walls but in its powerful fighting force. If such a formidable city surrendered to Israel, the other Canaanite kings had reason to be alarmed.
Biblical connections
This fear directly fulfilled God’s promise to drive out the inhabitants of the land before Israel (Deuteronomy 9:3). The coalition of five Amorite kings that attacked Gibeon (Joshua 10:5) was a direct response to this treaty, leading to the miraculous victory where the sun stood still.
Application
God’s power working through His people can cause even strong enemies to fear. Believers today can trust that God goes before them, just as He did for Israel. When we see God’s mighty acts, we should respond with reverent faith, not with the terror of those who oppose Him.
Reflection
Consider how the fear of the Canaanite kings contrasts with the faith of Rahab, who also heard of God’s works but chose to align with Israel (Joshua 2:9-11). Fear can lead to resistance or to surrender. The Gibeonites chose peace and were spared; the kings who attacked were defeated. Our response to God’s power determines our outcome.
