Joshua 10:6

And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us.

Joshua 10:6 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the account of Joshua’s conquest of Canaan. The Gibeonites had earlier deceived Israel into making a peace treaty by pretending to come from a distant land (Joshua 9). When the Amorite kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon learned of this alliance, they united to attack Gibeon. Now the men of Gibeon send an urgent message to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, pleading for immediate help.

Meaning

The phrase “Slack not thy hand” is an idiom meaning “do not relax your hand” or “do not withdraw your help.” It shows the Gibeonites’ desperate dependence on Joshua’s swift action. They call themselves “thy servants,” acknowledging their subordinate place under Israel’s protection. Their words reveal the seriousness of the threat: all the Amorite kings dwelling in the mountains have gathered together against them.

Biblical connections

Joshua’s response to this plea is seen in the following verses, where God assures him, “Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand” (Joshua 10:8). This connection shows that the cry for help is answered not only by Joshua’s obedience but by God’s own promise of victory. The covenant made with Gibeon, though based on deception, is honored by Joshua, demonstrating the importance of keeping one’s word even when the agreement was flawed.

Application

This verse teaches that when we are in danger, we can cry out to God with urgency and humility. The Gibeonites did not rely on their own strength but appealed to their covenant partner. In the same way, believers can call on God, who is faithful to His promises. Human alliances may be imperfect, but God can use them within His sovereign plan. The plea also reminds us to act quickly when others are in need, just as Joshua was called to do.

Reflection

Consider the trust the Gibeonites placed in Joshua. They had seen God’s power at work and believed that Joshua would not abandon them. This challenges us to examine our own confidence in God’s deliverance. When enemies gather against us, do we turn to Him with the same earnestness? The verse assures us that God hears the cries of His people and is able to save, regardless of the size or strength of the opposing coalition.