“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.”
Context:Joshua 10 records the events of the conquest of southern Canaan by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. The previous chapter narrates the deceitful alliance made by the people of Gibeon with Joshua and the Israelites. The Gibeonites tricked Joshua into making a covenant of peace, fearing the destruction that was coming upon the Canaanite nations. When the neighboring kings learned about the treaty, they gathered their forces to attack Gibeon.
Recognizing the Fear:In verse 2, it is mentioned that the kings who planned to attack Gibeon “feared greatly” because of the city’s strength and significance. This fear can be seen as a recognition of the power of the God of Israel, who had demonstrated His might through the Israelites’ victories in previous battles. The surrounding kings were aware of the Israelites’ successful conquests, and they recognized the potential consequences of opposing the people who were led by the Lord.
The Greatness of Gibeon:The verse describes Gibeon as a “great city” and “one of the royal cities.” Gibeon was known for its size, prominence, and possibly its political influence among the Canaanite city‑states. This suggests that the city was highly fortified and well‑established, making it a formidable opponent. Its stature among the royal cities implies that it held a significant position among the Canaanite nations.
The Might of the Gibeonites:Additionally, the verse states that “all the men thereof were mighty.” This indicates that the inhabitants of Gibeon were renowned for their strength and warrior skills. Their military prowess might have added to the fear instilled in the attacking kings, as they realized that Gibeon was not an easy target to conquer.
Spiritual Lessons:
The Consequences of Deception:The alliance between the Gibeonites and Israel was built on deception. While the Gibeonites were spared from destruction due to their cunning, the consequences of their deceit followed. The neighboring kings, upon discovering the alliance, sought to attack Gibeon. This serves as a reminder that deceit and dishonesty can have unintended consequences and may lead to conflicts and difficulties in the future.
Recognition of God’s Power:The fear of the kings in this verse acknowledges the power of God and His faithfulness to the Israelites. It serves as a testament to the reputation of the Israelites as the chosen people of God and a reminder that God can use His people to accomplish His purposes, even when facing powerful adversaries.
God’s Faithfulness in Unexpected Ways:Although the Gibeonites used deception to save themselves, God’s faithfulness is evident as He honored the covenant made with them, protecting them from the attacking kings. This emphasizes God’s willingness to extend mercy and protection to those who genuinely seek Him, even in unexpected circumstances.
Overall, Joshua 10:2 demonstrates the fear that the neighboring kings felt due to the strength, prominence, and might of Gibeon. It also reveals important spiritual lessons about the consequences of deception, the recognition of God’s power, and God’s faithfulness in unexpected ways.
