“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.
