“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.”
This verse is part of the account of Joshua’s conquest of the land of Canaan. The Israelites, led by Joshua, had made a covenant with the people of Gibeon, who had deceived them by pretending to be from a distant land rather than a nearby city. When the surrounding Amorite kings learned of the alliance between Gibeon and Israel, they gathered together to attack Gibeon in an effort to punish them for their decision to make peace with the Israelites.
Context:In this verse, we see that the men of Gibeon sent a message to Joshua, who was encamped in Gilgal. They urgently implored him not to delay and to come quickly to their aid. They acknowledged that they were in a dire situation, as all the kings of the Amorites who lived in the mountains had united against them.
This verse demonstrates a few important aspects:
- The power of alliances:The Gibeonites sought the help of Joshua and the Israelites because they recognized that their alliance had put them in a vulnerable position. They understood that their only hope for deliverance was to appeal to the strength and protection of their covenant partners.
- The urgency of the situation:The plea from the men of Gibeon reveals the imminent danger they were facing. The Amorite kings had gathered together against them, indicating a significant military threat. Gibeon needed immediate assistance, highlighting the need for Joshua to act swiftly.
- Joshua’s role as a leader:Joshua’s leadership and military prowess are evident in this verse. The fact that the men of Gibeon reached out to him indicates their trust in his capabilities and his reputation as a successful military commander. They believed that Joshua and the Israelite army could rescue them from their predicament.
Overall, Joshua 10:6 showcases the dynamics of alliances, the urgency of seeking help in times of trouble, and the leadership qualities of Joshua. It is a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites as they established their presence in the Promised Land and the faith they placed in God’s chosen leader, Joshua.
