Joshua 9:10
And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth.
Joshua 9:10 (KJV)
Context
Joshua 9 records the Gibeonite deception. Israel had entered the Promised Land, and the surrounding nations were afraid. The Gibeonites, a Canaanite tribe, tricked the Israelites into making a covenant of protection by pretending to be from a distant country. In this verse, they repeat what they had heard about Israel’s victories over the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan: Sihon of Heshbon and Og of Bashan, who lived at Ashtaroth.
Meaning
The verse names specific kings and places. Sihon ruled Heshbon, and Og ruled Bashan, with Ashtaroth as one of his cities. These were real rulers and real territories. The Gibeonites did not speak of distant legends; they spoke of events that had actually happened. Their words show that news of Israel’s victories had spread widely and that the nations understood the power of Israel’s God.
Israel had already defeated these kings, as recorded in Numbers 21:21-35 and Deuteronomy 2:24-3:11. Those victories were not merely military successes. They were acts of God, who had promised to give the land to Israel. The defeat of Sihon and Og demonstrated God’s faithfulness and power, and it prepared the way for the conquest of Canaan.
Biblical connections
The Gibeonites knew what God had done, but they responded with fear and deception rather than faith. They did not seek to join Israel or to worship the Lord. Instead, they tried to protect themselves by lying. This contrast is important. The same knowledge of God’s mighty acts can lead either to humble trust or to self-protective scheming.
Later, Joshua 12:1-6 summarizes these victories as part of Israel’s conquest. The memory of Sihon and Og served as a reminder of God’s power for generations. The Gibeonites’ words, though spoken with dishonest intent, still testified to the truth of God’s deeds.
Application
This verse reminds believers that God’s past faithfulness is a foundation for present trust. When facing difficult decisions, recall how God has acted before. The Israelites, however, failed to seek the Lord before making the covenant with the Gibeonites. Their mistake warns us to pray and seek wise counsel before entering into commitments.
The Gibeonites’ deception also warns against responding to God’s work with manipulation. They saw God’s power but chose to rely on their own schemes. Believers are called to respond with integrity and faith, not with fear-driven lies. When we know what God has done, the right response is humble obedience, not self-protection.
Reflection
God’s sovereignty is clear in this account. Even the Gibeonites’ deception did not derail His purposes. Joshua and the leaders kept their promise, showing that commitments made before God should be honored. This narrative teaches that God remains in control, and He can work through imperfect situations to accomplish His will.
Remember and proclaim God’s mighty deeds, as the Gibeonites did, but do so with truth and trust. Let the memory of His past faithfulness strengthen your faith today.
