What is the meaning of Joshua 9:3? But - The little word “but” signals a crucial contrast. The narrative has just recounted the Canaanite kings joining forces against Israel (Joshua 9:1-2). Now, a different reaction appears. - Scripture often pivots on a “but” to highlight God’s unfolding plan (e.g., Genesis 50:20; Ephesians 2:4-5). Here, the shift prepares us to see a city choosing craft over combat. the people of Gibeon - Gibeon was a prominent Hivite city, later described as “a great city, like one of the royal cities” (Joshua 10:2). - Located only a day’s journey from Gilgal, Gibeon faced an immediate threat once Israel crossed the Jordan and captured central Canaan. - Unlike other Hivites who rallied for war (Joshua 11:1-4), these citizens considered another path. Their distinct choice fulfills Exodus 23:27—“I will send My terror before you,” causing some inhabitants to melt in fear rather than fight. having heard - News of Israel’s victories spread quickly, just as Rahab reported in Jericho: “We have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea” (Joshua 2:10-11). - Hearing God’s deeds demands a response—either humble submission (Psalm 66:3-5) or hardened resistance (Revelation 9:20-21). The Gibeonites opt for the former. - Romans 10:17 reminds us, “So faith comes by hearing.” While their faith is mixed with self-preservation, they still acknowledge the LORD’s unstoppable power. what Joshua had done - Joshua’s actions are inseparable from God’s command; the victories belong to the LORD (Joshua 10:42). - God exalted Joshua in Israel’s eyes (Joshua 4:14), and the pagan towns recognized that divine backing. The Gibeonites discerned that opposing Joshua meant opposing Israel’s covenant God. to Jericho - Jericho’s impregnable walls collapsed at God’s word (Joshua 6:20-21). That event fulfilled Deuteronomy 9:1-3, proving the LORD “goes before you as a consuming fire.” - News of Jericho’s fall emphasized that not even fortified cities could stand, intensifying surrounding nations’ dread (Joshua 5:1). and Ai - After the initial setback caused by Achan’s sin, Joshua returned to Ai and “left none remaining” (Joshua 8:25-29). - Unlike Jericho, Ai was taken by military strategy under God’s direction, showing Israel’s leader could conquer by miracle or by tactical skill, as God pleased. - The combination—supernatural victory at Jericho, strategic brilliance at Ai—left the Gibeonites convinced they had no chance in open battle (Joshua 9:24). summary The single verse sets a dramatic stage: despite regional alliances forming against Israel, one city reconsiders. The conjunction “but” introduces Gibeon’s unique response; the people, fully informed of God’s recent, literal acts at Jericho and Ai, choose diplomacy over war. Their decision illustrates the widespread impact of God’s triumphs through Joshua, the certainty of His promises, and the way information about His mighty works forces every listener to choose submission or rebellion. |
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