Topical Encyclopedia Gezer in Biblical ContextGezer was an ancient Canaanite city strategically located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Israel, near the border of Philistine territory. It held significant military and trade importance due to its position on the route connecting Egypt and Mesopotamia. The city is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a landmark in the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. King of Gezer The King of Gezer during the time of Joshua is mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. The biblical narrative in the Book of Joshua describes a coalition of Canaanite kings who opposed the Israelites. The King of Gezer is specifically noted as one of the monarchs who came to the aid of Lachish, another Canaanite city, during its siege by Joshua and the Israelites. Defeat by Joshua The account of the King of Gezer's defeat is found in Joshua 10. After the miraculous event where the sun stood still, allowing the Israelites to continue their battle against the Amorite coalition, Joshua and his forces pursued the fleeing kings. The text states: "Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Lachish to Eglon. They laid siege to it and attacked it. They captured it that same day and put it to the sword, and totally destroyed everyone in it, just as they had done to Lachish. Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon to Hebron and attacked it. They took the city and put it to the sword, along with its king, its villages, and everyone in it. They left no survivors. Just as at Eglon, they totally destroyed it and everyone in it. Then Joshua and all Israel with him turned back to Debir and attacked it. They took the city, its king, and its villages, and put them to the sword. Everyone in it they totally destroyed. They left no survivors. They did to Debir and its king as they had done to Libnah and its king and to Hebron." (Joshua 10:34-39) The King of Gezer's involvement is specifically mentioned in Joshua 10:33: "Then Horam king of Gezer went up to help Lachish, but Joshua struck him down along with his people, leaving no survivors." Significance in Israelite Conquest The defeat of the King of Gezer and his forces was part of a broader campaign led by Joshua to secure the land promised to the Israelites by God. This campaign was characterized by a series of swift and decisive victories over the Canaanite kings, demonstrating the fulfillment of divine promises and the establishment of Israelite control over the land. The conquest of Gezer and its king is emblematic of the larger narrative of the Israelites' divinely sanctioned conquest of Canaan. It underscores the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, as well as the importance of obedience and reliance on divine guidance in achieving victory. Archaeological and Historical Insights Archaeological excavations at Tel Gezer have revealed significant insights into the city's history and its role during the biblical period. The site has yielded evidence of fortifications, water systems, and other structures that attest to its importance as a fortified city. These findings corroborate the biblical account of Gezer as a significant Canaanite city during the time of Joshua. The historical and archaeological evidence aligns with the biblical narrative, providing a tangible context for understanding the events described in the Book of Joshua. The defeat of the King of Gezer serves as a testament to the historical reality of the Israelite conquest and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 10:33Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish; and Joshua smote him and his people, until he had left him none remaining. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 12:12 Library Appendices The Old Testament and Archeology The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Reaction against Egypt Resources What is the structure of the Jewish calendar? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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