Topical Bible: Gibeon: A City of the Hivites: Assigned to the Aaronites

◄ Gibeon: A City of the Hivites: Assigned to the Aaronites ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Geographical and Historical Context:
Gibeon was a significant city located in the central region of ancient Canaan, approximately 6 miles northwest of Jerusalem. It was one of the principal cities of the Hivites, a Canaanite tribe. The city is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership.

Biblical Narrative:
The people of Gibeon are most famously known for their cunning treaty with the Israelites. In Joshua 9, the Gibeonites, fearing the advancing Israelite army, resorted to deception to secure a peace treaty. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land and convinced Joshua and the leaders of Israel to make a covenant of peace with them. Joshua 9:15 states, "And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them."

When the deception was uncovered, the Israelites honored the treaty due to the oath they had sworn before the LORD, but the Gibeonites were made servants, as described in Joshua 9:27 : "On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD at the place He would choose. And they are to this day."

Role in Israel's History:
Gibeon played a crucial role in the subsequent military campaigns of Israel. When five Amorite kings attacked Gibeon for allying with Israel, Joshua led a miraculous victory, aided by divine intervention, as recorded in Joshua 10. The LORD caused confusion among the Amorite armies and extended the day by halting the sun, allowing Israel to achieve a complete victory.

Religious Significance:
Gibeon later became a significant religious site. It was here that the tabernacle of the LORD was set up during the reign of King David and into the early reign of Solomon. 1 Chronicles 16:39 notes, "David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in Gibeon."

Assignment to the Aaronites:
Gibeon was assigned to the Aaronites, a priestly family within the tribe of Levi. This allocation is detailed in Joshua 21:17 : "And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba." The Aaronites were responsible for the religious duties and services in the tabernacle, and Gibeon's role as a Levitical city underscores its importance in the spiritual life of Israel.

Archaeological Insights:
Modern archaeological excavations at the site of ancient Gibeon, identified with the village of el-Jib, have uncovered significant findings, including a large water system and wine cellars, which attest to the city's historical and economic importance.

Legacy:
Gibeon's legacy is multifaceted, encompassing themes of divine providence, the importance of oaths, and the integration of foreign peoples into the covenant community of Israel. Its account serves as a testament to the complex interactions between the Israelites and the indigenous peoples of Canaan, as well as the enduring significance of faithfulness to God's commands.