Topical Bible: Gibeon: A City of the Hivites: The Tabernacle Located At

◄ Gibeon: A City of the Hivites: The Tabernacle Located At ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Gibeon was a significant city in ancient Israel, known for its strategic location and its inhabitants, the Hivites. It is situated approximately 6 miles northwest of Jerusalem. The city is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament and played a pivotal role in the history of Israel.

Historical Background

Gibeon was one of the major cities of the Hivites, a Canaanite tribe. The Hivites were among the original inhabitants of the land of Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites. The city is first mentioned in the context of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership.

The Gibeonite Deception

One of the most notable events involving Gibeon is the Gibeonite deception. In Joshua 9, the Gibeonites, fearing the advancing Israelites, resorted to a cunning plan to secure a peace treaty. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land and approached Joshua and the leaders of Israel, seeking a covenant of peace. Unaware of the deception, Joshua made a treaty with them. When the truth was discovered, the Israelites honored the treaty but made the Gibeonites woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:27).

The Battle of Gibeon

Gibeon also became the site of a significant battle. In Joshua 10, five Amorite kings formed an alliance to attack Gibeon because of its treaty with Israel. In response, Joshua led the Israelite army to defend Gibeon. The LORD intervened miraculously, causing the sun to stand still and extending the day until Israel achieved victory (Joshua 10:12-14).

The Tabernacle at Gibeon

In the period following the conquest, Gibeon gained religious significance. The Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, was located at Gibeon for a time. This is noted in 1 Chronicles 16:39, where it states, "David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in Gibeon" . The presence of the Tabernacle made Gibeon an important center for worship and sacrifice.

Solomon's Sacrifice at Gibeon

Gibeon is also remembered as the place where King Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings. It was here that the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, granting him wisdom and discernment (1 Kings 3:4-5). This event marked the beginning of Solomon's renowned wisdom and prosperous reign.

Archaeological and Geographical Significance

Modern archaeological efforts have identified Gibeon with the site of el-Jib. Excavations have uncovered significant remains, including a large pool and winepresses, which attest to the city's historical and economic importance.

Gibeon's legacy in biblical history is marked by its strategic alliances, its role in Israel's military victories, and its religious significance as a site of worship. The city's interactions with Israel highlight themes of covenant, divine intervention, and the centrality of worship in the life of God's people.

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1 Kings 3:4
And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer on that altar.
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1 Chronicles 16:39
And Zadok the priest, and his brothers the priests, before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that was at Gibeon,
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1 Chronicles 21:29
For the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of the burnt offering, were at that season in the high place at Gibeon.
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2 Chronicles 1:2,3,13
Then Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.
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