Topical Bible: Gibeon: A City of the Hivites

◄ Gibeon: A City of the Hivites ►

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Gibeon, an ancient city located in the territory of the Hivites, holds significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative. Situated approximately 6 miles northwest of Jerusalem, Gibeon is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of Israel's conquest of Canaan and the subsequent establishment of the Israelite kingdom.

Historical Background

Gibeon was a prominent city during the time of Joshua's conquest of Canaan. The inhabitants of Gibeon, known as the Gibeonites, were Hivites, one of the Canaanite tribes. In a strategic move to preserve their lives, the Gibeonites resorted to deception to form a covenant with Israel. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land and sought a peace treaty with Joshua and the Israelites. Joshua 9:15 records, "And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them."

Despite the deceit, the covenant was honored by the Israelites, and the Gibeonites were spared. However, they were assigned to serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:27).

Role in Israel's Conquest

Gibeon's strategic location and its alliance with Israel drew the ire of surrounding Canaanite kings. In response, a coalition of five Amorite kings attacked Gibeon. The Gibeonites appealed to Joshua for help, leading to the famous battle where the LORD intervened by casting down large hailstones and causing the sun to stand still, as recorded in Joshua 10:12-14 : "On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: 'O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.' So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies."

Religious Significance

Gibeon later became a significant religious site during the reign of King David and King Solomon. The tabernacle of the LORD was located at Gibeon, and Solomon offered sacrifices there. 1 Kings 3:4 notes, "Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for it was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar."

It was at Gibeon that the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, granting him wisdom and discernment, as described in 1 Kings 3:5-14 . This divine encounter marked a pivotal moment in Solomon's reign and the history of Israel.

Later History

In the post-exilic period, Gibeon was re-inhabited by the returning exiles, as mentioned in Nehemiah 7:25 . The city's enduring presence in the biblical narrative underscores its importance in the history of Israel and its role in God's unfolding plan for His people.

Gibeon's legacy is a testament to the complex interactions between the Israelites and the indigenous peoples of Canaan, as well as the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to Israel despite human failings and deceptions.

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Joshua 9:3,17
And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai,
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2 Samuel 21:2
And the king called the Gibeonites, and said to them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn to them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)
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Library

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
... There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites
the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle. ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter five the sovereignty of.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... We read, "There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save
the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle. ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm