Joshua 10:2

KJV

That they feared greatly, because Gibeon [was] a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it [was] greater than Ai, and all the men thereof [were] mighty.

KJV (with Strong's)

That they feared {H3372} greatly {H3966}, because Gibeon {H1391} was a great {H1419} city {H5892}, as one {H259} of the royal {H4467} cities {H5892}, and because it was greater {H1419} than Ai {H5857}, and all the men {H582} thereof were mighty {H1368}.

Complete Jewish Bible

his people became greatly alarmed; because Giv'on was as large as one of the royal cities, larger than 'Ai, and all its men were courageous.

Berean Standard Bible

So Adoni-zedek and his people were greatly alarmed, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were mighty.

American Standard Version

that they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:2 vividly portrays the profound dread that seized the Amorite kings upon learning of Gibeon's peace treaty with Israel. This fear was rooted in Gibeon's significant strategic standing—described as a formidable urban center comparable to royal cities, demonstrably larger and more powerful than Ai, and inhabited by a populace renowned for its military prowess. This unexpected alliance dramatically altered the regional balance of power, compelling the Amorite coalition to launch a preemptive strike against Gibeon, thereby orchestrating a pivotal confrontation with Israel that would further God's conquest of Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate consequence and explanatory foundation for the Amorite kings' actions detailed in [Joshua 10:3-5](/joshua/10-3-5 "Joshua 10:3-5 - The Amorite Coalition Against Gibeon"). It directly follows [Joshua 10:1](/joshua/10-1 "Joshua 10:1 - Adoni-zedek's Fear and Alliance"), which reports King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem's reaction to the Gibeonite alliance. The preceding narrative in [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception") meticulously recounts how the Gibeonites, through cunning deception, secured a peace treaty with Israel, despite Israel's divine mandate to utterly destroy the Canaanite inhabitants. Once the deception was uncovered, Israel, bound by its solemn oath, honored the covenant, effectively extending its protection over Gibeon. This unforeseen alliance was not merely a diplomatic incident but a seismic geopolitical shift. It created a powerful Israelite-allied enclave deep within Canaanite territory, directly threatening the remaining independent city-states, particularly the Amorite confederation in the southern highlands. The "great fear" articulated in [Joshua 10:2](/joshua/10-2 "Joshua 10:2 - The Amorites' Fear of Gibeon") is therefore the direct psychological and strategic catalyst for the Amorite kings' decision to attack Gibeon, which, in turn, precipitates the major battle described throughout the remainder of [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Battle of Gibeon").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Late Bronze Age in Canaan was characterized by a fragmented political landscape, comprising numerous independent city-states, each governed by its own king and controlling a specific sphere of influence. Alliances were frequently formed out of strategic necessity, often in response to perceived threats or opportunities for expansion. The Amorites were a prominent Semitic people, historically influential across the ancient Near East, who had established several formidable city-states in the southern highlands of Canaan, including Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. Gibeon, though not explicitly led by a "king" in the same manner as its neighbors, clearly functioned as a significant, self-governing urban center, likely a regional capital or a dominant city among a cluster of associated towns. Its description as "one of the royal cities" underscores its substantial political, economic, and military prominence. The Amorite kings' fear was profoundly rational within this context: Israel, already a formidable invading force that had conquered Jericho and Ai, had now gained a powerful and strategically vital foothold in the heart of their territory through the Gibeonite alliance, effectively outflanking them and consolidating Israel's control over a crucial central region.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illuminates several recurring themes within the book of Joshua. Firstly, it highlights the **strategic importance of Gibeon**; its considerable size, inherent strength, and pivotal location made its alliance with Israel a transformative event, signaling Israel's accelerating territorial and military dominance. Secondly, the **theme of fear** is pervasive throughout the conquest narratives, frequently serving as a divine instrument to demoralize Israel's adversaries or to provoke them into actions that ultimately serve God's overarching plan (cf. [Exodus 23:27](/exodus/23-27 "Exodus 23:27 - God's Terror Before Israel") and [Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "Deuteronomy 2:25 - Fear and Dread Upon Nations")). The "greatly feared" response of the Amorite kings is a testament to Israel's divinely-backed might and the palpable presence of the Lord. Thirdly, the verse subtly points to **divine orchestration**, even amidst human fallibility. While the Gibeonite covenant was secured through a clever deception ([Joshua 9:15](/joshua/9-15 "Joshua 9:15 - The Gibeonite Covenant")), God masterfully used this unexpected development to draw out the southern Canaanite kings, setting the stage for a decisive confrontation where He would spectacularly intervene on behalf of Israel, as dramatically showcased in [Joshua 10:14](/joshua/10-14 "Joshua 10:14 - The Lord Fought for Israel"), thereby demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **feared (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3372, this primitive root signifies "to fear," but also "to revere" or "to dread." In this context, it denotes an intense, overwhelming terror that can either paralyze or provoke an extreme reaction. The Amorite kings' fear is not mere apprehension but a deep-seated dread, often in biblical narratives, a recognition of divine power at work, foreshadowing impending judgment or defeat.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** From H1419, this word describes something "great in any sense," encompassing size, importance, power, or influence. Applied to Gibeon, it emphasizes its substantial urban scale, its significant population, and its overall prominence as a major city. This "greatness" made Gibeon's alignment with Israel particularly alarming and strategically impactful for the Amorite coalition.
* **mighty (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** From H1368, this term describes someone "powerful," often implying a "warrior," "champion," or "valiant man." The declaration that "all the men thereof were mighty" highlights the Gibeonites' collective military capability, their reputation for strength, and their fighting spirit. This formidable military asset, now allied with Israel, presented a terrifying prospect to the Amorite kings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That they feared greatly":** This initial clause directly articulates the intense emotional response of the Amorite kings (specifically Adoni-zedek and his confederates, as introduced in [Joshua 10:1](/joshua/10-1 "Joshua 10:1 - Adoni-zedek's Fear")). Their fear was not a minor apprehension but a profound and overwhelming dread ("greatly"), indicating a deep sense of alarm, vulnerability, and impending threat. This intense fear serves as the primary psychological motivator for their subsequent military actions.
* **"because Gibeon [was] a great city":** This provides the first and foundational reason for the Amorite kings' fear. Gibeon's substantial size, population, and overall importance as an urban center meant it was a significant asset. Its alliance with Israel was not a minor diplomatic gain but a major strategic acquisition, fundamentally altering the regional balance of power in Israel's favor.
* **"as one of the royal cities":** This phrase further elaborates on Gibeon's elevated status and prominence. While Gibeon did not have a "king" in the same direct sense as Jerusalem or Hebron, this descriptor suggests it held a comparable level of political and economic significance, perhaps functioning as a regional capital or a dominant self-governing city with considerable influence over surrounding towns. Its high status made its defection to Israel's side particularly impactful and threatening.
* **"and because it [was] greater than Ai":** This clause offers a direct and potent comparison, underscoring Gibeon's superior strength and magnitude relative to Ai. Ai, though initially a formidable challenge for Israel, was ultimately conquered and utterly destroyed ([Joshua 8](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Conquest of Ai")). The fact that Gibeon surpassed Ai in size and power highlighted the immense strategic advantage Israel had now gained, making the perceived threat even more palpable and alarming to the Amorite kings.
* **"and all the men thereof [were] mighty":** This final clause emphasizes the formidable military strength of the Gibeonite population. Their men were not merely numerous but were described as "mighty," implying they were skilled, valiant, and powerful warriors. This meant Israel had gained not just a strategically vital location but also a potent military ally, further amplifying the existential threat perceived by the Amorite coalition.

#### Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs **Emphasis** and **Contrast** to convey the gravity of the situation for the Amorite kings. The repeated use of powerful descriptors such as "great city," "royal cities," and the explicit comparison "greater than Ai" serves to emphasize Gibeon's formidable status and the profound shift in regional power dynamics. The direct **Contrast** with Ai, a city Israel had already decisively defeated, highlights Gibeon's superior strength, thereby providing a clear justification for the Amorite kings' "great fear." Furthermore, the phrase "all the men thereof were mighty" utilizes a form of **Hyperbole** or strong generalization to powerfully convey the collective military prowess of the Gibeonites, reinforcing the overwhelming nature of the perceived threat. This cumulative detailing paints a vivid and alarming picture of Gibeon's strength and the deep alarm it instilled among Israel's enemies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:2 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work, even through unexpected means. The "great fear" of the Amorite kings is a recurring motif in the conquest narratives, often serving as a divine sign that the Lord is fighting for Israel and that the inhabitants of the land are being divinely disarmed and prepared for judgment. This fear is not merely a psychological reaction but a spiritual one, a recognition of the overwhelming power of the God of Israel, whose reputation preceded His people (cf. [Exodus 15:15-16](/exodus/15-15-16 "Exodus 15:15-16 - The Nations Tremble") and [Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "Deuteronomy 2:25 - Fear and Dread Upon Nations")). The Gibeonite alliance, though born of human deception, became a strategic pivot point in God's plan, drawing out the remaining southern kings for a decisive confrontation where God would display His miraculous power. This demonstrates that God can use even human machinations and unforeseen circumstances to advance His purposes and fulfill His covenant promises to His people, ultimately leading to their triumph and the establishment of His kingdom.

* [Exodus 23:27](/exodus/23-27 "Exodus 23:27 - God's Terror Before Israel")
* [Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "Deuteronomy 2:25 - God's Terror on Nations")
* [Psalm 105:24-25](/psalms/105-24-25 "Psalm 105:24-25 - God Turns Hearts Against Enemies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound fear that gripped the Amorite kings in Joshua 10:2 serves as a powerful reminder that when God's people walk in obedience and trust, His formidable presence and power can precede them, causing even their adversaries to tremble. This verse challenges believers today to consider the spiritual impact of their alignment with God. When we are genuinely committed to God's will and purposes, our lives, individually and corporately, can become a formidable force for His kingdom, inspiring awe in some and fear in others who actively oppose His ways. It also highlights God's incredible ability to weave even human error, deception, or unforeseen circumstances into His grand tapestry of redemption. The Gibeonites' trickery, though problematic, led to an alliance that God sovereignly used to set the stage for a major victory for Israel. This teaches us that God is not limited by our imperfections, our missteps, or the unexpected turns of life; rather, He can redeem and repurpose any situation for His ultimate glory. We are called to trust in His absolute sovereignty, knowing that He is always working, often behind the scenes and through means we could never have imagined, to accomplish His perfect and redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "great fear" of the Amorite kings reflect God's active presence and power on behalf of His people?**
* **In what ways might our faithful alignment with God's will cause a "fear" or respect among those who oppose His kingdom today?**
* **How does God's use of the Gibeonite alliance, despite its deceptive origins, encourage you about His ability to work through imperfect circumstances in your own life?**
* **What "strategic alliances" (e.g., community, church, spiritual partnerships) might God be calling you to embrace for His purposes, even if they seem unexpected or unconventional?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Amorite kings so afraid of Gibeon's alliance with Israel, specifically?**

Answer: The Amorite kings' fear stemmed from a confluence of factors directly related to Gibeon's inherent strategic importance and Israel's rapidly expanding power. Firstly, Gibeon was described as a "great city" and "one of the royal cities," indicating it was a substantial urban center, likely functioning as a regional capital or a prominent, self-governing entity with significant resources and influence. Its sheer size, population, and infrastructure made it a formidable power in its own right. Secondly, the verse explicitly states it was "greater than Ai," a city Israel had already conquered and utterly destroyed ([Joshua 8:28](/joshua/8-28 "Joshua 8:28 - Ai's Destruction")). This direct comparison underscored that Israel was now gaining an ally even stronger than a city they had already decisively defeated, highlighting the escalating threat. Finally, the phrase "all the men thereof were mighty" conveyed that Gibeon possessed a strong, valiant, and militarily capable fighting force. The alliance meant that Israel, already a terrifying invading force with a reputation for divine backing, had now gained a powerful, strategically located, and militarily potent ally right in the heart of Amorite territory. This dramatic shift in the regional balance of power was perceived as an existential threat, directly provoking their decision to launch a preemptive strike against Gibeon.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "great fear" that gripped the Amorite kings in [Joshua 10:2](/joshua/10-2 "Joshua 10:2 - The Amorites' Fear of Gibeon") serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate fear and trembling that will seize the enemies of God's kingdom in the face of Christ's unstoppable and eternal reign. Just as the nations of Canaan trembled before Israel, the true people of God, so too will all earthly powers and spiritual adversaries ultimately bow before the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"). The Gibeonite alliance, though born of human deception, was sovereignly used by God to draw out the enemies of His people, setting the stage for a decisive victory. This mirrors God's grand redemptive plan, where even the machinations of sinful humanity, culminating in the crucifixion of Christ, were paradoxically used by God to achieve the greatest victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")). The "mighty men" of Gibeon, joining Israel, point to the diverse multitude from every tribe, tongue, and nation who, through faith in Christ, are made mighty in Him and join His spiritual army, expanding His kingdom not through physical conquest of land but through the peaceful yet powerful spread of the Gospel ([Ephesians 6:10-17](/ephesians/6-10-17 "Ephesians 6:10-17 - The Armor of God")). Ultimately, the fear of Israel's enemies gives way to the glorious triumph of the Lamb, whose kingdom will have no end, and before whom every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 11:25

There shall no man be able to stand before you: [for] the LORD your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as he hath said unto you.

Joshua 2:24

And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.

Exodus 15:14

The people shall hear, [and] be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

Exodus 15:16

Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be [as] still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

Psalms 48:4

For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.

Psalms 48:6

Fear took hold upon them there, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.

Proverbs 1:26

I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;