Joshua 10:6

KJV

And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the men {H582} of Gibeon {H1391} sent {H7971} unto Joshua {H3091} to the camp {H4264} to Gilgal {H1537}, saying {H559}, Slack {H7503} not thy hand {H3027} from thy servants {H5650}; come up {H5927} to us quickly {H4120}, and save {H3467} us, and help {H5826} us: for all the kings {H4428} of the Amorites {H567} that dwell {H3427} in the mountains {H2022} are gathered together {H6908} against us.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people of Giv'on sent a message to Y'hoshua at their camp in Gilgal that said, "Don't ignore your servants! Come up to us quickly, and save us! Help us, because all the kings of the Emori living in the hills have gotten together to fight us."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the men of Gibeon sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: “Do not abandon your servants. Come quickly and save us! Help us, because all the kings of the Amorites from the hill country have joined forces against us.”

American Standard Version

And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the hill-country are gathered together against us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:6 captures the urgent and desperate appeal of the Gibeonites to Joshua, pleading for immediate military intervention from the Israelite camp at Gilgal. Having secured a deceptive peace treaty with Israel, the Gibeonites now face a unified and formidable coalition of Amorite kings from the mountainous regions, who have gathered to punish them for aligning with Israel. This pivotal moment sets the stage for one of the most significant battles in the conquest narrative, underscoring the consequences of covenants and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of the Gibeonites' cunning deception in [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception"), where they tricked Joshua and the leaders of Israel into making a peace treaty. Despite realizing the deception after three days, Israel honored their oath, a testament to the sanctity of covenants in ancient Near Eastern culture and under Mosaic Law, as seen in [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - Keeping Oaths"). The Gibeonites, though spared from destruction, were subjected to servitude as "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the congregation and the altar of the Lord ([Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Servants")). This plea in [Joshua 10:6](/joshua/10-6 "Joshua 10:6 - Gibeon's Plea for Help") is the direct consequence of that covenant, demonstrating Israel's immediate responsibility to protect their new, albeit unwilling, allies. The subsequent narrative in [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Sun Stands Still") details the miraculous battle that ensues, where God intervenes on Israel's behalf.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East placed immense importance on treaties and covenants, viewing them as sacred bonds, often ratified by divine witnesses and carrying severe consequences for breach. For Israel, under Mosaic Law, oaths made in the Lord's name were binding ([Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows")). The Amorite kings, led by Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem, viewed the Gibeonites' peace with Israel not merely as a betrayal of their collective Canaanite resistance but as a direct threat to their own security and autonomy. Gibeon was a major city, "greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty" ([Joshua 10:2](/joshua/10-2 "Joshua 10:2 - Gibeon's Significance")), making its alliance with Israel a significant shift in the balance of power. The formation of this five-king coalition reflects a desperate attempt to halt Israel's advance and maintain Canaanite control of the strategic central highlands. Joshua's camp at Gilgal, located in the Jordan Valley, served as Israel's primary military and spiritual base during the initial stages of the conquest ([Joshua 5:9-10](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9-10 - Israel at Gilgal")).
* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 10:6](/joshua/10-6 "Joshua 10:6 - Gibeon's Plea for Help") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua. Firstly, it underscores the **sanctity of covenants**, even those entered into deceptively, highlighting Israel's commitment to their word despite the cost. Secondly, it showcases the **desperate appeal for divine intervention and human assistance**, as the Gibeonites, facing overwhelming odds, cry out to Joshua. This foreshadows Israel's own reliance on God in battle. Thirdly, the verse sets the stage for the theme of **united opposition** against God's people, as the Amorite kings coalesce against Israel and its new allies, mirroring broader spiritual warfare. Finally, and most profoundly, it implicitly points to **divine providence and strategic sovereignty**. While the Gibeonites' plea is born of fear, God uses this very crisis to draw out the combined forces of the southern Canaanite kings, enabling Israel to achieve a decisive and comprehensive victory, thereby fulfilling His promise to give them the land ([Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slack not (Hebrew, _rāphâ'_):** This verb, often translated as "slack," "relax," "let go," or "abandon," carries a strong connotation of ceasing effort or withdrawing support. In this context, the imperative "slack not thy hand" (אַל־תֶּרֶף יָדֶיךָ) is a desperate plea for Joshua not to abandon them, not to hold back his strength, and not to delay his intervention. It expresses the Gibeonites' fear that Joshua might, understandably, be reluctant to help those who deceived him, or that he might underestimate the severity of their plight. It emphasizes the urgency and the perceived mortal danger they face.
* **Amorites (Hebrew, _ʾĔmōrî'_):** While "Amorite" can sometimes be used as a general term for the inhabitants of Canaan (e.g., [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - Iniquity of the Amorites")), here it specifically refers to a prominent group of Canaanite peoples who inhabited the mountainous regions of Judah, particularly around Jerusalem and Hebron. This designation highlights the specific geographical and political threat, as these kings represent the entrenched power structures of the southern highlands, directly opposing Israel's advance into the promised land. Their gathering signifies a formidable, united front against God's people and their new allies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal":** This establishes the immediate context of the plea. Gibeon, a powerful city, is now in distress and must appeal to Joshua, who is strategically located at Gilgal, Israel's primary base. This act underscores their vulnerability and their recognition of Joshua's authority and military capability, despite their previous deceptive encounter.
* **"saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us":** This is the core of the desperate appeal. "Slack not thy hand" is an idiom for "do not abandon us" or "do not withdraw your help," conveying extreme urgency. The triple imperative – "come up quickly," "save us," "help us" – emphasizes the immediacy of the threat and the Gibeonites' complete reliance on Joshua for deliverance. They humble themselves, referring to themselves as "thy servants," acknowledging their subordinate status under the covenant.
* **"for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us":** This clause provides the justification for their urgent plea. The threat is not from a single city or king, but from a formidable, unified coalition of "all the kings of the Amorites" from the strategic "mountains" (the central highland region). This highlights the scale of the danger and the existential threat faced by Gibeon, which, by extension, now threatens Israel's reputation and the sanctity of their covenant. It sets the stage for a major confrontation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. The **Repetition** of imperative verbs ("come up," "save," "help") in the Gibeonites' plea intensifies their desperation and the immediacy of their need. The phrase "Slack not thy hand" is a powerful **Idiom**, vividly expressing the plea for unwavering support and non-abandonment, drawing on a common understanding of physical action to convey a moral and military imperative. The description of "all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains" uses **Hyperbole** or **Synecdoche** to emphasize the overwhelming numerical and strategic superiority of the enemy coalition, creating a sense of dire peril. While perhaps not literally *all* the kings, it signifies a comprehensive and formidable alliance. The verse also serves as a crucial point of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the monumental battle described later in [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Great Battle"), where God's miraculous intervention will be displayed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This desperate plea from Gibeon underscores a profound theological principle: God's faithfulness to His covenants, even when His people are imperfect or when circumstances arise from human error or deception. While Israel entered the covenant with Gibeon under false pretenses, the Lord's law upheld the sanctity of oaths ([Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - Keeping Oaths")). Therefore, Israel's obligation to protect Gibeon became an extension of their obedience to God's commands regarding covenant fidelity. This situation also reveals God's sovereign hand, orchestrating events such that a deceptive act ultimately leads to a major confrontation where He can display His power and secure a decisive victory for His people, fulfilling His promise to give them the land. The Gibeonites' cry for help, though born of fear, mirrors the human condition's need for divine intervention in the face of overwhelming odds. It is a testament to the truth that God often uses unexpected circumstances and even human weakness to advance His redemptive purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Destroy Canaanites")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are Abomination")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 10:6 offers rich ground for personal reflection and practical application in the life of a believer. First, it challenges us to consider the weight and integrity of our own commitments. Just as Joshua and Israel honored their oath despite the Gibeonites' deception, we are called to be people of our word, recognizing that our integrity reflects upon our witness for Christ. This doesn't mean we are naive to deceit, but that our faithfulness, once committed, should be unwavering. Second, the Gibeonites' desperate cry for help reminds us of our own vulnerability and dependence, both on God and on our community. In moments of crisis, when we face overwhelming "Amorite kings" in our lives – be they spiritual battles, personal struggles, or societal pressures – our first response should be a fervent appeal for help. It encourages us to "slack not" our hand in reaching out to God in prayer and to fellow believers for support, knowing that God often works through His people to provide deliverance and strength. Finally, the verse implicitly points to God's overarching sovereignty, reminding us that even in complex or messy situations, He can orchestrate events to bring about His perfect will and display His power for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I being called to uphold a commitment, even when it's difficult or inconvenient?**
* **In what areas am I "slackening my hand" in prayer or in seeking help from God or my community?**
* **How does the Gibeonites' desperate plea encourage me to trust God's provision and intervention in my own overwhelming circumstances?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the importance of integrity and trustworthiness in my relationships and actions?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Amorite kings attack Gibeon and not Israel directly?**

Answer: The Amorite kings attacked Gibeon because Gibeon, a major Canaanite city, had made a peace treaty with Israel. This alliance was seen as a betrayal of the collective Canaanite resistance against the invading Israelites and a direct threat to the other southern kingdoms. By striking Gibeon, they aimed to punish the "traitors," deter other cities from making similar alliances, and potentially draw Israel into a battle on their terms, hoping to defeat them. It was a strategic move to maintain Canaanite solidarity and power in the face of Israel's advance, as described in [Joshua 10:4](/joshua/10-4 "Joshua 10:4 - Kings Unite Against Gibeon").

**What does "Slack not thy hand" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Slack not thy hand" (אַל־תֶּרֶף יָדֶיךָ) is a Hebrew idiom meaning "do not abandon us," "do not withdraw your help," or "do not hold back your strength." It's a desperate plea for immediate and decisive intervention. The Gibeonites are imploring Joshua not to hesitate or refuse to help them, despite their earlier deception, because their very survival depends on his swift action. It conveys extreme urgency and highlights their complete reliance on Israel's military might, as seen in their plea in [Joshua 10:6](/joshua/10-6 "Joshua 10:6 - Gibeon's Urgent Plea").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 10:6, while detailing a historical military crisis, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate deliverance found in Christ. The Gibeonites' desperate cry for a deliverer, "come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us," echoes humanity's universal need for salvation from an overwhelming enemy. Just as Joshua, whose name means "Yahweh saves," came swiftly to rescue those bound by a covenant, so too does Jesus Christ, the greater Joshua, come to save those who cry out to Him. Our "Amorite kings" are not merely earthly armies but the spiritual forces of sin, death, and the devil, against whom we are utterly powerless ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). Yet, through His perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection, Christ has decisively defeated these enemies, disarming the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the faithful covenant-keeper, honoring the new covenant established in His blood, which secures eternal salvation for all who believe ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")). When we "slack not" our hand in faith but reach out to Him, He comes quickly, not merely to help us in battle, but to bring us into His eternal kingdom, fulfilling all the promises of God in Himself ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). He is our ultimate refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble ([Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge")).

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

Joshua 9:6

And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us.

Joshua 5:10

¶ And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.

Deuteronomy 1:15

So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes.

Isaiah 33:22

For the LORD [is] our judge, the LORD [is] our lawgiver, the LORD [is] our king; he will save us.

Psalms 125:2

As the mountains [are] round about Jerusalem, so the LORD [is] round about his people from henceforth even for ever.

Luke 1:39

¶ And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

Joshua 9:24

And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing.