Joshua 9:1

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, when all the kings which [were] on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard [thereof];

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when all the kings {H4428} which were on this side {H5676} Jordan {H3383}, in the hills {H2022}, and in the valleys {H8219}, and in all the coasts {H2348} of the great {H1419} sea {H3220} over against {H4136} Lebanon {H3844}, the Hittite {H2850}, and the Amorite {H567}, the Canaanite {H3669}, the Perizzite {H6522}, the Hivite {H2340}, and the Jebusite {H2983}, heard {H8085} thereof;

Complete Jewish Bible

When all the kings on the west side of the Yarden in the hills, in the Sh'felah and all along the shore of the Great Sea that fronts the L'vanon - the Hitti, Emori, Kena'ani, P'rizi, Hivi and Y'vusi - heard what had happened,

Berean Standard Bible

Now when news of this reached all the kings west of the Jordan—those in the hill country, the foothills, and all along the coast of the Great Sea toward Lebanon (the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites)—

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when all the kings that were beyond the Jordan, in the hill-country, and in the lowland, and on all the shore of the great sea in front of Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 9:1 marks a pivotal moment in the Israelite conquest of Canaan, depicting the collective and alarmed response of the indigenous kings and peoples to the news of Israel's recent, divinely-empowered victories at Jericho and Ai. This verse sets the stage for a shift in the narrative from direct, overwhelming military engagements to the cunning deception employed by the Gibeonites, highlighting the widespread fear and the initial attempts at confederation among the Canaanite inhabitants in the face of an existential threat.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Israel's decisive victory over Ai in [Joshua 8](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - Defeat of Ai and Covenant Renewal") and the subsequent covenant renewal ceremony at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. The preceding chapters, [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") and [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai"), detail the miraculous fall of Jericho and the initial setback at Ai due to Achan's sin, followed by renewed obedience and victory. Joshua 9:1 thus serves as a critical transition, demonstrating that the fame of Israel's God and His powerful acts had spread throughout the land, prompting a unified, albeit desperate, reaction from the Canaanite city-states. It directly precedes the narrative of the Gibeonites' deceptive treaty, which exploits this very fear.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "on this side Jordan" specifically refers to the land of Canaan proper, west of the Jordan River, which was the promised inheritance for Israel. The detailed geographical description—"in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon"—emphasizes the comprehensive reach of the news and the widespread nature of the reaction, encompassing the entire breadth of the land from the central highlands to the Mediterranean coast and the northern borders near Lebanon. The listed peoples—the Hittite, Amorite, Canaanite, Perizzite, Hivite, and Jebusite—represent the major ethnic groups inhabiting Canaan, a land characterized by independent city-states rather than a unified kingdom. These groups were known for their idolatrous practices and moral depravity, which was the basis for God's command to Israel to dispossess them, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Dispossess Nations"). Their collective hearing and subsequent response underscore the gravity of the threat perceived by these diverse entities.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 9:1 introduces or reinforces several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Fear and Reaction** of the indigenous peoples. The news of Israel's divine victories, particularly the supernatural fall of Jericho and the strategic capture of Ai, instilled deep dread among the Canaanite kings, fulfilling earlier prophecies of nations trembling before God's people (e.g., [Exodus 15:14-16](/exodus/15-14 "Exodus 15:14-16 - Nations Tremble")). Secondly, the verse foreshadows the theme of **Confederation and Opposition**. Rather than facing Israel individually, these kings recognize a common enemy and begin to form alliances to resist the advancing Israelites, a pattern that recurs throughout the book of Joshua (e.g., [Joshua 10:1-5](/joshua/10-1 "Joshua 10:1-5 - Southern Kings Form Alliance")). This resistance underscores the world's inherent opposition to God's chosen people and His divine plan. Lastly, it subtly reinforces **God's Sovereignty in Conquest**. Even the fear and subsequent opposition of these kings were part of God's overarching plan for the conquest of the Promised Land, demonstrating that their reactions, far from thwarting God's purposes, merely set the stage for the next phase of His unfolding will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heard (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This verb signifies more than mere auditory perception; it implies attentive listening, understanding, and often, a subsequent response or obedience. In this context, the Canaanite kings did not just casually hear reports; they fully comprehended the devastating implications of Israel's victories and the divine power behind them. This deep understanding led directly to their desperate attempt to organize resistance, as described in the subsequent verses.
* **Kings (Hebrew, _melekh_):** The use of the plural "kings" emphasizes the decentralized political structure of Canaan, which was composed of numerous independent city-states, each ruled by its own king. This collective mention highlights the widespread nature of the alarm and the eventual formation of alliances, as these disparate rulers recognized a common threat that transcended their individual territories.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when all the kings which [were] on this side Jordan":** This opening clause establishes the setting and the primary actors. "On this side Jordan" specifies the geographical location as the land of Canaan, west of the Jordan River, which is the immediate target of Israel's conquest. "All the kings" indicates a comprehensive and widespread awareness and reaction among the various rulers of the independent city-states inhabiting the region.
* **"in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon":** This detailed geographical enumeration emphasizes the extensive reach of the news about Israel's victories. It covers the diverse topography of Canaan—from the central highlands ("hills") to the low-lying plains and wadis ("valleys"), and extending westward to the Mediterranean coastline ("coasts of the great sea") and northward towards the region bordering Lebanon. This paints a picture of a land fully aware and deeply disturbed by the unfolding events.
* **"the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard [thereof];":** This list identifies the specific ethnic groups and inhabitants of Canaan who received the news. These are the very nations God commanded Israel to dispossess due to their wickedness (cf. [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - God's Command to Dispossess Nations")). Their collective "hearing" (as explored in Key Word Analysis) signifies not just awareness, but a profound understanding of the existential threat posed by Israel's divinely-backed advance, setting the stage for their subsequent actions.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 9:1 employs several effective literary devices to convey its message. The prominent use of **Listing/Enumeration** is evident in the detailed geographical descriptions ("in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon") and the precise cataloging of the various Canaanite peoples (Hittite, Amorite, Canaanite, Perizzite, Hivite, and Jebusite). This extensive enumeration emphasizes the widespread impact of Israel's victories and the comprehensive nature of the fear gripping the land. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the collective "hearing" and implied alarm of these kings directly sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of the Gibeonite deception and the later confederations against Israel (e.g., [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - Southern Campaign")). The phrase "all the kings" might contain an element of **Hyperbole**, not necessarily meaning every single king without exception, but rather conveying the overwhelming and pervasive nature of the fear and the unified response it provoked across the region. Finally, the vivid **Geographical Detail** serves to ground the narrative in a tangible reality, illustrating the vast scope of the divine intervention and its consequences for the inhabitants of Canaan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 9:1 serves as a powerful testament to the widespread impact of God's mighty acts on behalf of His people. The fear gripping the Canaanite kings fulfills ancient prophecies, demonstrating that God's reputation precedes His people, paving the way for their conquest. This fear is not merely psychological; it is a theological response to the manifest power of Yahweh, the God of Israel, who is actively fighting for His people. The verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty, showing that even the reactions of His enemies are within His providential control, ultimately serving His purposes for the land and His covenant people. The confederation of these kings, though intended to thwart Israel, ultimately provides further opportunities for God to display His power in judgment and salvation.

* [Exodus 15:14-16](/exodus/15-14 "Exodus 15:14-16 - Nations Tremble Before God")
* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Dispossess Nations")
* [Psalm 2:1-4](/psalms/2-1 "Psalm 2:1-4 - The Kings of the Earth Conspire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 9:1 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that the powerful work of God in the world inevitably elicits a response. When the Gospel is faithfully proclaimed and lived out, it often provokes both acceptance and fierce opposition, akin to the fear and confederation seen among the Canaanite kings. This verse challenges us to consider the impact of God's presence and power in our own lives and communities. Are we living in such a way that the "news" of God's transforming work is spreading, causing others to take notice, whether in fear or in faith? While the Canaanite kings united against God's people, this passage implicitly reminds us of the strength found in unity, whether for good or ill. As believers, we are called to be united in Christ (cf. [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity in the Spirit")) to stand against spiritual opposition and advance God's kingdom. Ultimately, despite the organized resistance of powerful forces, God's ultimate plan for Israel to possess the land would not be thwarted. This serves as a powerful reminder that God's purposes will always prevail, even in the face of the most formidable and organized resistance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you see the "news" of God's work (e.g., the Gospel, acts of justice, personal transformation) spreading in your context today, and what kinds of reactions does it provoke?**
* **How does the unity of the Canaanite kings against Israel challenge or inspire believers to greater unity in standing for Christ?**
* **What "giants" or "confederations" of opposition do you face in your spiritual walk or in the mission of the church, and how does Joshua 9:1 encourage you about God's ultimate sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**What was the "thereof" that the kings heard?**

Answer: The "thereof" refers to the news of Israel's recent, miraculous, and decisive victories in the land of Canaan. Specifically, this would include the supernatural fall of Jericho, where the city walls collapsed after Israel marched around them (as described in [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho")), and the strategic defeat of Ai, which followed Israel's renewed obedience after Achan's sin (detailed in [Joshua 8](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - Defeat of Ai")). The reputation of the God of Israel, who fought for His people, had spread throughout the region, instilling fear and alarm among the indigenous inhabitants.

**Why are these specific peoples (Hittite, Amorite, Canaanite, Perizzite, Hivite, and Jebusite) listed?**

Answer: These six groups represent the primary inhabitants of the land of Canaan whom God had commanded Israel to dispossess. [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - God's Command to Dispossess Nations") lists seven nations (adding the Girgashite), but the specific groups mentioned here in [Joshua 9:1](/joshua/9-1 "Joshua 9:1 - Canaanite Kings React") are those whose kings were particularly alarmed and sought to confederate against Israel. Their inclusion emphasizes the widespread nature of the threat perceived by the various, distinct city-states and ethnic groups that comprised the Canaanite population.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 9:1 describes a physical conquest and the fear it instilled among earthly kings, it ultimately points to a greater spiritual reality fulfilled in Christ. The "news" that spread throughout Canaan, causing fear and confederation, foreshadows the transformative impact of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, which likewise spreads throughout the world and elicits diverse responses. Just as the Canaanite kings united against God's chosen people, so too do the "kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed" ([Psalm 2:2](/psalms/2-2 "Psalm 2:2 - Kings Conspire Against God")). Yet, Christ, the true Joshua (Jesus, meaning "Yahweh saves"), is the ultimate King who conquers not by sword and siege, but by His cross and resurrection. He disarms the spiritual powers and authorities that oppose God's kingdom ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), establishing a new covenant and inviting all nations, tribes, and tongues into His spiritual kingdom. The "rest" promised in the land of Canaan finds its ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual rest and peace offered by Christ to all who believe in Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Thus, the fear of earthly kings in Joshua 9:1 gives way to the glorious truth that 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 "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

Numbers 34:6

And [as for] the western border, ye shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west border.

Exodus 3:17

And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

Exodus 23:23

For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.

Joshua 3:10

And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God [is] among you, and [that] he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.

Joshua 10:2

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.

Joshua 10:5

Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped before Gibeon, and made war against it.

Joshua 10:28

¶ And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that [were] therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.