Joshua 9:10

And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that [were] beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which [was] at Ashtaroth.

And all that he did {H6213} to the two {H8147} kings {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}, that were beyond {H5676} Jordan {H3383}, to Sihon {H5511} king {H4428} of Heshbon {H2809}, and to Og {H5747} king {H4428} of Bashan {H1316}, which was at Ashtaroth {H6252}.

and everything he did to the two kings of the Emori across the Yarden, Sichon king of Heshbon and 'Og king of Bashan at 'Ashtarot.

and all that He did to the two kings of the Amorites beyond the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth.

and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, who was at Ashtaroth.

Commentary

Context

Joshua 9:10 is spoken by the Gibeonites, a people group who, fearing Israel's military might, orchestrated an elaborate deception to secure a peace treaty. In this verse, they are attempting to convince Joshua and the leaders of Israel that they have come from a "very far country" (as stated in Joshua 9:6). To lend credibility to their story, they cite well-known historical victories that Israel, under God's hand, achieved under Moses. Specifically, they refer to the decisive defeats of Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan, both Amorite kings who ruled territories "beyond Jordan" (east of the Jordan River). These victories were significant because they marked the beginning of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land, even before crossing the Jordan into Canaan proper.

Key Themes

  • God's Demonstrable Power: The mention of Sihon and Og's defeat underscores the overwhelming power of God working through Israel. These were formidable kings, yet they fell before the Israelites, demonstrating that the Lord fought for His people.
  • Israel's Growing Reputation: The news of Israel's victories, particularly those east of the Jordan, had spread far and wide, instilling fear in the surrounding nations. This verse highlights the reputation of Israel and their God that preceded them.
  • The Basis of Fear and Deception: The Gibeonites’ recount of these specific battles reveals the depth of their fear, which motivated their elaborate ruse. They knew Israel’s God was powerful and that no one could stand before Him.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: These conquests were part of God's promise to give Israel the land and subdue their enemies, as detailed in passages like Numbers 21:21-35 and Deuteronomy 3:1-11.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "beyond Jordan" is a geographical descriptor often used in the Old Testament to refer to the Transjordan region, east of the Jordan River. For the Israelites, who were about to enter Canaan from the east, this was the territory they had already conquered under Moses. The term "Amorites" refers to a powerful and widespread Semitic people group who inhabited various parts of Canaan and Transjordan, often depicted as formidable adversaries of Israel.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God's past faithfulness and victories serve as a powerful testimony, influencing those around us, whether for good or ill. The Gibeonites' fear, though leading to deception, was rooted in the undeniable evidence of God's work. For us, it highlights the importance of remembering and recounting God's mighty acts in our own lives and in history, as they stand as a testament to His character and power. However, it also serves as a subtle warning: even true accounts of God's power can be twisted or used for manipulative purposes if spiritual discernment is lacking, as was the case when Israel failed to inquire of the Lord before making a covenant with the Gibeonites.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 2:30

    But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as [appeareth] this day.

  • Deuteronomy 3:7

    But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves.

  • Numbers 21:24

    And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong.

  • Numbers 21:35

    So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.

  • Joshua 12:4

    And the coast of Og king of Bashan, [which was] of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,

  • Deuteronomy 1:4

    After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:

  • 1 Chronicles 6:71

    Unto the sons of Gershom [were given] out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:
← Back