What does Joshua 10:2 mean?
"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 10:2
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."
This verse appears in the context of the Israelites' conquest of the land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. At this point in the story, the Gibeonites, a group of people who lived in Canaan, had tricked the Israelites into making a treaty with them by pretending to be from a distant land. When the Israelites realized that the Gibeonites were actually their neighbors, they were afraid, as they knew they were expected to conquer and destroy all the inhabitants of Canaan.
The context of this verse is significant for understanding its meaning and implications. The verse describes the fear and concern of the people because of the size and strength of the city of Gibeon. This fear is grounded in the real threat posed by Gibeon and its inhabitants, who were known for their military might. The verse conveys the sense of unease and uncertainty that the Israelites experienced as they faced the challenges of fulfilling their divine mandate to possess the land.
One of the key themes in this verse is the concept of fear and the response to it. The Israelites were afraid of the power and strength of the city of Gibeon and its people. This fear was not unfounded, as the Gibeonites were indeed a force to be reckoned with. However, the response of fear is also notable, as it reveals the human emotions and vulnerabilities of the Israelites as they embarked on this daunting campaign of conquest. The verse captures the complex emotional and psychological dynamics at play as the Israelites grappled with the reality of the challenges they faced.
Another theme in this verse is the contrast between the expectations and realities of warfare. The Israelites had been promised victory and success in their conquest of Canaan, but the strength and resilience of their enemies proved to be a formidable obstacle. The verse underscores the discrepancy between the perceived power of the city of Gibeon and the Israelites' fear of it, highlighting the tension between faith and doubt, trust and fear.
In addition to its thematic significance, this verse also contains elements of symbolism and metaphor. The city of Gibeon can be seen as a symbol of the formidable challenges and opposition that the Israelites encountered as they sought to claim the land that had been promised to them. The fear and uncertainty associated with Gibeon serve as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations that the Israelites faced in their quest to establish themselves in the land of Canaan.
Overall, Joshua 10:2 (KJV) offers a rich and nuanced portrayal of the human experience of fear, doubt, and uncertainty in the face of adversity. The verse encapsulates the complex interplay of emotions, expectations, and realities that characterized the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. Through its themes, context, and symbolism, this verse provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of faith and perseverance in the midst of conflict and struggle.
Have questions about Joshua 10:2?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Joshua 10:2 Artwork
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 10:2 (KJVA) 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.
"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 10:2
Joshua 1:10 - "¶ Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,"
Joshua 10:43 - "And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal."
Joshua 10:38 - "¶ And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and fought against it:"
Joshua 10:15 - "¶ And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal."
Joshua 18:10 - "¶ And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions."
Joshua 10:17 - "And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah."
Joshua 10:9 - "Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night."
"¶ Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying," - Joshua 1:10
Joshua 10:29 - "Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah:"
Joshua 10:36 - "And Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with him, unto Hebron; and they fought against it:"
Joshua 10:18 - "And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them:"
Joshua 10:31 - "¶ And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it:"
Joshua 10:34 - "¶ And from Lachish Joshua passed unto Eglon, and all Israel with him; and they encamped against it, and fought against it:"
Joshua 10:22 - "Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave."
Joshua 10:7 - "So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour."
Joshua 10:42 - "And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel."
Joshua 7:10 - "¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?"
Joshua 10:41 - "And Joshua smote them from Kadesh-barnea even unto Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon."
Joshua 10:21 - "And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel."
Joshua 8:10 - "And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai."
Joshua 10:26 - "And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening."
Joshua 10:4 - "Come up unto me, and help me, that we may smite Gibeon: for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel."
Joshua 11:10 - "¶ And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms."
Joshua 4:10 - "¶ For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over."
Joshua 10:8 - "¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee."
Joshua 12:10 - "The king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one;"
"¶ And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal." - Joshua 10:15