Joshua 10:3

"they were very afraid, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty."

Key Reflection

This passage underscores the formidable nature of Gibeon in the eyes of the five kings who sought to defeat Israel. The city's size, royal status, and powerful inhabitants instilled a profound sense of dread, highlighting both the strategic importance of Gibeon and the initial fear that characterized the Canaanite response to Israel’s advance.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

For Hebron, seeGenesis 13:18. Jarmuth, afterward one of the cities of JudahJoshua 15:35, is probably identified with the modern Yarmuk. Lachish was also a city of JudahJoshua 15:39, and, like Jarmuth, occupied by Jews after the captivity, Neh. 11:39. It was fortified by Rehoboam after the revolt of the Ten tribes2 Chronicles 11:9, and seems to have been regarded as one of the safest places of refuge2 Kings 14:19. Through Lachish the idolatry of Israel was imported into JudahMicah 1:13, and of this sin the capture of the city by Sennacherib was the punishment2 Kings 18:14-17;2 Kings 19:8.

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