Joshua 9 3

Joshua 9:3 kjv

And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai,

Joshua 9:3 nkjv

But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai,

Joshua 9:3 niv

However, when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai,

Joshua 9:3 esv

But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai,

Joshua 9:3 nlt

But when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai,

Joshua 9 verses

Joshua 9 3 Meaning

Joshua 9:3 states the direct motivation for the Gibeonites' subsequent deception: their knowledge of the powerful and terrifying victories Israel had achieved under Joshua. Specifically, they "heard" about the complete destruction of Jericho and Ai. This indicates that the renown of Israel's God, YHWH, and His mighty deeds was spreading, causing fear among the inhabitants of Canaan. Unlike other nations that united to fight Israel (Jos 9:1-2), the Gibeonites adopted a strategy of cunning, driven by this profound fear. The verse highlights their awareness of Israel's divinely-empowered conquests, which distinguished Israel's army from a typical invading force.

Joshua 9 3 Context

Joshua 9:3 serves as the pivotal turning point after Israel's initial two significant victories in Canaan: Jericho and Ai. Following these divinely empowered conquests, particularly the stunning fall of Jericho (a major city by supernatural means) and the subsequent recovery and capture of Ai (demonstrating divine involvement even after an initial setback due to Israel's sin), the reputation of Israel and, more importantly, of YHWH their God, had spread throughout the land. Verses 1 and 2 of this chapter note that other Canaanite kings, having heard of Israel's advances, chose to form a large coalition to collectively fight against Israel. The Gibeonites, however, reacted differently. Instead of open warfare, their "hearing" of these specific events (Jericho and Ai) drove them to an extraordinary and deceptive strategy to secure their survival. This verse sets the stage for their cunning ruse, highlighting that their actions were rooted in a pragmatic assessment of Israel's, and thus YHWH's, overwhelming power and invincibility, prompting fear and a unique survival tactic.

Joshua 9 3 Word analysis

• But when: Indicates a contrasting response or turning point following the actions or information previously mentioned. It sets the Gibeonites' reaction apart from that of the other kings.
• the inhabitants: (Hebrew: yōshĕḇē - יֹושְׁבֵ֣י). From the root yashav, meaning "to sit, dwell, inhabit." This term specifically identifies them as the permanent residents of the city, not just transients or a military garrison. It emphasizes that this was a collective decision by the settled populace of Gibeon.
• of Gibeon: (Hebrew: Giḇ‘ôn - גִּבְעֹ֑ון). A significant city in Canaan, identified later as a large, powerful royal city (Jos 10:2). Its name might relate to 'hill' or 'height', possibly indicating its strategic location. Their response highlights a pragmatic calculation to survive against an unstoppable force.
• heard: (Hebrew: shā·mə‘ū - שָׁמְע֕וּ). From the root shama', meaning "to hear, listen, obey." This word is crucial. It signifies not just passive reception of sound but comprehension and internal processing of information. They didn't just hear about events; they understood the implications of those events, namely Israel's overwhelming, divinely-backed power. This act of hearing directly spurred their unique actions.
• what Joshua had done: (Hebrew: ‘āśāh yəhôshua‘ - עָשָׂ֥ה יְהֹושֻׁ֖עַ). "Had done" comes from ‘asah, meaning "to do, make, accomplish." This phrasing attributes the deeds directly to Joshua, the visible leader. However, implicitly, as Israel knew and other nations were beginning to understand, Joshua was merely the instrument of YHWH. The Gibeonites' fear was truly of the divine power behind Joshua's actions, even if they articulate it as Joshua's deeds.
• to Jericho: (Hebrew: Yĕrīḥō - יְרִיחֹ֖ו). Jericho was Israel's first conquest in Canaan. Its miraculous fall (walls crumbling supernaturally) established YHWH's active involvement in the war. The Gibeonites hearing about this signified understanding that Israel's power was not merely military might but divine intervention.
• and to Ai: (Hebrew: Ha-‘Ā‘î - הָעָ֑י). Ai was conquered after an initial, embarrassing defeat for Israel, caused by Achan's sin. Its eventual fall through military strategy, yet still with divine backing (Joshua's outstretched spear), would have further cemented the impression that Israel was not just lucky, but relentless, overcoming even their own setbacks through divine assistance. The Gibeonites observed this as evidence of an insurmountable opponent.

• "inhabitants of Gibeon heard": This phrase highlights the critical role of information and its reception. Unlike other rulers who mobilized for war upon hearing of Israel's victories, the Gibeonites' hearing led to a distinct analysis of the situation and a different, non-combative strategy for self-preservation. Their 'hearing' led to fear and cunning, contrasting with the 'hardening of hearts' or direct resistance of others.
• "heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai": This grouping emphasizes that the Gibeonites possessed specific and significant intelligence. Jericho's fall was unprecedented and supernatural; Ai's fall, after an initial defeat, showed Israel's persistent and ultimately successful divine backing. These two specific examples revealed to the Gibeonites not just Israel's strength, but YHWH's active, unstoppable involvement, compelling their desperate ruse. The specific enumeration of these cities suggests the Gibeonites paid close attention to Israel's campaign.

Joshua 9 3 Bonus section

The distinction between the falls of Jericho and Ai is significant for the Gibeonites' perception. Jericho fell purely by miraculous intervention (walls collapsing), showcasing YHWH's direct and overwhelming power. Ai, after an initial Israelite defeat due to sin, fell through strategic maneuvering combined with divine direction (Joshua's spear). This meant the Gibeonites would have understood that Israel was not only divinely invincible but also had the capacity to overcome its own setbacks, making them an ultimately unstoppable force. Their cunning was not mere deception but a sophisticated response to perceiving Yahweh's presence and power among Israel. The "fear of the LORD" for them, while not necessarily leading to worship, led to a shrewd act of self-prespreservation that defied the standard Canaanite reaction. This episode reveals how YHWH's fame spreads even to those outside His covenant people, eliciting varied responses, including practical, fear-driven cunning.

Joshua 9 3 Commentary

Joshua 9:3 is the pivotal verse explaining the Gibeonites' unique reaction to Israel's invasion. It underscores the profound impact of God's deeds on the surrounding nations. While other Canaanite kings formed a united front, the Gibeonites, through what they "heard" about the swift, decisive, and divinely-aided destructions of Jericho and Ai, concluded that open warfare against Israel was futile. Their "hearing" was not mere rumor but an intelligent assessment of an overwhelming spiritual and military force, compelling a strategic, albeit deceitful, surrender to preserve life. This response, born out of fear and pragmatic insight, sets them apart and directly precipitates the unusual covenant Joshua unknowingly makes. This shows the efficacy of YHWH's active presence: not all nations resisted identically; some, like Gibeon, acknowledged an insurmountable divine force and sought survival.