Old Testament
Joshua 10:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They were very afraid because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and it was larger than Ai, with all its men being strong warriors.
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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.
What Joshua 10:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the fear that the kings of the Amorites felt towards Gibeon, a city known for its size and strength. Gibeon was not just any city; it was comparable to the royal cities, indicating its importance and power. The mention of its size being greater than Ai suggests that Gibeon had a significant military presence, with strong warriors ready to defend it. This fear reflects the broader context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, where the reputation of cities and their armies played a crucial role in the psychological warfare of the time. The fear of the Amorite kings illustrates how the Israelites' victories and the strength of their allies could intimidate their enemies, leading to a sense of impending doom among those who opposed them. This verse sets the stage for the events that follow, where the Amorite kings will take action against Gibeon and the Israelites, highlighting the tension and conflict in the narrative.
How to apply Joshua 10:2 to your life
This verse reminds us that fear can often stem from the perceived strength of our challenges. Just as the Amorite kings feared Gibeon, we may face situations that seem overwhelming. Trusting in God’s strength can help us confront our fears and challenges with courage and faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: The Sun Stands Still (Joshua 10:1–15)
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Joshua
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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Keep studying Joshua 10:2
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 10:2 mean?
Joshua 10:2 describes the fear that the Amorite kings felt towards Gibeon, a powerful city known for its size and strong warriors. This fear highlights the significance of Gibeon in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan.
What is the significance of Gibeon in Joshua 10:2?
Gibeon is portrayed as a great city, comparable to royal cities, indicating its importance and military strength. Its size and the might of its warriors made it a formidable opponent, contributing to the fear of the Amorite kings.
What themes are present in Joshua 10:2?
Key themes in Joshua 10:2 include fear, strength, military power, and the reputation of cities. These themes illustrate the psychological impact of perceived strength in conflicts.
How does Joshua 10:2 relate to the Israelite conquest?
Joshua 10:2 relates to the Israelite conquest by showing how the reputation of cities like Gibeon influenced the actions and fears of their enemies, setting the stage for the conflicts that followed.
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