In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “it came to pass, when Adonizedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them”, and in chapter ten and verse two of the book of Joshua, we learn how, “they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city” where we read,
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.
The verse reads, “That they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “that they feared greatly” which means “that they, Aconizedek king of Jerusalem and the people located there, stood in exceedingly afraid, and in awe, reverence and dread”, “because Gibeon” or “since and on account of Gibeon whose name means hill city and was a Levitical city of Benjamin, modern 'el-Jib', which lies five miles or five km from Jerusalem” “was a great city” which means “existed as an abundantly large, important and noble dwelling place or town”, “as one of the royal cities” or “similar and in likeness to particular and certain dominions, reigns, sovereignties and realms”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Adonizedek” and those within his territory were exceedingly afraid since “Gibeon” was a large dwelling place and like one of the dominions and reigns.
The verse continues, “… and because it was greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and because it was greater than Ai” which means “since and on account that it, Gibeon, existed as abundantly larger, more important and more distinguished compared to Ai, Aija, Aiath or Hai whose name means heap of ruins and was a city lying east of Bethel and beside Bethaven near Jericho and the second city taken on the invasion of Canaan”, “and all the men thereof” or “and each, the whole and every one of the male human beings” “were mighty” which means “existed as strong, powerful and brave”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Gibeon” was much larger and more important than “Ai”, and every one of their male human beings were powerful and strong.
When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Joshua or the writer how “Adonizedek” who was the royal ruler in “Jerusalem” became exceedingly afraid at the time he heard about the conquests of Israel over the cities of “Jericho and Ai”, and when “Gibeon”, which was much larger and more important than those cities, made a covenant with Israel, great fear came upon them for their own lives. We should keep in mind that Jehovah God was overseeing all these victories, and regardless of how large, important or powerful a place may be, none are able to defeat God. This same God who was for Israel desires to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we submit to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and assure us that He is with us regardless of the size of the foe who opposes us.
Next time we learn how, “Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent” word to other kings, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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