Topical Bible: Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: At Gibeon

◄ Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: At Gibeon ►

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Introduction:
Joshua, son of Nun, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for his leadership of the Israelites following the death of Moses. His name appears in various forms, including Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, and Oshea. Joshua is renowned for his military conquests and his role in the allocation of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. One of the significant events during his leadership is the battle at Gibeon, which showcases his strategic acumen and divine favor.

Names and Etymology:
The name Joshua is derived from the Hebrew "Yehoshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." This name reflects his role as a deliverer and leader under God's guidance. The variant "Oshea" appears in Numbers 13:8, where Moses changes his name to Joshua, signifying a divine mission.

Biblical Account:
The account of Joshua at Gibeon is found in the Book of Joshua, chapters 9 and 10. The Gibeonites, fearing the advancing Israelites, resorted to deception to secure a peace treaty. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land and convinced Joshua and the Israelite leaders to make a covenant with them. Despite the deceit, the Israelites honored the treaty due to their oath before God.

The Battle at Gibeon:
The narrative continues with the coalition of Amorite kings, led by Adoni-Zedek of Jerusalem, who attacked Gibeon for allying with Israel. In response, the Gibeonites called upon Joshua for help. Joshua 10:7-8 states, "So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his whole army, including all the mighty men of valor. The LORD said to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you.'"

Joshua's faith and obedience to God's command are evident as he leads a surprise attack after an all-night march from Gilgal. The battle is marked by miraculous events, including the famous account of the sun standing still. Joshua 10:12-13 records, "On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: 'O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.' So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies."

Divine Intervention:
The event at Gibeon is a testament to divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. The miraculous halting of celestial bodies allowed the Israelites to achieve a decisive victory. Joshua 10:14 emphasizes the uniqueness of this event: "There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel."

Significance:
The battle at Gibeon underscores Joshua's role as a leader who relies on God's guidance and power. It highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and the fulfillment of divine promises. The event also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His commitment to His covenant people.

Legacy:
Joshua's leadership at Gibeon and throughout the conquest of Canaan solidified his legacy as a faithful servant of God. His actions and the miraculous events that accompanied them are celebrated as demonstrations of God's might and faithfulness to Israel. The account of Joshua at Gibeon remains a powerful narrative of divine intervention and the triumph of faith.

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Joshua 10:1
Now it came to pass, when Adonizedec 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;
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