Topical Encyclopedia The Valley of Gibeon holds significant historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative. Located near the ancient city of Gibeon, this valley is most famously associated with the miraculous event during the time of Joshua, where God intervened in a battle between the Israelites and the Amorite kings.Biblical Account: The primary biblical reference to the Valley of Gibeon is found in the Book of Joshua. In Joshua 10, the Gibeonites, who had made a treaty with Israel, were attacked by a coalition of Amorite kings. In response, Joshua led the Israelite army to defend Gibeon. The text records a miraculous event where God intervened to aid Israel. Joshua 10:12-14 states: "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. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 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." This passage highlights the Valley of Gibeon as the site of a divine intervention where God extended the daylight to ensure Israel's victory. The event underscores the power of God and His willingness to act on behalf of His people. Historical and Geographical Context: Gibeon was a significant Canaanite city located northwest of Jerusalem. The valley itself, while not extensively detailed in terms of geography in the biblical text, is understood to be in close proximity to the city. The strategic location of Gibeon made it a focal point in the military campaigns of the Israelites as they sought to establish themselves in the Promised Land. Theological Significance: The events at the Valley of Gibeon serve as a testament to God's sovereignty and His direct involvement in the affairs of His chosen people. The miraculous halting of the sun and moon is a powerful demonstration of God's control over creation, reinforcing the belief in His omnipotence. This narrative also emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, as Joshua's bold prayer and reliance on God resulted in a supernatural victory. Later References: The Valley of Gibeon is mentioned again in the context of King David's reign. In 2 Samuel 21, a famine during David's time is attributed to Saul's earlier actions against the Gibeonites. David seeks to make amends, highlighting the ongoing significance of Gibeon and its people in Israel's history. In summary, the Valley of Gibeon is a site of divine intervention and a symbol of God's faithfulness to Israel. The events that transpired there continue to inspire faith and trust in God's providence and power. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 28:21For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "The Time of Trouble. " The Time of Trouble The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources What does it mean that God is the God of the hills and valleys (1 Kings 20:28)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the lily of the valley (Song of Solomon 2:1)? | GotQuestions.org Other Places in the Bible ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Valleys: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Valleys of Israel Well Tilled and Fruitful Valleys of the Church of Christ Valleys: (Dark) of Affliction and Death Valleys: (Filling up of) of Removing all Obstructions to the Gospel Valleys: (Fruitful and Well Watered) of the Tents of Israel Valleys: Abounded With: Fountains and Springs Valleys: Abounded With: Lily of the Valley Valleys: Abounded With: Ravens Valleys: Abounded With: Rocks and Caves Valleys: Called: Fat Valleys, when Fruitful Valleys: Called: Rough Valleys, when Uncultivated and Barren Valleys: Jehoshaphat or Decision Valleys: Miracles Connected With: Ditches In, Filled With Water Valleys: Miracles Connected With: The Moon Made to Stand Still Over Ajalon Valleys: Miracles Connected With: Water In, Made to Appear to the Moabites Like Blood Valleys: Moab where Moses Was Buried Valleys: Often the Scenes of Great Contests Valleys: Often the Scenes of Idolatrous Rites Valleys: Passengers or Hamongog Valleys: Shaveh or King's Dale Valleys: The Canaanites Held Possession of, Against Judah Valleys: The Heathen Supposed That Certain Deities Presided Over Valleys: To be Filled With Hostile Chariots, Threatened As A Valleys: Tracts of Land Between Mountains Valleys: Watered by Mountain Streams Related Terms |
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