Joshua 9:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 9:1-2

Hitherto the Canaanites had acted defensively; the Israelites were the aggressors upon Jericho and Ai. But here the kings of Canaan are in consultation to attack Israel, and concert matters for a vigorous effort of their united forces to check the progress of their victorious arms. Now, 1. It was strange they did not do this sooner. They had notice long since of their approach; Israel's design upon Canaan was no secret; one would have expected that a prudent concern for their common safety... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 9:2

That they gathered themselves together to fight with Joshua , and with Israel ,.... Not at this time, but they met together to consult what was proper to be done in order to secure themselves, and their people, and put a stop to the successes of the arms of Israel; and for this purpose entered into alliances with each other to assist one another, or at a convenient time and place to join their forces together, and attack Israel, as afterwards they did, Joshua 11:1 ; and this they did ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 9:1-27

God's people off their guard. This chapter contains the record of a venial sin; an act, that is, which was rather one of thoughtlessness than of deliberate intention to offend. It is one thing to forget for a moment God's superintending providence, and to act without consulting Him. It is quite another to act systematically as if there were no God. Thus we read of no very serious results flowing from this inadvertence. God is "not extreme to mark what is done amiss," and distinguishes... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 9:2

With one accord. One mouth, according to the Hebrew, referring not merely to their opinions, but to the expression of them. "O that Israel would learn this of Canaanites, to sacrifice private interests to the public welfare, and to lay aside all animosities among themselves, that they may cordially unite against the common enemies of God's kingdom" (Matthew Henry). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Joshua 9:1-2

In the hills - See the Numbers 13:17 note.The valleys - Or “the vale” (the Shephelah, Deuteronomy 1:7), which imports the lowland country between the mountains and the sea coast. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 9:1-2

Joshua 9:1-2. In all the coasts of the great sea, &c. Some versions render this, And those along all the coasts of the great sea, and those about Lebanon. Heard thereof That is, of the taking of Jericho and Ai, for what immediately precedes, namely, about writing the law on stones in mount Ebal, did not concern these nations. They gathered themselves together to fight, &c. They entered into a league to do this. Though they were many kings of different nations, and doubtless of... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Joshua 9:1-27

Victory in central Canaan (8:1-9:27)Now that the Israelites had removed the cause of their defeat, God promised Joshua victory over Ai. He added that on this occasion the Israelites could keep the plunder for themselves (8:1-2).Even with God’s assurance of victory, Joshua planned the attack thoroughly. One company of soldiers was to draw the men of Ai out of the city to fight, then a second company would come out of hiding to attack Ai from the rear (3-9). The plan worked perfectly. When the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Joshua 9:2

accord. Hebrew "mouth" put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for what is said by it: i.e. one consent. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Joshua 9:2

2. they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord—Although divided by separate interests and often at war with each other, a sense of common danger prompted them to suspend their mutual animosities, that by their united forces they might prevent the land from falling into the hands of foreign masters. :-. THE GIBEONITES OBTAIN A LEAGUE BY CRAFT. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Joshua 9:1-2

Israel is the probable antecedent of "it" in Joshua 9:1 rather than the renewal of the covenant at Shechem. Israel’s success led several Canaanite kings to ally against God’s people. While this alliance was taking shape the Gibeonites initiated a different tactic. Until now in Joshua, Israel had chosen its military targets, but now others defined their military objectives."The following chapters introduce the transition from a victorious people of God whose occupation of the land could have... read more

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