Joshua 9 - Introduction

The two verses serve as a general introduction to Josh. 9–11. The Canaanites had recovered to some extent from their panic Joshua 9:1, perhaps in consequence of the repulse of the Israelites before Ai. They resolved to make a league and to resist jointly the progress of the Israelites. The defection of Gibeon Joshua 9:3 determined the five kings of the Amorites, whose territories were nearest Gibeon, to take instant action against that city. Their forces were defeated by Joshua in the battle before Gibeon (Joshua 10:1 ff). The other confederates subsequently gathered their armies together, Joshua 11:1, and were defeated at the waters of Merom (Joshua 11:6 ff). The former of these two great battles gave Joshua possession of the southern half of Palestine west of Jordan; the latter of the northern half.