Meaning
Gibeon was an ancient city in Canaan, associated with the Gibeonites and situated near Jerusalem.
Biblical Usage
In Scripture, Gibeon was a city whose inhabitants made a covenant with Israel during the conquest of Canaan.
The Gibeonites obtained the agreement by presenting themselves as people from a distant country. After Israel discovered the deception, the covenant was honored and the inhabitants were assigned service to the congregation.
Gibeon later became an important location in Israel’s history. Joshua 10 records the battle fought because of Gibeon’s covenant with Israel, including Joshua’s command concerning the sun and moon. Gibeon is also mentioned in later accounts involving David and Solomon.
Key References
- Joshua 9:3-27
- Joshua 10:1-14
- Joshua 18:25
- 2 Samuel 20:8
- 1 Kings 3:4-5
- 1 Chronicles 16:39
- 1 Chronicles 21:29
Related Terms
- Gibeonite
- Jerusalem
- Covenant
- Canaan