A deputation of the Gibeonites, with their allies from three other cities
(Joshua 9;17), visited the camp at Gilgal, and by false representations
induced Joshua to enter into a league with them, although the Israelites had
been specially warned against any league with the inhabitants of Canaan
(Exodus 23:32; 34:12; Numbers 33:55; Deuteronomy 7:2). The deception
practised on Joshua was detected three days later; but the oath rashly
sworn “by Jehovah God of Israel” was kept, and the lives of the
Gibeonites were spared. They were, however, made “bondmen” to the
sanctuary (Joshua 9:23).
The most remarkable incident connected with this city was the victory
Joshua gained over the kings of Palestine (Joshua 10:16-27). The battle
here fought has been regarded as “one of the most important in the history
of the world.” The kings of southern Canaan entered into a confederacy
against Gibeon (because it had entered into a league with Joshua) under the
leadership of Adoni-zedec, king of Jerusalem, and marched upon Gibeon
with the view of taking possession of it. The Gibeonites entreated Joshua
to come to their aid with the utmost speed. His army came suddenly upon
that of the Amorite kings as it lay encamped before the city. It was
completely routed, and only broken remnants of their great host found
refuge in the fenced cities. The five confederate kings who led the army
were taken prisoners, and put to death at Makkedah (q.v.). This eventful
battle of Beth-horon sealed the fate of all the cities of Southern Palestine.
Among the Amarna tablets is a letter from Adoni-zedec (q.v.) to the king
of Egypt, written probably at Makkedah after the defeat, showing that the
kings contemplated flight into Egypt.
This place is again brought into notice as the scene of a battle between the
army of Ish-bosheth under Abner and that of David led by Joab. At the
suggestion of Abner, to spare the effusion of blood twelve men on either
side were chosen to decide the battle. The issue was unexpected; for each
of the men slew his fellow, and thus they all perished. The two armies
then engaged in battle, in which Abner and his host were routed and put to
flight (2 Samuel 2:12-17). This battle led to a virtual truce between Judah
and Israel, Judah, under David, increasing in power; and Israel, under
Ish-bosheth, continually losing ground.
Soon after the death of Absalom and David’s restoration to his throne his
kingdom was visited by a grievous famine, which was found to be a
punishment for Saul’s violation (2 Samuel 21:2, 5) of the covenant with