Joshua 11:19 Meaning and Explanation
“There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →No city made peace with Israel except Gibeon; all the rest were taken in battle.
What Does Joshua 11:19 Mean?
The narrator observes that not one city sought peace with Israel, with the single exception of the Hivites of Gibeon, who had earlier come seeking a treaty. Every other place was taken by force of arms.
Gibeon stands out as the lone exception, a city that, by whatever means, chose peace and so was spared. Against the backdrop of universal resistance, that one choice shines. It quietly reminds the reader that the door of peace was open, and that those who came seeking it, like Gibeon and like Rahab before them, found a place among God's people rather than under His judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 11:19
What does Joshua 11:19 mean?
No city made peace with Israel except Gibeon; all the rest were taken in battle.