Joshua 9:2 - they gathered themselves together to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord.

Generated Verse: Joshua 9:2

What does "Joshua 9:2" mean?


This verse, Joshua 9:2, describes the reaction of several Canaanite kings upon hearing about the Israelite victory at Jericho and Ai (as described in the previous chapters of Joshua). Let's break it down:

"They gathered themselves together...": This signifies a concerted effort to unite and coordinate their forces. They were mobilizing for war.

"...to fight with Joshua and with Israel...": This makes it clear that their intent was hostile. They were preparing for military conflict against the Israelites and their leader, Joshua.

"...with one accord.": This is a crucial element. "With one accord" means they were united in purpose and agreement. Despite being different kingdoms or tribes, they were putting aside their differences to face the perceived threat of the Israelites together. This emphasizes the seriousness and scale of the opposition Joshua now faced. They were united because they saw the Israelites as a common enemy. The phrase emphasizes their shared fear and determination to resist the Israelite advance. They all feared what would happen to their lands and their people if the Israelites continued to conquer Canaan.

In essence, Joshua 9:2 sets the stage for the rest of the chapter. It illustrates the formidable coalition that Joshua was up against. It highlights that the other kings of Canaan recognized the threat posed by the Israelites' victories and resolved to resist them together.