they came togetherThis phrase indicates a coalition of various groups or city-states. In the ancient Near East, it was common for smaller kingdoms to form alliances to strengthen their military capabilities against a common enemy. This reflects the political landscape of Canaan during the time of Joshua, where city-states were often in conflict but could unite against a larger threat. The unity of these groups highlights the perceived threat of Israel's presence in the land.
to wage war
The intent to wage war signifies a direct opposition to the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, as commanded by God. This opposition is not just a physical battle but also a spiritual one, as the Canaanites' resistance is against God's plan for Israel. The concept of war in the Old Testament often carries a dual meaning, involving both physical and spiritual dimensions. This phrase also foreshadows the numerous battles Israel would face in claiming the Promised Land.
against Joshua
Joshua, as the leader of Israel, is the primary target of this coalition. His leadership is central to the conquest of Canaan, and his role is a continuation of Moses' mission. Joshua's name, meaning "The Lord is salvation," is significant as he leads the people into the Promised Land, prefiguring Jesus Christ, who leads believers into spiritual rest and salvation. The opposition against Joshua can be seen as a type of the opposition Christ faced.
and Israel
Israel represents the people of God, chosen to inherit the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The mention of Israel alongside Joshua emphasizes the collective identity and mission of the nation. This phrase underscores the unity and shared purpose of the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. The opposition they face is not just against an individual but against the entire covenant community, reflecting the broader spiritual battle between God's people and the forces opposed to His will.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JoshuaThe leader of Israel, successor to Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.
2.
IsraelThe nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are entering the Promised Land.
3.
Canaanite KingsVarious kings of the land of Canaan who unite to oppose Israel's conquest of the land.
4.
CanaanThe land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, a region inhabited by various tribes and nations.
5.
Coalition of KingsThe alliance formed by the Canaanite kings to resist the Israelites.
Teaching Points
Unity in OppositionThe Canaanite kings united against a common threat, showing how opposition can bring together even disparate groups. Believers should be aware of how spiritual forces may unite against God's purposes.
God's Sovereignty in ConflictDespite the coalition against them, Israel was assured of victory because of God's promises. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness in the face of opposition.
Spiritual Warfare AwarenessJust as Israel faced physical battles, Christians face spiritual battles. Awareness and preparation through prayer and the Word are essential.
Faithfulness to God's CommandsIsrael's success depended on their obedience to God's commands. Similarly, believers are called to live in obedience to God's Word.
The Power of God's PromisesThe Israelites' confidence came from God's promises. Christians can find strength and courage in the promises of God found in Scripture.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Joshua 9:2?
2.How can we discern truth from deception like in Joshua 9:2?
3.What lessons on unity can we learn from the kings' alliance in Joshua 9:2?
4.How does Joshua 9:2 relate to Ephesians 6:12 about spiritual warfare?
5.How should Christians respond to worldly alliances against God's purposes today?
6.What strategies can we implement to avoid being deceived like Israel was?
7.Why did the Canaanite kings unite against Israel in Joshua 9:2?
8.How does Joshua 9:2 reflect God's sovereignty over nations?
9.What does Joshua 9:2 reveal about the fear of God among Israel's enemies?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 9?
11.What is the Bible's stance on faith-based violence?
12.In 2 Samuel 21:5-6, why does David permit the execution of Saul's descendants if Deuteronomy 24:16 forbids punishing children for a parent's wrongdoing?
13.Joshua 1:4 - Does the text exaggerate Israel's borders, given the lack of historical records showing Israel ever controlled all the land from the Euphrates to the Mediterranean?
14.What defines a holy war?What Does Joshua 9:2 Mean
They came together“they came together…” (Joshua 9:2)
• More than mere proximity, this unites hostile peoples in common cause. Similar coalitions appear inPsalm 2:1–2, where “the kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against His Anointed,” foreshadowing any alliance that resists God’s plan.
• Earlier, inJoshua 5:1, the Amorite and Canaanite kings also “heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan… and their hearts melted,” yet fear now hardens into organized rebellion.
• This unity contrasts with the disunity Israel would later endure (Judges 2:10–14); when truth is rejected, human alliances form around opposition to God’s work.
To wage war“…to wage war…” (Joshua 9:2)
• The phrase reveals intent; they are not seeking negotiation but confrontation. CompareExodus 17:8, where Amalek “came and fought against Israel” without provocation.
• Warfare here is both physical and spiritual.Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that battles ultimately involve “rulers… authorities… spiritual forces of evil,” even when they manifest through human armies.
• God’s promises to Abraham included the gift of Canaan (Genesis 17:8). Any war against Israel in this context is resistance to God’s sworn covenant.
Against Joshua“…against Joshua…” (Joshua 9:2)
• Joshua, whose name means “Yahweh saves,” is God’s appointed leader (Numbers 27:18–23). Opposition to him is opposition to divine direction.
• As Moses prefigured Christ in deliverance from bondage, Joshua points to Christ in bringing people into promised rest (Hebrews 4:8–9). Hostility toward Joshua therefore prefigures the world’s hostility toward Jesus (John 15:18).
•Acts 4:25–28 citesPsalm 2 again, tying ancient opposition to the conspiracy against Christ. The same pattern repeats: when God raises a leader, enemies gather.
And Israel“…and Israel.” (Joshua 9:2)
• Israel carries the covenant, the Law, and the promise of Messiah (Romans 9:4–5). Attacking Israel is a direct challenge to God’s redemptive agenda.
•Numbers 24:9 declares, “Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you.” The Canaanite coalition invites judgment by ignoring that warning.
• Yet God permits the conflict to display His power (Joshua 10:42). What looks like peril becomes the stage for further victories, reinforcingRomans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
summaryJoshua 9:2 records a deliberate, unified assault on God’s people and His appointed leader. The coalition’s gathering, war intent, focus on Joshua, and hostility toward Israel all showcase humanity’s age-old resistance to divine purpose. Yet every attempt to thwart God only magnifies His faithfulness, ensuring that His promises stand unshaken and His people ultimately prevail.
Verse 2. -
With one accord. One
mouth, according to the Hebrew, referring not merely to their opinions, but to the expression of them. "O that Israel would learn this of Canaanites, to sacrifice private interests to the public welfare, and to lay aside all animosities among themselves, that they may cordially unite against the common enemies of God's kingdom" (Matthew Henry).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
they cameוַיִּֽתְקַבְּצ֣וּ(way·yiṯ·qab·bə·ṣū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6908:To gather, collecttogetherיַחְדָּ֔ו(yaḥ·dāw)Adverb
Strong's 3162:A unit, unitedlyto wage warלְהִלָּחֵ֥ם(lə·hil·lā·ḥêm)Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3898:To feed on, to consume, to battleagainstעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withJoshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ(yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091:Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelitesand Israel.יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
Links
Joshua 9:2 NIVJoshua 9:2 NLTJoshua 9:2 ESVJoshua 9:2 NASBJoshua 9:2 KJV
Joshua 9:2 BibleApps.comJoshua 9:2 Biblia ParalelaJoshua 9:2 Chinese BibleJoshua 9:2 French BibleJoshua 9:2 Catholic Bible
OT History: Joshua 9:2 That they gathered themselves together to fight (Josh. Jos) 
