And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof;

JOSHUA 9:1KJV
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Joshua 9:1 (KJV)

What does Joshua 9:1 mean?

Joshua 9:1 describes how all the kings west of the Jordan River, from the hills and valleys to the coastline near Lebanon, including rulers of several specific peoples, heard about the Israelites’ recent actions. The verse sets the stage for these kings’ response to Israel’s growing presence and victories in the land.

This verse is part of the narrative where Joshua leads Israel into Canaan. The passage lists the regions and peoples affected: the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. The focus is on how news of Israel’s conquests spread quickly, causing concern among the local rulers and prompting them to take action together.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 9:1

  • The word for "kings" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) refers to the rulers of city-states or regions, showing that many small kingdoms, not just a few large nations, were involved.
  • "Side" (עֵבֶר, ‘eber) means the region or territory on the west side of the Jordan River, clarifying the geographical focus.
  • "Coasts" (חֹפֶשׁ, chophesh) is often understood as "territories" or "borders," not just a seashore, so it includes all the land stretching toward Lebanon.
  • "Heard" (שָׁמַע, shama‘) means more than just hearing a rumor; it often implies understanding and reacting to significant news, which helps explain the kings’ later actions.

Why Joshua 9:1 matters

  • This verse highlights the widespread impact of Israel’s arrival, showing that their actions were not isolated but affected an entire region of diverse peoples.
  • By listing the different groups and regions, the verse emphasizes the scale of the challenge facing Israel and sets up the alliances that will form in response.
  • Understanding who these kings and peoples were helps clarify the historical and cultural setting of the conquest narratives in Joshua.

Where else these words appear

“coasts” Hebrew H2348 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 49:13 Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.
  • Deuteronomy 1:7 Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.
  • Jeremiah 47:7 How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.

“valleys” Hebrew H8219 · used in 19 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:7 Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.
  • Judges 1:9 And afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites, that dwelt in the mountain, and in the south, and in the valley.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:18 The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.

“Perizzite” Hebrew H6522 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Exodus 34:11 Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.
  • Joshua 24:11 And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.

“Hivite” Hebrew H2340 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 10:17 And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,
  • Exodus 33:2 And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:
  • Joshua 12:8 In the mountains, and in the valleys, and in the plains, and in the springs, and in the wilderness, and in the south country; the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: