And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth.

JOSHUA 9:10KJV
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Joshua 9:10 (KJV)

What does Joshua 9:10 mean?

Joshua 9:10 recalls how the Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership, defeated two powerful Amorite kings—Sihon of Heshbon and Og of Bashan—on the far side of the Jordan River. The verse highlights these victories as well-known events that caused fear among other peoples in the region.

In this part of the story, the Gibeonites are explaining to Joshua and the Israelites why they have come seeking a treaty. They mention the defeat of Sihon and Og to show that news of Israel’s military success has spread widely. These references help set the stage for why neighboring groups are reacting with alarm and trying to protect themselves.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 9:10

  • אֱמוֹרִי (’Emori, "Amorites"): This word refers to a specific group of Canaanite people living in the land. Mentioning the Amorites emphasizes that these were not minor enemies, but significant regional powers.
  • עֵבֶר (ʿēver, "beyond"): This word means "across" or "on the other side," pointing out that the victories happened east of the Jordan River, before Israel entered Canaan proper.
  • סִיחוֹן (Siḥôn, "Sihon") and עוֹג (ʿOg, "Og"): Naming these kings by name underlines their importance and the magnitude of Israel’s victories, since both were well-known rulers.
  • בָּשָׁן (Bashan): This region was famous for its strength and resources, so defeating its king, Og, would have been especially impressive to surrounding nations.

Why Joshua 9:10 matters

  • Joshua 9:10 shows that Israel’s earlier victories were widely known and caused fear, helping explain why the Gibeonites acted as they did.
  • The verse connects the events in Joshua to earlier stories in Numbers and Deuteronomy, reminding readers of God’s faithfulness in giving Israel victory.
  • By naming specific kings and places, Joshua 9:10 grounds the story in real historical settings, making the narrative more vivid and concrete for readers.

Where else these words appear

“Ashtaroth” Hebrew H6252 · used in 12 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:4 After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:
  • Joshua 13:31 And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.
  • 1 Samuel 7:4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.

“Og” Hebrew H5747 · used in 22 verses

  • Numbers 21:33 And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei.
  • Deuteronomy 3:11 For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.
  • Joshua 13:12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.

“Sihon” Hebrew H5511 · used in 34 verses

  • Numbers 21:21 And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,
  • Deuteronomy 2:30 But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.
  • Joshua 13:10 And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon;

“Heshbon” Hebrew H2809 · used in 37 verses

  • Numbers 21:25 And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof.
  • Deuteronomy 3:2 And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.
  • Judges 11:19 And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, the king of Heshbon; and Israel said unto him, Let us pass, we pray thee, through thy land into my place.