10 Interesting Facts About Gibeon in the Bible

Gibeon was an ancient city in the land of Canaan that played a surprising role in the history of Israel. Its people were clever, its location was strategic, and its name appears in several key Bible events. Let’s look at 10 interesting facts about Gibeon that reveal why this city mattered so much in Scripture.

1. Gibeon Was a Canaanite City

Gibeon was located in the central hill country of Canaan. It was a royal city, known for its wise people and strong warriors.
Joshua 10:2 says,
“Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities… and all its men were warriors.”

2. The Gibeonites Tricked Joshua

When the Israelites were conquering Canaan, the people of Gibeon feared being destroyed. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land and asked Joshua for a peace treaty.
Joshua 9:4-5 tells us they wore worn-out clothes and carried moldy bread to appear as if they had come from far away.

3. Joshua Made a Covenant with Them

Without asking the Lord, Joshua made peace with the Gibeonites and allowed them to live. Later, when he learned the truth, he kept the oath but made them servants.
Joshua 9:15
“So Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them to let them live…”
Joshua 9:27
“But Joshua made them that day cutters of wood and drawers of water for the congregation…”

4. God Honored the Peace Treaty

Even though the treaty was made through deception, God honored Joshua’s promise. Later, King Saul broke the treaty and killed some Gibeonites, which led to a famine in Israel.
2 Samuel 21:1
“There was a famine… because of Saul and his bloodstained house, for he put the Gibeonites to death.”

5. Gibeon Became Part of Israel’s Defense

When five Amorite kings attacked Gibeon, Joshua and his army came to defend the city. God gave Israel victory and even made the sun stand still to help them win.
Joshua 10:12-13
“Sun, stand still over Gibeon… So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped…”

6. The Tabernacle Was Set Up in Gibeon

Before the temple was built in Jerusalem, the tabernacle and altar were moved to Gibeon. It became a place of worship for Israel during David and Solomon’s time.
1 Chronicles 16:39
“Zadok the priest… offered burnt offerings on the altar of the Lord at the high place that was at Gibeon.”

7. Solomon Worshiped at Gibeon

When Solomon became king, he went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices. It was there that God appeared to him in a dream and gave him wisdom.
1 Kings 3:4-5
“Solomon… went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices… The Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream…”

8. Gibeon Was Assigned to the Tribe of Benjamin

Gibeon was part of the inheritance given to the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Joshua 18:25
“Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth…”

9. Gibeonites Helped Rebuild Jerusalem

After the exile, men from Gibeon helped Nehemiah rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This showed their continued loyalty to Israel.
Nehemiah 3:7
“Next to them worked Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite…”

10. Gibeon Was a Symbol of Mercy

The story of Gibeon reminds us that God's people are to keep their promises, even if the other side is dishonest. It also shows how God can turn mistakes into mercy and use even outsiders for His glory.

Summary Table