Gibeon

What is known

• J. B. Pritchard's excavations (1956-1962) uncovered a massive rock-cut pool with a spiral staircase descending about 25 meters, plausibly the 'pool of Gibeon' mentioned in 2 Samuel 2:13, along with dozens of jar handles inscribed 'gb'n' (Gibeon) confirming the site's identification
• The Gibeonites tricked Joshua into a peace treaty by disguising themselves as travelers from a distant land, and were made 'woodcutters and water carriers' rather than destroyed
• The battle to defend Gibeon from a coalition of Amorite kings is the setting for the 'sun stood still' account in Joshua 10
• In David's reign, a fateful contest between the armies of Joab and Abner took place at the pool of Gibeon (2 Samuel 2:12-17)

History

Founded

A significant Canaanite city-state by the Late Bronze Age, part of a confederacy with Kephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim

Population

Described in Joshua as 'a great city, like one of the royal cities,' larger than Ai, with notable fighting men

Industry

Wine production was a major industry in later periods — excavations found an extensive wine-storage and fermentation complex; also known for its major water system

Coordinates

31.8497° N, 35.1836° E

Scripture references

• Joshua 9:3-27 — The Gibeonites' deception and covenant with Israel
• Joshua 10:1-14 — The battle for Gibeon; the sun stands still
• 2 Samuel 2:12-17 — Contest at the pool of Gibeon between Joab's and Abner's men
• 2 Samuel 21:1-9 — Famine avenged over Saul's treatment of the Gibeonites
• 1 Kings 3:4-5 — Solomon offers sacrifices and receives wisdom in a dream at Gibeon
• 1 Chronicles 16:39 — The tabernacle and altar remain at Gibeon in David's time

On a modern map

Gibeon today

Further reading

• Gibeon (ancient city) - Wikipedia

Reflect

At Gibeon, God invited Solomon to ask for anything, and he asked for a listening heart — what would your honest request be?