2 He and his people were very much alarmed at this, because Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters.

Other Translations of Joshua 10:2

King James Version

2 That they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal royal...: Heb. cities of the kingdom cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty.

English Standard Version

2 heOne Hebrew manuscript, Vulgate (compare Syriac); most Hebrew manuscripts they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were warriors.

The Message

2 He and his people were alarmed: Gibeon was a big city - as big as any with a king and bigger than Ai - and all its men were seasoned fighters.

New King James Version

2 that they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty.

New Living Translation

2 He and his people became very afraid when they heard all this because Gibeon was a large town-as large as the royal cities and larger than Ai. And the Gibeonite men were strong warriors.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 10:2

Commentary on Joshua 10:1-6

(Read Joshua 10:1-6)

When sinners leave the service of Satan and the friendship of the world, that they make peace with God and join Israel, they must not marvel if the world hate them, if their former friends become foes. By such methods Satan discourages many who are convinced of their danger, and almost persuaded to be Christians, but fear the cross. These things should quicken us to apply to God for protection, help, and deliverance.