The March to Gibeon is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. This event is part of the larger narrative of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, who succeeded Moses as the leader of the Israelites. The march is a demonstration of divine intervention, military strategy, and the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites.

Biblical Context

The account of the March to Gibeon is found in Joshua 10. After the Israelites, led by Joshua, successfully conquered Jericho and Ai, the Gibeonites, fearing for their lives, resorted to deception to make a peace treaty with Israel (Joshua 9). Despite the deceit, the Israelites honored the treaty, which later led to the events at Gibeon.

The Coalition Against Gibeon

The Gibeonites' treaty with Israel alarmed the surrounding Amorite kings. Adoni-Zedek, king of Jerusalem, formed a coalition with four other Amorite kings—Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon—to attack Gibeon for allying with Israel (Joshua 10:3-5). This coalition aimed to punish Gibeon and deter other cities from aligning with Israel.

The Call for Help

In response to the impending attack, the Gibeonites sent an urgent plea to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal: "Do not abandon your servants. Come quickly and save us! Help us, for all the Amorite kings living in the hill country have joined forces against us" (Joshua 10:6). Joshua, honoring the treaty and seeking to protect the Gibeonites, prepared to march to their aid.

The Divine Assurance

Before setting out, Joshua received divine assurance from the LORD: "Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you" (Joshua 10:8). This promise reinforced Joshua's resolve and confidence in the LORD's support.

The Night March and Surprise Attack

Joshua and his troops undertook an all-night march from Gilgal to Gibeon, covering approximately 20 miles. This strategic move allowed them to launch a surprise attack on the Amorite coalition at dawn. The element of surprise, combined with divine intervention, led to a decisive victory for Israel.

The Miraculous Intervention

As the battle raged, the LORD intervened in a miraculous manner. The Bible records that the LORD threw the Amorites into confusion before Israel, and as they fled, He hurled large hailstones from the sky, killing more of the enemy than the Israelites did with the sword (Joshua 10:10-11).

The Sun Stands Still

One of the most extraordinary aspects of the battle is Joshua's prayer for the sun to stand still. Joshua prayed, "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon" (Joshua 10:12). In response, the LORD caused the sun to halt in the sky, prolonging the daylight until the Israelites achieved complete victory. The text notes, "There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel" (Joshua 10:14).

Aftermath and Significance

The victory at Gibeon was a turning point in the conquest of Canaan. It demonstrated the LORD's power and faithfulness to His promises. The defeat of the Amorite coalition weakened the resistance in southern Canaan, paving the way for further Israelite victories. The event underscored the importance of faith, obedience, and reliance on divine guidance in the fulfillment of God's plans for His people.