King James Version

What Does Joshua 9:2 Mean?

Joshua 9:2 in the King James Version says “That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord. accord: Heb. mouth” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord. accord: Heb. mouth”

Joshua 9:2 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof;

2

That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord. accord: Heb. mouth

3

And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai,

4

They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up;

Read Joshua 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The kings gather 'to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord.' The phrase 'one accord' (peh echad, פֶּה אֶחָד—literally 'one mouth') indicates complete unity of purpose. These normally competitive city-states present a united front. Their identification of both Joshua (leader) and Israel (nation) as targets shows they recognized the threat's dual nature: human leadership and divine backing. This coalition represents human wisdom's best effort to resist God's purposes—unified strategy, combined forces, coordinated action. Yet it will prove futile. Psalm 2:1-4 captures this dynamic: 'Why do the nations rage...against the LORD...He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh.' Human opposition, however impressive, cannot thwart divine purposes. The unified front also created opportunity for Gibeonite deception (following verses)—not all cities chose military confrontation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern coalition warfare was common when facing mutual threats. City-states would form temporary alliances, contributing troops while maintaining individual sovereignty. The phrase 'with one accord' suggests formal treaty or mutual defense pact—not mere ad hoc cooperation but organized alliance. Such coalitions could be formidable, pooling resources and coordinating strategy. However, they also faced challenges: divided command, competing interests, varying levels of commitment. The coalition's focus on Joshua personally shows ancient warfare's role of leadership—defeating or killing the enemy commander could break army morale. Their explicit target ('Joshua and Israel') indicates intelligence about Israel's leadership structure. Despite unified opposition, subsequent chapters show many cities fell quickly, suggesting the coalition never fully materialized or coordinated effectively. God's promise to fight for Israel (Exodus 14:14) proved stronger than Canaanite unity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does human unity apart from God ultimately prove insufficient?
  2. What encouragement does God's sovereignty over human opposition provide in your challenges?
  3. When has apparent strong opposition to God's work actually revealed its desperation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיִּֽתְקַבְּצ֣וּ1 of 9

“That they gathered”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

יַחְדָּ֔ו2 of 9

“themselves together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

לְהִלָּחֵ֥ם3 of 9

“to fight”

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

עִם4 of 9
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ5 of 9

“with Joshua”

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

וְעִם6 of 9
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל7 of 9

“and with Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

פֶּ֖ה8 of 9

“accord”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

אֶחָֽד׃9 of 9

“with one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 9:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 9:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 2:1-2Joel 3:9-13Proverbs 11:21Psalms 83:2-8Isaiah 54:15Isaiah 8:9-10

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