Gibeon in the Bible
Where Joshua commanded the sun to stand still and Solomon received wisdom from God.
Gibeon was a significant Canaanite city whose inhabitants tricked Joshua into a peace treaty. Later, it became famous as the place where God appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered him anything he desired. Solomon chose wisdom.
Modern Location
Al-Jib, northwest of Jerusalem, West Bank
Key Biblical Events
- 1Gibeonites deceive Joshua into a treaty (Joshua 9)
- 2The sun stands still during battle at Gibeon (Joshua 10:12–14)
- 3God appears to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:4–15)
- 4David's men fight Abner's forces at the pool of Gibeon (2 Samuel 2:12–17)
Key KJV Scriptures
"Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed."
"In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee."
"Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart."
Spiritual Significance
Gibeon represents divine intervention and divine wisdom. God stopped the sun for Joshua and gave Solomon unparalleled wisdom — both showing God's desire to empower those who trust Him.
Why Gibeon Matters
Gibeon holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands at the crossroads of God's covenant promises to His chosen people. With 4 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Joshua, Solomon, David linked to its story — Gibeon is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Rooted in the Old Testament narrative, Gibeon is referenced in 3 key scriptures that reveal God's faithfulness across generations. Gibeon represents divine intervention and divine wisdom. God stopped the sun for Joshua and gave Solomon unparalleled wisdom — both showing God's desire to empower those who trust Him.
For today's believer, studying Gibeon is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Gibeon, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Joshua encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the sun really stand still at Gibeon?
Joshua 10:13 records this miraculous event. Whether understood as a literal cosmic event or God's supernatural intervention, Scripture presents it as a unique day in history.
Why did Solomon worship at Gibeon?
The tabernacle and bronze altar were at Gibeon before the temple was built, making it the most important worship site at that time (2 Chronicles 1:3).
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Related Bible Locations
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The holy city — center of worship, prophecy, and salvation history.
Jericho
The first city conquered in the Promised Land, whose walls fell at God's command.
Ai
The city Israel failed to conquer because of Achan's sin — then defeated after repentance.
Ai
City where Israel's overconfidence led to defeat — then victory after repentance.
Ai
The small Canaanite city whose conquest taught Israel the cost of disobedience.
Miracles at Gibeon
Every miracle in Scripture tied to Gibeon.
Where to go next
Finished reading about Gibeon? Keep exploring the places and people of Scripture.
- Explore the full Bible locations mapEvery place in Scripture, by region.Continue
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