Paragraph 10:6–11
The Israelites defended the Gibeonites against their enemies.
10:6a
Then: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Then introduces the next event in the storyline. Introduce this next event in a natural way in your language.
the men of Gibeon: The phrase the men of Gibeon refers to an indefinite number of people. Probably these men were some of the Gibeonite leaders.
sent word to Joshua: The clause sent word to Joshua indicates that the Gibeonites sent messengers to Joshua to ask him for his help.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
sent this message to Joshua (NET Bible)
-or-
sent messengers to Joshua (New Living Translation (2004))
in the camp at Gilgal: The phrase the camp at Gilgal refers to the same camping place where the Israelites were staying. Gilgal was where the Gibeonites first met with the Israelites (9:6).
10:6b
In Hebrew this clause begins with the word translated literally as “saying.” It may be more natural in some languages to begin a new sentence here. In this case, the word “saying” may be translated as:
They said
-or-
They begged
-or-
They pleaded
Use words that show the urgency of their request.
Do not abandon your servants: The Hebrew clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Do not abandon is a Hebrew idiom. It could be more literally translated “do not let your hand drop.” This idiom indicates that the Gibeonites asked Joshua to protect them from the Amorite kings and their armies. They expected the Israelites to help them because of the peace treaty that they had made with them.
your servants: The phrase your servants is used by the Gibeonites to show their respect for Joshua and the Israelites. Many languages have pronouns or nouns that are used when speaking to superiors. Use whatever is most natural in your language to express this relationship.
10:6c
Come: In Hebrew, the word Come is more literally “come up”. The town of Gibeon was higher than the Israelites’ camp at Gilgal. If your language keeps track of elevation, this would be a place to imply going up a steep hill/mountain.
quickly: The word quickly indicates the urgency of the Gibeonites’ request. They are in danger and want Joshua and the Israelite army to come at once to fight with them against the Amorite armies.
and save us! Help us: The two verbs save and Help are very similar in meaning. The Hebrew text uses two verbs with similar meanings to emphasize the urgency of the request. It may be more natural in some languages to express this meaning using one verb and some other means of showing emphasis.
10:6d
because: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as because introduces the reason for the Gibeonites’ request.
all the kings of the Amorites from the hill country: The Gibeonites referred to the five kings that are mentioned in 10:3. There may also have been other kings of smaller towns in the hill country, as 10:28–39 suggests. In addition, the Gibeonites may have exaggerated the facts because they were afraid.
have joined forces against us: The clause joined forces against us indicates that the Amorite kings with their armies were preparing to attack the Gibeonites.
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