There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.
There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites, the inhabitants of Gibeon. It is implied in this statement that if any of the tribes or people of Canaan had repented, and forsaken their idolatry, they would not only have been spared, but, like Rahab, have been incorporated with the chosen nation of Israel. But notwithstanding the over-whelming evidences of divine agency accompanying the progress of the Israelites, the Canaanites, with one solitary exception, refused to acknowledge the wonderful works of God; and, instead of making any overtures of peace, or signifying a desire for it, they formed a united phalanx of armed opposition to the entrance of the Israelites. In consequence of this combined and unyielding hostility, the invaders destroyed them all. All other they took in battle. This statement does not conflict with that contained in Joshua 15:63 (see the note at that passage).