Joshua would have heard about the large number of enemy forces who have gathered against Gibeon. He would also have been told that the people from Hebron are among them. Israel is thus outnumbered and outmuscled as they contemplate whether or not to keep their oath and fight. The Lord encourages Joshua by reminding him of his promises. God’s words of encouragement to Joshua are the same as those spoken in Joshua 1:2 and Joshua 1:5, a promise of God’s help and power.1 God assures his people not with new truth previously unknown, but by reaffirming promises already given.2
8 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.”