יהושע, פרק י׳, פסוק ב׳

The sudden surrender of a major local power sent waves of panic throughout the region. Seeing such a prominent city yield without a fight established a terrifying precedent. If a place of such immense strength could not find the courage to defend itself, the resolve of every other warrior in the area naturally crumbled [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

The intense fear that gripped the inhabitants of the land was rooted in a clear understanding of Gibeon's extraordinary status, which was recognized across three distinct dimensions [מלבי״ם]. First, it held the prestige and leadership structure of a royal city. Its authority and influence extended far beyond its own local borders, setting it apart from the other Gibeonite cities [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Second, its physical size was massive, notably larger than the city of Ai [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Finally, its military might was highly respected, as its population was made up of strong, capable warriors [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].