Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly
Which no doubt threw them into consternation and confusion:
[and] went up from Gilgal all night;
he chose the night for secrecy and surprise, and that he might be the sooner with the enemy, and to the assistance and relief of Gibeon; and as it was about nine or ten miles from Gilgal to Gibeon, it was easily performed in a night's march; (See Gill on Joshua 9:6).