Joshua Chapter 9 — The Gibeonite Deception
The Gibeonites deceive Israel into making a peace treaty by pretending to be from a distant land. When the truth is discovered, Joshua spares them but makes them servants.
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Notable Verses
Joshua 9:14
“The men sampled their provisions, and didn’t ask counsel from the LORD’s mouth.”
This verse highlights the critical error of the Israelite leaders in relying on their own senses rather than seeking divine direction.
Joshua 9:19
“But all the princes said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. Now therefore we may not touch them.””
It demonstrates the Israelites' high regard for the sanctity of an oath made in God's name, even when secured through trickery.
Chapter Summary
In Joshua Chapter 9, several kings in the region unite to fight against Israel. However, the inhabitants of Gibeon choose a different strategy to ensure their survival. They disguise themselves as travelers from a far country, wearing worn-out clothes and carrying moldy bread to make their story believable. Joshua and the Israelite leaders examine the physical evidence but neglect to seek guidance from the Lord. Based on this deception, they enter into a peace covenant with the Gibeonites. Three days later, the Israelites discover that the Gibeonites are actually their neighbors. Because of the oath sworn in the name of the Lord, Israel honors the treaty and does not strike them. Instead, Joshua sentences the Gibeonites to be wood cutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar, fulfilling the terms of the oath while addressing the deception.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Gibeonites used a ruse by wearing old garments, patched sandals, and carrying moldy bread to look like they had traveled a great distance. They told Joshua they had come from a far country because they had heard of the fame of the Lord and the victories in Egypt and against the Amorite kings.
The leaders of Israel had sworn a peace treaty by the Lord, the God of Israel. To break such an oath would have brought divine wrath upon the nation, so they chose to honor the covenant despite being deceived.
Joshua spared their lives but assigned them to be perpetual servants for the house of God. They were tasked with cutting wood and drawing water for the congregation and for the Lord's altar.
Study Note
The Gibeonite cities mentioned—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath Jearim—formed a local confederation of Hivite cities in the central hill country.
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