Joshua 9

Joshua 9:1

H. The Treaty with the Gibeonites (Chap. 9)9:1-27 News of the military successes of Israel caused all the kings in Canaan to unite against Joshua and Israel (vv. 1, 2). But the inhabitants of the city of Gibeon and three other cities, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kirjath Jearim (vv. 3, 17) decided that it was futile to oppose the invaders. They knew that the Israelites had been ordered to destroy all the heathen inhabitants of the land. But they also knew that no such orders had been issued concerning nations outside Canaan (Deu_20:10, Deu_20:15). If they could persuade Joshua and his army that they had come on a long journey . . . from a distant country, they would not be killed. So they disguised themselves in tattered old garments and patched sandals. Also, they brought with them dry and moldy bread and torn . . . wineskins. They told Joshua they had come . . . from a very far country, and everything about them seemed to support the statement. The Israelites did not ask counsel of the LORD about the matter, but made a covenant with the Gibeonites. Three days later the scheme was exposed, and there was agitation among the Jews to kill the tricksters. But the rulers decided to honor the treaty by sparing the Gibeonites. However, they would henceforth serve the congregation as woodcutters and water carriers in connection with the service of the altar of the Lord. Joshua and the princes were wise in keeping their oath, even though they had been deceived in the matter. Later Saul tried to exterminate the Gibeonites and was punished for it (2 Sam. 21).