Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Joshua 9
Joshua 9:14So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord.
This verse marks the critical mistake where the Israelite leaders trusted their own senses - the worn-out supplies - instead of pausing to ask God for wisdom.Joshua 9:19But all the leaders said to all the congregation, "We have sworn to them by the Lord, the God of Israel, and now we may not touch them.
Here, the leaders affirm the unbreakable nature of their vow, choosing to uphold their integrity before God over appeasing the grumbling congregation.Joshua 9:24They answered Joshua, “Because it was told to your servants for a certainty that the Lord your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you - so we feared greatly for our lives because of you and did this thing.
The Gibeonites revealed their motivation was a deep fear of God's reported command to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan, which drove them to their desperate plan.
Historical & Cultural Context
A Coalition of Kings
Following Israel's stunning victories at Jericho and Ai, word spreads like wildfire throughout Canaan. The local kings, from the hill country to the coast, hear of Israel's unstoppable advance and the power of their God. Their response is to form a massive military coalition, deciding that their only hope for survival is to unite their forces and fight Joshua head-on.
A Strategy of Deception
While the other Canaanite nations prepare for war, the people of Gibeon choose a different path. They recognize that direct confrontation with Israel is futile. Instead of sharpening swords, they devise a clever strategy of survival based on deception, hoping to secure a peace treaty by tricking Israel into believing they are not from the land God commanded them to conquer.
The Gibeonite Ruse
The chapter opens with two contrasting reactions to Israel's success. While most Canaanite kings band together for war (Joshua 9:1-2), the Gibeonites embark on a mission of cunning diplomacy. They arrive at the Israelite camp in Gilgal, not with weapons, but with a carefully crafted story and compelling, albeit fake, evidence of a long journey.
A Desperate Plea (Joshua 9:1-6)
1 As soon as all the kings who were beyond the Jordan in the hill country and in the lowland all along the coast of the Great Sea toward Lebanon, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, heard of this,
2 they gathered together to fight with Joshua and Israel with one accord.
3 But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai,
4 They on their part acted with cunning and went and made ready provisions and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended,
5 And they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, "We have come from a distant country, so now make a covenant with us."
6 And they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, "We have come from a distant country, so now make a covenant with us."
Commentary:
The Gibeonites stage an elaborate deception, appearing as weary travelers to request a peace treaty with Israel.
The Fatal Oversight (Joshua 9:7-15)
7 But the men of Israel said to the Hivites, “Perhaps you live among us; then how can we make a covenant with you?”
8 But they said to Joshua, “We are your servants.” And Joshua said to them, “Who are you? And where do you come from?”
9 They said to him, “From a very distant country your servants have come, because of the name of the Lord your God. For we have heard a report of him, and all that he did in Egypt,
10 and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon the king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth.
11 So our elders and all the inhabitants of our country said to us, 'Take provisions in your hand for the journey and go to meet them and say to them, "We are your servants. Come now, make a covenant with us."'
12 This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we set out to come to you, but now, behold, it is dry and crumbly.
13 these wineskins were new when we filled them, and behold, they have burst. And these garments and sandals of ours are worn out from the very long journey."
14 So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord.
15 And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.
Commentary:
Fooled by the evidence, the Israelite leaders make a treaty with the Gibeonites without asking for God's guidance.
The Truth Uncovered (Joshua 9:16-21)
16 This is what we will do to them: we will let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath that we swore to them.”
17 And the people of Israel set out and reached their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim.
18 But the people of Israel did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn to them by the Lord, the God of Israel. Then all the congregation murmured against the leaders.
19 But all the leaders said to all the congregation, "We have sworn to them by the Lord, the God of Israel, and now we may not touch them.
20 This we will do to them: let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath that we swore to them.”
21 And the leaders said to them, “Let them live.” So they became cutters of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation, just as the leaders had said of them.
Commentary:
Israel discovers the deception, but its leaders insist on honoring the oath to avoid God's wrath.
A Curse and a Mercy (Joshua 9:22-27)
22 Joshua summoned them, and he said to them, “Why did you deceive us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you dwell among us?
23 Now therefore you are cursed, and some of you shall never be anything but servants, cutters of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.”
24 They answered Joshua, “Because it was told to your servants for a certainty that the Lord your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you - so we feared greatly for our lives because of you and did this thing.
25 And now, behold, we are in your hand. Whatever seems good and right in your sight to do to us, do it.”
26 So he did this to them and delivered them out of the hand of the people of Israel, and they did not kill them.
27 But Joshua made them that day cutters of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord, to this day, in the place that he should choose.
Commentary:
Joshua curses the Gibeonites to servitude for their lie but spares their lives, upholding the treaty.
Deception, Oaths, and Divine Counsel
The Importance of Seeking God's Counsel
The central failure in this story is Israel's decision to rely on their own eyes and reasoning instead of asking God for direction. It's a powerful reminder that even when a situation seems straightforward, seeking divine wisdom is essential to avoid being deceived by appearances.
The Sanctity of an Oath
Even though the treaty was secured through a lie, the fact that it was sworn in the Lord's name made it unbreakable. This theme highlights the immense value God places on integrity and the promises made by His people, showing that our words have spiritual weight and consequences.
The Far-Reaching Fear of God
The Gibeonites' actions were driven by a genuine fear of God's power. Their story demonstrates that God's reputation preceded the Israelite army, and the knowledge of His mighty acts was enough to make a pagan nation seek preservation at any cost.
Mercy in the Midst of Failure
Through Israel's mistake and Gibeon's deception, a group of Canaanites was spared and integrated into the nation, serving at the altar of God. This shows how God can work through human messiness to extend mercy in ways no one could have planned.
Applying the Lessons of Gibeon
The Israelites saw moldy bread and worn-out clothes and made a decision based on what seemed obvious (Joshua 9:14). You might do the same in major life decisions or even daily interactions, forgetting to pause and pray. This story encourages you to bring everything to God, because what appears true on the surface can often be deceiving.
The Israelite leaders honored their oath even when it was unpopular and based on a lie (Joshua 9:19). This challenges you to reflect on the weight of your own words. Your integrity in keeping promises, big or small, is a powerful testimony to your character and your relationship with God.
The Gibeonites were outsiders who, out of a healthy fear and respect for God's power, sought a way to be saved (Joshua 9:24). Their story shows that God's reputation reaches far beyond our circles. It reminds you to be open to how God might be working in the lives of people you least expect, drawing them to Himself in unconventional ways.
Human Failure Meets Divine Sovereignty
Joshua 9 reveals a critical moment where human error - failing to consult God - has lasting consequences. Yet, it also shows God's overarching plan at work. The story is a powerful lesson that while our choices have real-world impact, God can still weave His purposes through them, preserving life and demonstrating the unbreakable weight of a vow made in His name.
What This Means for Us Today
The story of the Gibeonites is a stark reminder to seek God's counsel in all matters, not only the challenging ones. It challenges us to live with integrity, understanding that our words have power and our promises matter. It reveals a God who can work even through our mistakes to extend mercy in unexpected ways.
- What decision are you facing right now where you need to stop and ask for God's counsel?
- Is there a promise you've made that you need to honor, even if it's difficult?
- How can you look for God's mercy at work in a complicated or messy situation in your life?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
This chapter details Israel's victory over Ai and the solemn ceremony of renewing their covenant with God, setting a backdrop of obedience that makes the failure in chapter 9 more striking.
The consequences of the treaty become immediate, as Israel is forced to defend Gibeon from an attack by other Canaanite kings, leading to the miraculous battle where the sun stands still.
Connections Across Scripture
This passage explains God's rules for warfare, which commanded Israel to destroy the nearby Canaanite nations, clarifying why the Gibeonites had to lie about being from a distant land.
Centuries later, King Saul violates this very treaty, and a severe famine strikes Israel as a result, demonstrating the long-lasting and serious nature of the oath made in Joshua 9.
Discussion Questions
- The Israelites were deceived because they relied on physical evidence instead of spiritual discernment. When has 'what you can see' led you to a wrong conclusion in your own life?
- The leaders kept their oath even though it was costly and unpopular. Do you think they made the right decision? Why is keeping a promise made in God's name so important?
- The Gibeonites used deception to save their lives. What does this story teach us about God's ability to bring about His purposes even through messy, human situations?