Joshua 9:11

So the elders and inhabitants of our land told us, 'Take provisions for your journey; go to meet them and say to them: We are your servants. Please make a treaty with us.'

Study Bible

So the elders and inhabitants of our land told us
This phrase indicates a directive from the leaders of the Gibeonites, highlighting the hierarchical structure of ancient Near Eastern societies where elders held significant authority. The Gibeonites were Hivites, a Canaanite people, and their decision to deceive Israel was a strategic move to preserve their lives. This reflects the broader context of Canaanite fear and response to Israel's conquests, as seen in Joshua 2 with Rahab's acknowledgment of Israel's God.

‘Take provisions for your journey;
The mention of provisions suggests preparation for a long journey, which was part of the Gibeonites' ruse to appear as if they came from a distant land. This tactic was meant to align with the stipulations in Deuteronomy 20:10-15, where Israel was instructed to offer peace to distant cities, not those within Canaan. The Gibeonites' deception underscores the theme of cunning and survival in the face of impending destruction.

go to meet them and say to them:
This phrase indicates a proactive approach by the Gibeonites, emphasizing their initiative in seeking peace with Israel. It reflects the urgency and desperation of the Canaanite peoples as they faced the advancing Israelites. The act of going to meet Israel also signifies a form of submission and acknowledgment of Israel's power.

We are your servants.
By declaring themselves servants, the Gibeonites sought to establish a subordinate relationship with Israel, which was a common practice in ancient treaties where the weaker party would offer servitude in exchange for protection. This phrase echoes the humility and submission seen in other biblical narratives, such as Jacob's approach to Esau in Genesis 32:4-5.

Please make a treaty with us.’
The request for a treaty highlights the Gibeonites' desire for a formal agreement that would ensure their safety. In the ancient Near East, treaties were binding and often involved oaths before deities, making them sacred and inviolable. This plea for a covenant mirrors the broader biblical theme of covenants as foundational to relationships, both human and divine, as seen in God's covenants with Noah, Abraham, and Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elders of Gibeon
The leaders of the Gibeonite people who devised a plan to deceive the Israelites into making a peace treaty.

2. Gibeonites
Inhabitants of Gibeon, a Canaanite city, who feared the Israelites and sought to make a treaty with them through deception.

3. Israelites
The people of God, led by Joshua, who were conquering the land of Canaan as God had commanded.

4. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites, who was responsible for making decisions regarding treaties and warfare.

5. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites by God, which they were in the process of conquering.

Teaching Points

Discernment and Seeking God’s Guidance
The Israelites failed to seek God's counsel before making a treaty with the Gibeonites. This teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance in all decisions, especially those that seem straightforward.

The Deceptiveness of Appearances
The Gibeonites' deception reminds us that appearances can be misleading. We must be cautious and discerning, testing everything against God's Word.

The Importance of Integrity
Despite being deceived, the Israelites honored their treaty with the Gibeonites. This highlights the importance of keeping our commitments and maintaining integrity, even when it is difficult.

God’s Sovereignty and Mercy
Despite the deception, God used the situation for His purposes. This shows that God can work through our mistakes and still bring about His plans.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did the Gibeonites' fear of the Israelites lead them to devise their plan, and what does this teach us about the power of fear in decision-making?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are seeking God's guidance in our daily decisions, and how can we apply this to our current life situations?

3. How does the Israelites' response to the Gibeonites' deception challenge us to uphold our commitments, even when circumstances change?

4. What are some modern-day examples of situations where appearances can be deceiving, and how can we apply biblical discernment in these cases?

5. How does the account of the Gibeonites and the Israelites illustrate God's ability to use our mistakes for His purposes, and how can this encourage us in our walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 20:10-18
Provides instructions on making treaties with distant cities, which the Gibeonites exploited by pretending to be from a distant land.

Exodus 23:32-33
Warns against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land, highlighting the Israelites' failure to seek God's guidance in this situation.

2 Samuel 21:1-2
Describes the consequences of Saul breaking the treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the long-term impact of this event.