Joshua 9:13

These wineskins were new when we filled them, but look, they are cracked. And these clothes and sandals are worn out from our very long journey."

Study Bible

These wineskins were new when we filled them
The mention of "wineskins" here refers to containers made from animal skins, typically goats, used in ancient times to store liquids like wine. The Hebrew word for wineskins, "נֹאדוֹת" (nodot), emphasizes the cultural practices of the time, where such skins were essential for travel and storage. The Gibeonites, who are speaking in this verse, are using the condition of their wineskins as evidence of their long journey, attempting to deceive the Israelites. This highlights the importance of discernment and the need for the Israelites to seek God's guidance in their decisions.

but see how cracked they are
The description of the wineskins as "cracked" serves as a metaphor for the wear and tear of life and the passage of time. In the Hebrew context, the word "בָּקַע" (baqa) implies a breaking or splitting, which can symbolize the fragility of human plans and the need for divine intervention. The Gibeonites' deception is a reminder of the brokenness in the world and the necessity for vigilance and reliance on God's wisdom.

and our clothes and sandals are worn out
The phrase "worn out" in Hebrew, "בָּלָה" (balah), suggests decay and aging, reflecting the natural consequences of a long journey. This imagery of worn clothes and sandals is used by the Gibeonites to further their ruse, presenting themselves as weary travelers. It serves as a spiritual lesson on the importance of perseverance and the endurance of faith, even when faced with deception and challenges.

from the very long journey
The "very long journey" is a critical element in the Gibeonites' story, as they claim to have traveled from a distant land. The Hebrew word "מְאֹד" (me'od) for "very" intensifies the length and difficulty of their supposed travels. This phrase underscores the theme of journeying in faith, reminding believers of the spiritual pilgrimage they undertake in life. It also highlights the need for spiritual discernment, as the Israelites are faced with the challenge of distinguishing truth from falsehood in their interactions with others.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gibeonites
A group of people from the city of Gibeon who deceived Joshua and the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them by pretending to be from a distant land.

2. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites who succeeded Moses and led the people into the Promised Land. He was responsible for making decisions regarding treaties and warfare.

3. Israelites
The people of God who were commanded to conquer the land of Canaan and were deceived by the Gibeonites into making a covenant with them.

4. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites by God, which they were in the process of conquering during the events of Joshua.

5. Gibeon
A significant city in Canaan whose inhabitants tricked the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Decision-Making
The Israelites failed to seek God's guidance before making a treaty with the Gibeonites. This teaches us the importance of seeking divine wisdom and discernment in our decisions.

Consequences of Deception
The Gibeonites' deception led to a binding covenant. This reminds us that deceit can have long-lasting consequences, and we must strive for honesty and integrity.

God's Sovereignty and Grace
Despite the Israelites' mistake, God used the situation for His purposes. This illustrates that God can work through our errors to fulfill His plans.

The Importance of Keeping Promises
The Israelites honored their treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the importance of keeping our commitments, even when made under false pretenses.

The Role of Community in Accountability
The leaders of Israel made the decision without consulting the broader community. This highlights the value of accountability and counsel in decision-making processes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we apply the lesson of seeking God's guidance in our daily decision-making processes?

2. What are some modern-day examples of deception, and how can we guard against them in our personal and spiritual lives?

3. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in situations where we have made mistakes?

4. How does the account of the Gibeonites challenge us to consider the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationships?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to keep a promise that was difficult to uphold. How does this relate to the Israelites' commitment to the Gibeonites?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7
This chapter outlines God's command to the Israelites to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan and not make treaties with them, highlighting the seriousness of the Gibeonites' deception.

2 Samuel 21
This passage describes the consequences of Saul breaking the treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the long-term impact of the covenant made in Joshua 9.

Matthew 10
Jesus instructs His disciples to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves," which can be related to the need for discernment that Joshua and the Israelites lacked in this situation.