Joshua 9:15

And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them.

Study Bible

And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them
The phrase begins with "And Joshua," indicating the central role of Joshua as the leader of Israel. Joshua, whose name means "The LORD is salvation," is a type of Christ, leading God's people into the Promised Land. The Hebrew word for "made a treaty" is "karath berith," which literally means "to cut a covenant." This phrase reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of making covenants, often involving a sacrifice. The "treaty of peace" signifies a formal agreement, which in this context, was made under deceptive circumstances by the Gibeonites. Historically, this reflects the complex interactions between Israel and the surrounding nations, emphasizing the importance of discernment and obedience to God's commands.

to let them live
This phrase highlights the outcome of the treaty: the preservation of the Gibeonites' lives. In the broader biblical narrative, life is a precious gift from God, and the decision to let them live, despite the deception, underscores themes of mercy and the sanctity of life. The Hebrew root "chayah" means "to live" or "to preserve life," which is significant in the context of Israel's conquest, where many cities were devoted to destruction. This decision, though made under false pretenses, aligns with God's overarching desire for life and redemption.

and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them
The "leaders of the congregation" refers to the elders and officials of Israel, who held significant authority and responsibility. Their involvement in swearing an oath indicates a collective decision, binding the entire community. The Hebrew word for "swore" is "shaba," meaning to take an oath or make a solemn promise. In biblical times, oaths were sacred and binding, often invoking God's name as a witness. This highlights the seriousness of their commitment, despite the Gibeonites' deception. Theologically, this reflects the importance of integrity and the weight of one's word, reminding believers of the need for wisdom and reliance on God in decision-making.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites, successor to Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. He is central to the account as the one who makes the treaty.

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

3. Israelite Leaders
The elders and leaders of the Israelite congregation who, along with Joshua, swore an oath to the Gibeonites, binding them to the treaty.

4. The Treaty
A formal agreement made between Joshua and the Gibeonites, allowing them to live in peace among the Israelites.

5. The Oath
A solemn promise made by the leaders of Israel, which was binding and made before God, emphasizing the seriousness of their commitment.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance
Joshua and the leaders failed to seek God's counsel before making the treaty. This teaches us the importance of seeking divine guidance in our decisions.

The Consequences of Deception
The Gibeonites' deception led to unintended consequences for both parties. This reminds us of the destructive nature of deceit and the importance of honesty.

The Binding Nature of Oaths
The Israelites' oath to the Gibeonites was binding, even though it was made under false pretenses. This underscores the seriousness of our commitments and the need to honor our word.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Despite the mistake, God used the situation for His purposes. This reassures us that God can work through our errors to fulfill His plans.

The Role of Leadership and Accountability
The leaders' decision affected the entire community, highlighting the responsibility of leaders to act wisely and the importance of accountability.

Bible Study Questions

1. What steps can we take to ensure we seek God's guidance in our decision-making processes, as opposed to relying solely on our understanding?

2. How can we apply the lesson of the Gibeonites' deception to our own lives, particularly in our interactions with others?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our commitments and promises reflect integrity and truthfulness, in light of Jesus' teaching on oaths?

4. How does the account of the Gibeonites illustrate God's ability to work through human mistakes, and how can this encourage us in our own lives?

5. What responsibilities do leaders have in making decisions that affect others, and how can they ensure they are accountable to God and their community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:1-2
This passage outlines God's command to the Israelites to make no treaties with the inhabitants of the Promised Land, highlighting the disobedience in Joshua 9:15.

2 Samuel 21:1-2
This passage shows the long-term consequences of the treaty with the Gibeonites, as Saul's violation of it brings a famine upon Israel.

Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus' teaching on oaths emphasizes the importance of integrity and truthfulness, which relates to the binding nature of the oath made by the Israelites.