Joshua 9:16
Three days after they had made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites learned that they were neighbors, living among them.
Three days after they had made the treaty with the Gibeonites
The timing of "three days" is significant in biblical narratives, often symbolizing a period of testing or revelation. In this context, it marks the short duration between the Israelites' decision and the discovery of the Gibeonites' deception. The treaty was made under false pretenses, as the Gibeonites had disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land to secure peace with Israel. This reflects the importance of seeking divine guidance before making covenants, a lesson underscored by the Israelites' failure to consult God before agreeing to the treaty (Joshua 9:14).

the Israelites learned that they were neighbors
The realization that the Gibeonites were actually nearby inhabitants highlights the Israelites' vulnerability to deception when relying solely on human judgment. This discovery would have been a shock, as the Israelites were commanded to conquer the land and its peoples (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). The Gibeonites' proximity posed a direct challenge to this divine mandate, illustrating the tension between God's commands and the Israelites' actions.

living among them
The phrase "living among them" indicates the integration of the Gibeonites into the Israelite community, which was contrary to God's instructions to separate from the Canaanite nations to avoid idolatry and moral corruption (Exodus 34:12-16). This situation foreshadows future challenges Israel would face with other neighboring peoples. The Gibeonites' presence among the Israelites also serves as a type of the inclusion of Gentiles into the people of God, prefiguring the New Testament revelation of the gospel being extended to all nations (Ephesians 2:11-22).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites, who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is responsible for making the treaty with the Gibeonites.

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

3. Israelites
The people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are in the process of conquering the Promised Land.

4. Treaty
An agreement made between the Israelites and the Gibeonites, which was based on deception.

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance
Before making decisions, especially significant ones, seek God's wisdom and guidance through prayer and His Word.

The Consequences of Deception
Deception can lead to unintended consequences and long-term commitments that may not align with God's will.

The Value of Integrity
Upholding integrity and honesty in all dealings is crucial, as it reflects God's character and commands.

The Need for Discernment
Be discerning and cautious in interactions with others, ensuring that decisions align with God's commands and principles.

God's Sovereignty in Our Mistakes
Even when we make mistakes, God can work through them for His purposes, as seen in how the Gibeonites later served Israel.
Bible Study Questions
1. What steps can we take to ensure we seek God's guidance before making significant decisions, as Joshua failed to do in this instance?

2. How can we apply the lessons from the Israelites' treaty with the Gibeonites to our own lives when it comes to making commitments or agreements?

3. In what ways does the account of the Gibeonites illustrate the importance of discernment and wisdom in our interactions with others?

4. How does the Israelites' experience with the Gibeonites relate to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and redemption, even in our mistakes?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced the consequences of a decision made without seeking God's guidance. How did you see God work through that situation?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 7:1-2
This passage commands the Israelites not to make treaties with the inhabitants of the land, highlighting the disobedience involved in the treaty with the Gibeonites.

Exodus 34:12
Warns against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land, which could lead to idolatry and compromise.

2 Samuel 21:1-2
Describes the consequences of breaking a treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the long-term impact of the Israelites' decision.
A Canaanitish StratagemA. B. Mackay.Joshua 9:3-27
A Judgment Over Self- RelianceF. B. Meyer, B. A.Joshua 9:3-27
Beguiled by the Crafty EnemyJ. C. Miller, D. D.Joshua 9:3-27
Causes of RaggednessJ. E. Clarke, M. A.Joshua 9:3-27
Going AstrayW. G. Barrett.Joshua 9:3-27
Hasty JudgmentsH. M. Scudder, D. D.Joshua 9:3-27
Joshua Made Peace with ThemC. Ness.Joshua 9:3-27
League Made with the GibeonitesW. Seaton.Joshua 9:3-27
Mistakes Divinely OverruledF. B Meyer, B. A.Joshua 9:3-27
Old Shoes and Clouted, Patched ClothingD. Davies.Joshua 9:3-27
Pious FraudsW. G. Blaikie, DD.Joshua 9:3-27
Reprehensible Self-DistortionThomas Parsons.Joshua 9:3-27
Saints May be Outwitted by the WorldH. G. Salter.Joshua 9:3-27
Seek Direction from GodR. P. Buddicom, M. A.Joshua 9:3-27
The GibeonitesJ. Parker, D. D.Joshua 9:3-27
The Submission of the GibeonitesR. Glover Joshua 9:3-27
The GibeonitesE. De Pressense Joshua 9:15-23
People
Amorites, Canaanites, Gibeon, Gibeonites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Joshua, Og, Perizzites, Sihon
Places
Ai, Ashtaroth, Bashan, Beeroth, Egypt, Gibeon, Gilgal, Great Sea, Heshbon, Jericho, Jordan River, Kiriath-jearim, Lebanon
Topics
Agreement, Covenant, Dwelling, Dwelt, Gibeonites, Israelites, League, Midst, Neighbors, Neighbours, Pass, Within
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 9:16

     8452   neighbours, duty to

Joshua 9:3-16

     5592   treaty

Joshua 9:3-21

     5430   oaths, human

Joshua 9:3-22

     5920   pretence

Joshua 9:3-27

     4552   wood
     6701   peace, search for

Joshua 9:15-20

     8252   faithfulness, relationships

Library
Of a Good Government in External Things, and of Having Recourse to God in Dangers
"My Son, for this thou must diligently make thy endeavour, that in every place and outward action or occupation thou mayest be free within, and have power over thyself; and that all things be under thee, not thou under them; that thou be master and ruler of thy actions, not a slave or hireling, but rather a free and true Hebrew, entering into the lot and the liberty of the children of God, who stand above the present and look upon the eternal, who with the left eye behold things transitory, and with
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Letters of St. Bernard
I To Malachy. 1141.[924] (Epistle 341.) To the venerable lord and most blessed father, Malachy, by the grace of God archbishop of the Irish, legate of the Apostolic See, Brother Bernard called to be abbot of Clairvaux, [desiring] to find grace with the Lord. 1. Amid the manifold anxieties and cares of my heart,[925] by the multitude of which my soul is sore vexed,[926] the brothers coming from a far country[927] that they may serve the Lord,[928] thy letter, and thy staff, they comfort
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Conflicts with Giant Mistake
CONFLICTS WITH GIANT MISTAKE I make so many mistakes, it seems I am just a bundle of contradictions. I try to do good; but at times my efforts are so crude that I seem to do more harm than good. What shall I do? And though all the time I try hard not to make mistakes, yet I still make them. It seems to me that surely I am not sanctified, or else I should be more perfect. Do not the Scriptures command us to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect? I am not perfect; far from it. Really I
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down.
[Sidenote: 1129] 19. (12). Meanwhile[365] it happened that Archbishop Cellach[366] fell sick: he it was who ordained Malachy deacon, presbyter and bishop: and knowing that he was dying he made a sort of testament[367] to the effect that Malachy ought to succeed him,[368] because none seemed worthier to be bishop of the first see. This he gave in charge to those who were present, this he commanded to the absent, this to the two kings of Munster[369] and to the magnates of the land he specially enjoined
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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