Joshua 9:24

The Gibeonites answered, "Your servants were told clearly that the LORD your God had commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land and wipe out all its inhabitants before you. So we greatly feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we have done this.

Study Bible

The Gibeonites answered
The Gibeonites, a group of Hivites, were inhabitants of the land of Canaan. Their response here is part of a dialogue with Joshua and the Israelites after their deception was uncovered. This interaction highlights the Gibeonites' awareness of Israel's divine mandate and their strategic decision to secure a treaty through deception.

Your servants were told clearly
This phrase indicates that the Gibeonites had received specific information about the Israelites' conquests and God's commands. It suggests that news of Israel's victories and divine backing had spread throughout Canaan, causing fear among its inhabitants. The Gibeonites' use of "your servants" is a diplomatic gesture, acknowledging Israel's authority.

that the LORD your God had commanded His servant Moses
The reference to "the LORD your God" acknowledges the God of Israel as the supreme deity, distinct from the Canaanite gods. The mention of Moses connects this event to the broader narrative of the Exodus and the giving of the Law, where God instructed Moses to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

to give you all the land
This phrase refers to the divine promise given to the patriarchs, reiterated to Moses, and now being fulfilled under Joshua's leadership. The land of Canaan was promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and this promise is central to Israel's identity and mission.

and wipe out all its inhabitants before you
This command, found in Deuteronomy 7:1-2, was part of God's instructions to prevent the Israelites from being led astray by the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites. The Gibeonites' awareness of this command underscores the seriousness of Israel's divine mission and the threat it posed to the existing inhabitants.

So we greatly feared for our lives because of you
The fear of the Gibeonites reflects the broader fear among Canaanite nations as they witnessed Israel's conquests. This fear is reminiscent of Rahab's words in Joshua 2:9-11, where she acknowledges the terror that had fallen on the inhabitants of the land due to Israel's God.

and that is why we have done this
The Gibeonites' deception was a survival tactic, motivated by their fear of annihilation. Their actions, while deceitful, resulted in their preservation and eventual integration into Israelite society, serving as woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the LORD. This outcome illustrates themes of mercy and the unexpected ways God's purposes can unfold.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land and conquering it.

2. Gibeonites
Inhabitants of Gibeon who deceived the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them to avoid destruction.

3. Moses
The servant of the LORD who received the command to conquer the land and destroy its inhabitants, which was passed on to Joshua.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel who commanded the conquest of Canaan and the destruction of its inhabitants.

5. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Teaching Points

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

Fear and Deception
The Gibeonites' fear led them to deception. Fear can drive us to make poor choices if not checked by faith and integrity.

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
Despite the deception, God used the situation for His purposes. This reminds us that God can work through our mistakes for His glory.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The Israelites' failure to fully obey God's command led to complications. Partial obedience is still disobedience.

The Power of a Covenant
The treaty with the Gibeonites, though made under false pretenses, was honored by God. This underscores the seriousness of our commitments and promises.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. In what ways does fear influence our actions, and how can we combat it with faith?

3. What are some modern examples of how God can use our mistakes for His purposes?

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

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of partial obedience to God. What did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:1-2
This passage outlines God's command to Israel to destroy the nations in Canaan, which the Gibeonites reference as their reason for fear.

Exodus 23:32-33
Warns against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land, which the Israelites inadvertently violated with the Gibeonites.

2 Samuel 21:1-6
Describes the consequences of Saul's violation of the treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the lasting impact of this event.

Hebrews 11:31
Highlights Rahab's faith, contrasting her honest plea for mercy with the Gibeonites' deceptive approach.

Matthew 10:16
Jesus advises His disciples to be "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves," which can be related to the need for discernment in dealing with others.