Joshua 9:3

But the people of Gibeon, having heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai,

Study Bible

But the people of Gibeon
The mention of "the people of Gibeon" introduces us to a group of Canaanites who were inhabitants of a significant city-state in the region. Gibeon was a large, fortified city, and its people were known for their wisdom and cunning. The Hebrew root for Gibeon, "גִּבְעוֹן" (Giv'on), suggests a place of elevation or a hill, indicating its strategic location. Historically, Gibeon was a prominent city, and its people were Hivites, one of the Canaanite tribes. The Gibeonites' decision to act upon the news of Israel's conquests reflects their awareness and shrewdness in dealing with the threat posed by the Israelites.

having heard
The phrase "having heard" underscores the impact of Joshua's military campaigns on the surrounding nations. The Hebrew word "שָׁמַע" (shama) implies not just hearing but understanding and responding to the information. This indicates that the Gibeonites were not only aware of the events but also comprehended the implications for their own survival. The news of Israel's victories spread quickly, instilling fear and prompting strategic responses from neighboring cities.

what Joshua had done
This phrase highlights the actions and leadership of Joshua, the successor of Moses, who was divinely appointed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. The Hebrew name "יְהוֹשֻׁעַ" (Yehoshua) means "Yahweh is salvation," reflecting his role as a deliverer for Israel. Joshua's military achievements were not merely human endeavors but were seen as acts of divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. His reputation as a formidable leader was well-known among the Canaanite cities.

to Jericho and Ai
The reference to "Jericho and Ai" serves as a reminder of the miraculous victories that God granted Israel. Jericho, with its formidable walls, fell not by conventional warfare but through divine intervention, as described in Joshua 6. Ai, though initially a site of defeat due to Israel's disobedience, was later conquered through strategic planning and obedience to God's instructions (Joshua 7-8). These victories demonstrated God's power and faithfulness, instilling fear in the hearts of the Canaanite inhabitants. The Gibeonites, recognizing the fate of these cities, sought to avoid a similar destruction by seeking peace with Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gibeon
A significant Canaanite city-state known for its strategic location and later integration into Israel. The Gibeonites were Hivites, a group of people living in the land of Canaan.

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

3. Jericho
The first city conquered by the Israelites in the Promised Land, known for its miraculous fall after the Israelites marched around its walls.

4. Ai
The second city conquered by the Israelites, following an initial defeat due to Achan's sin, but later taken through strategic military tactics.

5. The Gibeonite Deception
The event where the Gibeonites, fearing for their lives, deceived Joshua and the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them by pretending to be from a distant land.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Leadership
Joshua's failure to seek God's counsel before making a treaty with the Gibeonites serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making.

The Power of Reputation
The Gibeonites acted out of fear because of the reputation of Israel's God and His mighty acts. Our lives should reflect God's power and holiness, impacting those around us.

The Consequences of Deception
The Gibeonites' deception led to a lasting servitude, illustrating that deceit, even when seemingly beneficial, can have long-term consequences.

The Importance of Keeping Promises
Despite being deceived, the Israelites honored their treaty with the Gibeonites, teaching us the value of integrity and faithfulness to our commitments.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Despite human errors and deception, God's purposes prevailed, showing His ability to work through imperfect situations for His glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Gibeonites challenge us to seek God's guidance in our decisions today?

2. In what ways can our reputation as Christians influence those around us, similar to how Israel's reputation affected the Gibeonites?

3. What are some modern examples of deception, and how can we guard against being deceived in our spiritual walk?

4. How can we apply the principle of keeping our promises in our daily lives, even when circumstances change?

5. Reflect on a time when God used an imperfect situation in your life for His purposes. How does this encourage you in your current circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 20:10-18
Provides the laws regarding warfare, including the treatment of distant cities versus those in the Promised Land. The Gibeonites exploited this distinction.

2 Samuel 21:1-6
Describes the consequences of Saul's breach of the treaty with the Gibeonites, highlighting the importance of keeping oaths.

Matthew 10:16
Jesus instructs His disciples to be "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves," which can be related to the need for discernment, as seen in Joshua's encounter with the Gibeonites.