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 Gibeonites were a group of Hivites, one of the Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land promised to Israel. Gibeon was a significant city, described as a great city, like one of the royal cities, and greater than Ai (Joshua 10:2). Archaeological evidence suggests that Gibeon was a well-fortified city with a strategic location, which would have made it a valuable ally or a formidable enemy. The Gibeonites' decision to seek peace with Israel reflects their awareness of the Israelites' divine mandate to conquer Canaan.

having heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai
The news of Israel's victories at Jericho and Ai spread quickly throughout Canaan, instilling fear among the inhabitants. Jericho's fall was miraculous, with its walls collapsing after the Israelites marched around them for seven days (Joshua 6). Ai, on the other hand, was initially a site of defeat due to Achan's sin but was later conquered through strategic military tactics (Joshua 7-8). The Gibeonites' response to these events indicates their recognition of the power of Israel's God, who was fighting for them. This acknowledgment of divine intervention is a recurring theme in the conquest narratives, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel.

what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai
Joshua, as the leader of Israel, was instrumental in executing God's commands for the conquest of Canaan. His actions at Jericho and Ai demonstrated both divine guidance and human obedience. The destruction of these cities served as a warning to other Canaanite nations about the fate awaiting those who opposed Israel. The Gibeonites' decision to seek a treaty with Israel can be seen as a pragmatic move to avoid destruction, contrasting with the resistance of other Canaanite kings. This phrase also highlights the role of Joshua as a type of Christ, leading his people to victory and securing their inheritance, much like Jesus leads believers to spiritual victory and eternal life.

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.