Joshua 9:4

acted deceptively and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended.

Study Bible

acted deceptively
The Gibeonites' deception is a key theme in this passage, highlighting the cunning and craftiness they employed to protect themselves from the Israelites. This act of deception can be seen as a reflection of the broader spiritual battle between truth and falsehood. In the biblical narrative, deception often leads to significant consequences, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 27) and the serpent's deception of Eve (Genesis 3). The Gibeonites' actions also underscore the importance of discernment and seeking God's guidance, as Joshua and the Israelites failed to consult the Lord before making a treaty with them.

and set out as envoys
The Gibeonites presented themselves as ambassadors, a role that typically involved diplomacy and negotiation. In the ancient Near East, envoys were often sent to establish peace treaties or alliances. This action by the Gibeonites was strategic, as they sought to secure a covenant with Israel to avoid destruction. The use of envoys in this context emphasizes the importance of appearances and the role of diplomacy in ancient times. It also serves as a reminder of the need for wisdom and discernment in dealing with others, as appearances can be deceiving.

carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks
The mention of donkeys and worn-out sacks adds a layer of authenticity to the Gibeonites' ruse. Donkeys were common pack animals in the ancient world, used for transporting goods over long distances. The worn-out sacks suggest a long journey, reinforcing the Gibeonites' claim of coming from a distant land. This detail highlights the lengths to which the Gibeonites went to make their deception believable. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of the outward appearance versus inward reality, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God reminds Samuel that He looks at the heart, not the outward appearance.

and old wineskins, cracked and mended
Wineskins were used to store and transport wine, and over time, they would become brittle and crack. The Gibeonites' use of old, mended wineskins was another element of their deception, suggesting that they had traveled a great distance. This imagery of old wineskins is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus uses the metaphor of new wine in old wineskins (Matthew 9:17) to illustrate the incompatibility of the new covenant with old religious practices. The cracked and mended wineskins in Joshua 9:4 serve as a physical representation of the Gibeonites' attempt to manipulate appearances to achieve their goals.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gibeonites
A group of people from the city of Gibeon who, fearing the Israelites, resorted to deception to secure a peace treaty.

2. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land and conquering its inhabitants.

3. Israelites
The people of God, who were commanded to take possession of the Promised Land and eliminate its idolatrous inhabitants.

4. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites, inhabited by various groups, including the Gibeonites.

5. Deception
The act carried out by the Gibeonites to protect themselves from destruction by the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Leadership
Leaders must seek God's guidance in decision-making to avoid being deceived by appearances.

Consequences of Deception
Deception can lead to unintended long-term consequences, as seen in the covenant with the Gibeonites.

God's Sovereignty
Despite human deception, God's plans and purposes prevail, as He used the Gibeonites for His purposes.

Importance of Seeking God
The Israelites' failure to consult God before making a treaty with the Gibeonites serves as a reminder to seek divine guidance in all decisions.

Integrity in Relationships
The account encourages believers to maintain integrity and honesty in their dealings with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Gibeonites' deception reflect their understanding of the Israelites' God and His commands?

2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of seeking God's guidance in our daily decision-making processes?

3. How does the account of the Gibeonites illustrate the importance of discernment in leadership roles?

4. What are some modern-day examples of deception that Christians might face, and how can they respond biblically?

5. How does the covenant with the Gibeonites demonstrate the importance of keeping one's word, even when made under false pretenses?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 20
Provides the laws concerning warfare, including the treatment of distant cities versus those within the Promised Land, highlighting the Gibeonites' awareness of these laws.

2 Samuel 21
Discusses the consequences of Saul's breach of the treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the long-term impact of the covenant made in Joshua 9.

Matthew 10:16
Jesus instructs His disciples to be "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves," which can be related to the discernment needed by Joshua and the Israelites.