Joshua 9:7

But the men of Israel said to the Hivites, "Perhaps you dwell near us. How can we make a treaty with you?"

Study Bible

But the men of Israel said to the Hivites
The Hivites were one of the Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land promised to Israel. They are mentioned in Genesis 10:17 as descendants of Canaan. The Israelites were commanded to drive out the inhabitants of the land (Exodus 23:23-24), which included the Hivites. This context sets the stage for the tension in this encounter, as the Israelites were wary of forming alliances with the local tribes, which could lead them away from their covenant with God.

“Perhaps you dwell near us.
The Israelites were cautious because they were aware of God's command not to make covenants with the inhabitants of the land (Exodus 34:12). The phrase indicates suspicion and a need for discernment. The Israelites were concerned about being deceived, as they were aware of the potential for nearby tribes to pose as distant travelers to secure a treaty.

How can we make a treaty with you?”
This question reflects the Israelites' awareness of God's instructions in Deuteronomy 7:2, which forbade them from making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The concern was that such treaties could lead to idolatry and compromise their distinct identity as God's chosen people. The question underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for vigilance in maintaining spiritual purity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Men of Israel
The leaders and representatives of the Israelite community who are responsible for making decisions and treaties.

2. The Hivites
A group of Canaanite people living in the land promised to Israel. They are known for their cunning plan to deceive the Israelites into making a treaty with them.

3. Gibeon
The city from which the Hivites came. It was a significant city in Canaan, and its inhabitants feared the Israelites due to their conquests.

4. Joshua
The leader of Israel at this time, responsible for guiding the people in their conquest of Canaan and ensuring they follow God's commands.

5. The Treaty
A formal agreement that the Hivites sought with Israel to ensure their safety, despite God's command to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Decision-Making
The Israelites' initial suspicion of the Hivites highlights the need for discernment and seeking God's guidance in our decisions.

The Danger of Deception
The Hivites' deception serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the potential consequences of being misled.

Obedience to God's Commands
The situation underscores the importance of adhering to God's instructions, even when faced with seemingly beneficial opportunities.

The Role of Leadership
Joshua's role as a leader is crucial, reminding us of the responsibility leaders have to seek God's will and guide their people accordingly.

The Consequences of Compromise
Making treaties or alliances contrary to God's commands can lead to long-term consequences, as seen in Israel's history.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the Israelites' initial suspicion of the Hivites, and how can we apply this to our own decision-making processes?

2. How does the command in Deuteronomy 7:1-2 relate to the situation in Joshua 9:7, and what does this teach us about obedience to God's Word?

3. In what ways can we guard against deception in our spiritual lives, and what role does prayer and seeking God's guidance play in this?

4. How does the New Testament teaching in 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 about being unequally yoked apply to the Israelites' potential treaty with the Hivites?

5. What are some modern-day examples of compromises that Christians might face, and how can we ensure that we remain faithful to God's commands in these situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:1-2
This passage outlines God's command to Israel not to make treaties with the inhabitants of Canaan, highlighting the tension in Joshua 9:7.

Exodus 23:32-33
God instructs Israel not to make covenants with the inhabitants of the land, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands.

2 Corinthians 6:14-15
This New Testament passage warns believers about being unequally yoked with unbelievers, which can be related to the Israelites' potential treaty with the Hivites.