The Gibeonites were a group of people who inhabited the city of Gibeon and its surrounding towns during the time of Joshua's conquest of Canaan. They are primarily mentioned in the Old Testament, where their interactions with the Israelites are detailed. The Gibeonites were part of the Hivite ethnic group, one of the Canaanite tribes that occupied the land before the arrival of the Israelites.

Biblical Account

The most notable account of the Gibeonites is found in Joshua 9. As Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, the Gibeonites, aware of the fate that had befallen other Canaanite cities, resorted to deception to secure a peace treaty with Israel. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land, wearing worn-out clothes and carrying moldy bread, and approached Joshua and the leaders of Israel. Without seeking the counsel of the LORD, the Israelites made a covenant of peace with them. Joshua 9:14-15 states, "Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the counsel of the LORD. And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them."

When the deception was discovered, the Israelites honored the treaty due to the oath they had sworn before God, but they condemned the Gibeonites to perpetual servitude as woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:21-27).

Role in Israel

Despite their servitude, the Gibeonites played a significant role in the history of Israel. Their city, Gibeon, became a Levitical city and a place of worship. In 2 Samuel 21, during the reign of King David, a famine struck Israel, and it was revealed that the cause was King Saul's earlier attempt to annihilate the Gibeonites, breaking the covenant made in Joshua's time. To atone for this breach, David handed over seven of Saul's descendants to the Gibeonites, who executed them as retribution (2 Samuel 21:1-9).

Theological Significance

The account of the Gibeonites highlights several theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making, as the Israelites' failure to do so led to unintended consequences. Secondly, it illustrates the sanctity of oaths and covenants, even those made under false pretenses, as the Israelites honored their agreement with the Gibeonites despite the deception involved. Lastly, the narrative demonstrates God's justice and mercy, as the Gibeonites, though initially deceitful, were integrated into the community of Israel and served in the house of the LORD.

Later References

The Gibeonites are mentioned in other parts of the Old Testament, including the account of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem in Nehemiah 3:7, where men from Gibeon are listed among those who helped in the reconstruction efforts. This indicates their continued presence and integration within the Israelite community.

In summary, the Gibeonites, through their cunning and subsequent servitude, became a lasting part of Israel's history, serving as a reminder of the complexities of covenant relationships and the enduring nature of God's justice and mercy.Gib'eonites (5 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 21:1
And there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said: 'It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he put to death the Gibeonites.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 21:2
And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them--now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them; and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah--
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 21:3
and David said unto the Gibeonites: 'What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 21:4
And the Gibeonites said unto him: 'It is no matter of silver or gold between us and Saul, or his house; neither is it for us to put any man to death in Israel.' And he said: 'What say ye that I should do for you?'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 21:9
and he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the mountain before the LORD, and they fell all seven together; and they were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, at the beginning of barley harvest.
(See RSV)

Gib'eonites (5 Occurrences)
Gib'eonites. Gibeonites, Gib'eonites. Giblite . Multi-Version Concordance
Gib'eonites (5 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 21:1 And there was ...
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Gibeonites (7 Occurrences)

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Giblite (1 Occurrence)

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