Topical Bible: Deception: The Gibeonites, in Misrepresenting Their Habitat

◄ Deception: The Gibeonites, in Misrepresenting Their Habitat ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the Gibeonites' deception is found in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 9. This narrative highlights the cunning strategy employed by the Gibeonites to secure a peace treaty with the Israelites, who were divinely commanded to conquer the land of Canaan.

Context and Background

Following the miraculous victories at Jericho and Ai, the fame of the Israelites and their God spread throughout the land of Canaan. The surrounding Canaanite kings, recognizing the threat posed by the Israelites, began to form alliances to resist them. However, the Gibeonites, a group of Hivites from the city of Gibeon, chose a different approach. Rather than confront the Israelites in battle, they resorted to deception to ensure their survival.

The Deceptive Strategy

The Gibeonites devised a plan to mislead the Israelites into believing they were from a distant land, not from the nearby region of Canaan. They prepared provisions that appeared old and worn: moldy bread, cracked wineskins, patched sandals, and tattered clothing. This ruse was intended to convince the Israelites that they had traveled a great distance.

When they arrived at the Israelite camp at Gilgal, they presented themselves to Joshua and the leaders of Israel, claiming, "We have come from a distant land. Now make a treaty with us" (Joshua 9:6). The Israelites were initially skeptical, questioning the Gibeonites about their origins. However, the Gibeonites persisted in their deception, emphasizing the worn state of their provisions as evidence of their long journey.

The Israelites' Oversight

The Israelites, led by Joshua, failed to seek the counsel of the LORD regarding the Gibeonites' request. Instead, they relied on their own judgment, examining the Gibeonites' provisions and accepting their account at face value. Consequently, Joshua made a peace treaty with them, swearing an oath to let them live (Joshua 9:14-15).

The Revelation and Aftermath

Three days after the treaty was made, the Israelites discovered the truth: the Gibeonites were their neighbors, living within the land of Canaan. Despite the deception, the Israelites honored the treaty due to the solemn oath they had sworn before God. The leaders declared, "We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them" (Joshua 9:19).

As a result, the Gibeonites were spared from destruction but were assigned to servitude. Joshua decreed, "You are now under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God" (Joshua 9:23). This decision reflected both the Israelites' commitment to their oath and the consequences of the Gibeonites' deceit.

Theological Implications

The account of the Gibeonites' deception underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making. The Israelites' failure to consult the LORD led to an unintended alliance with a Canaanite group, highlighting the potential pitfalls of relying solely on human wisdom. Additionally, the narrative illustrates the sanctity of oaths made before God, as the Israelites honored their treaty despite the circumstances of its inception.

The Gibeonites' account also serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and mercy. Despite their initial deception, the Gibeonites were integrated into the Israelite community and served in the tabernacle, indicating that God's purposes can prevail even through human failings and deceit.