The Gibeonites were a group of people from the city of Gibeon, located in the land of Canaan. They are most notably recognized for their cunning deception of the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. The account of the Gibeonites' deception is found in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 9.

Historical Context

The Gibeonites were part of the Hivite nation, one of the Canaanite tribes that inhabited the Promised Land before the arrival of the Israelites. As the Israelites, under Joshua's command, began their divinely ordained conquest of Canaan, the surrounding nations were filled with fear due to the miraculous victories at Jericho and Ai. The Gibeonites, aware of the fate that awaited them, devised a plan to secure their survival.

The Deception

The Gibeonites, recognizing the power of the God of Israel and the inevitability of their defeat, resorted to deception to make a covenant of peace with the Israelites. They disguised themselves as ambassadors from a distant land, wearing worn-out clothes and carrying moldy bread and cracked wineskins to give the appearance of having traveled a long distance. They approached Joshua and the leaders of Israel at Gilgal, claiming, "We have come from a distant land; now make a treaty with us" (Joshua 9:6).

The Israelites, led by Joshua, were initially skeptical but were ultimately convinced by the Gibeonites' ruse. Importantly, the Israelites "did not inquire of the LORD" (Joshua 9:14) before making a treaty with them, which was a significant oversight given the divine guidance they had received in previous decisions.

The Covenant

Joshua and the leaders of Israel made a peace treaty with the Gibeonites, swearing an oath to let them live. This covenant was binding, as oaths made in the name of the LORD were considered sacred and inviolable. When the deception was later discovered, the Israelites were unable to break the treaty due to the solemnity of the oath, despite the congregation's displeasure.

The Aftermath

Upon discovering the deception, the Israelites confronted the Gibeonites, who admitted their fear of the Israelites and their God as the motivation behind their actions. Joshua declared that the Gibeonites would be cursed to be "woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God" (Joshua 9:23). This role, while servile, allowed the Gibeonites to live among the Israelites and serve in the tabernacle, integrating them into the community of Israel.

Theological Significance

The account of the Gibeonites' deception highlights several theological themes. It underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making, as the Israelites' failure to consult the LORD led to unintended consequences. The narrative also illustrates God's sovereignty and mercy, as the Gibeonites, despite their deceit, were spared and given a place within the covenant community. This event serves as a reminder of the power of God's name and the binding nature of oaths made before Him.

The Gibeonites' account is a testament to the complexity of human interactions and the necessity of discernment and reliance on God in all matters. Their integration into Israel, despite their initial deception, reflects the broader biblical theme of God's grace extending beyond the boundaries of Israel to include all who seek Him.Joshua 9:1
And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof;
Nave's Topical Index

Book 4 Footnotes
... on design that he deceived [which sort of deception, by way of ... Balaam to go along
with the ambassadors, in case ... himself, in the case of the Gibeonites, who put ...
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