Lexical Summary tsayar: Potter, artist, or one who forms Original Word: צָיַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance make as if A denominative from tsiyr in the sense of ambassador; to make an errand, i.e. Betake oneself -- make as if...had been ambassador. see HEBREW tsiyr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from tsir Definition to act as envoy NASB Translation envoys (1). Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting The term appears once, in Joshua 9:4, within the account of the Gibeonites who “acted deceptively and set out as envoys” (Berean Standard Bible). The single usage is embedded in a strategic episode that follows Israel’s victories at Jericho and Ai. The word is therefore tied to the idea of an envoy or ambassador, but in a context of calculated disguise. Historical Background Gibeon belonged to a confederation of Canaanite city-states threatened by Israel’s advance (Joshua 9:1–2). Rather than engage in open war, its leaders crafted a ruse: emissaries clothed in worn garments and carrying cracked wineskins presented themselves as travelers from a distant country. Ancient Near Eastern diplomacy tolerated subterfuge, yet covenant oaths carried binding force. This tension lies at the heart of the narrative. Narrative Significance 1. Human initiative versus divine guidance: Joshua 9:14 records that Israel’s leaders “did not seek the counsel of the LORD.” The envoy scene thus becomes a cautionary mirror for leadership that relies on sight rather than revelation. Theological Reflections • Integrity in representation. Ambassadors speak for another. The misuse of the role in Joshua 9 contrasts with the ideal expressed in Proverbs 13:17—“A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.” Intertextual Echoes The concept of an envoy sets a pattern fulfilled in the New Testament. Paul writes, “Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Where the Gibeonite envoys misrepresented themselves, Christ’s ambassadors are called to truthful representation of the gospel. The single Old Testament occurrence therefore becomes a foil that highlights the authenticity demanded of New Covenant ministry. Practical Ministry Implications • Discernment before decision: Leaders today must resist the temptation to evaluate solely by appearance or urgency. Prayerful inquiry remains essential. Summary of Key Themes An envoy arrived in tattered garb, wielding deception, yet secured mercy through covenant. The episode warns against superficial judgment, affirms the sanctity of vows, and anticipates the high calling of Christian ambassadorship—a calling that demands truth, integrity, and dependence on the Lord’s counsel. Forms and Transliterations וַיִּצְטַיָּ֑רוּ ויצטירו vaiyitztaiYaru way·yiṣ·ṭay·yā·rū wayyiṣṭayyārūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 9:4 HEB: בְּעָרְמָ֔ה וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ וַיִּצְטַיָּ֑רוּ וַיִּקְח֞וּ שַׂקִּ֤ים NAS: and set out as envoys, and took KJV: and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took INT: craftily and set envoys and took sacks 1 Occurrence |
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