What is the meaning of Joshua 9:11? So the elders and inhabitants of our land told us • The Gibeonites speak of “elders,” showing they operate under recognized civic authority much like Israel’s own elders (Exodus 3:16; Deuteronomy 29:10–12). • By mentioning “inhabitants,” they imply a united front; everyone in the city-states agrees on this plan. Their unanimity highlights the widespread fear caused by Israel’s recent victories at Jericho and Ai (Joshua 2:9–11; 9:24). • The statement emphasizes deliberation, not impulse. They have weighed Israel’s unstoppable advance and conclude that negotiation is wiser than resistance (Proverbs 15:22). Take provisions for your journey • The elders instruct the envoys to pack stale, cracked bread and worn wineskins (Joshua 9:12–13). The props reinforce their claim of coming from “a distant land.” • Similar travel provisions appear when David fled from Saul with consecrated bread (1 Samuel 21:3–6); food often marks urgent, precarious journeys. • The phrase reminds us that deception often mingles a fragment of truth (they really did travel) with carefully staged evidence (bread purposely left to mold). Scripture repeatedly warns about judging only by outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7; John 7:24). Go to meet them • Rather than wait for Israel to arrive, the Gibeonites travel to Gilgal (Joshua 9:6). Initiative gives them a strategic advantage; first impressions shape negotiations. • Throughout Joshua, meeting “face to face” signals turning points—Rahab meets the spies (Joshua 2:2–4), the commander of the LORD’s army meets Joshua (Joshua 5:13–15). Here, the meeting presents Israel with its most subtle test yet: Can they discern truth from pretense? • Centuries later, Gibeon becomes a place where God answers Solomon (1 Kings 3:4–5), showing the lasting effect of this encounter. Say to them: We are your servants • “Servants” (literally, bond-servants) expresses total submission—much like Jacob’s repeated message to Esau, “Your servant Jacob says…” (Genesis 32:18). • The language flatters Joshua, inviting him to see the Gibeonites as harmless dependents rather than as Canaanite neighbors under God’s judgment (Deuteronomy 7:1–2). • Israel’s leaders later repeat the phrase when confronted: “Your servants were clearly told…” (Joshua 9:24), proving the ruse worked. The episode illustrates Jesus’ caution, “Be as shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Please make a treaty with us • A “treaty” (covenant) invokes solemn, binding commitments (Genesis 15:17–18; Joshua 9:15). Gibeon seeks the very protection God had reserved for distant nations willing to surrender (Deuteronomy 20:10–15), while hoping Israel will overlook the command not to covenant with Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:2; Exodus 23:32). • The request exposes a tension: God’s people must balance mercy with obedience. Israel errs by failing to consult the LORD first (Joshua 9:14), teaching that even obvious acts of kindness require prayerful discernment. • Once sworn, the covenant stands. Centuries later, Saul’s violation of it brings famine until David makes restitution (2 Samuel 21:1–3). God holds His people to their word. summary Joshua 9:11 records the carefully crafted script Gibeon’s leaders give their envoys. Every clause—authority of elders, deceptive provisions, proactive meeting, humble self-designation, plea for covenant—shows a calculated bid for survival. The verse underscores Israel’s need for constant reliance on the LORD’s guidance, reminds us that appearances can mislead, and showcases God’s insistence that His people honor sworn promises even when obtained under false pretenses. |
    |