Topical Bible: Ambassadors: Sent by Gibeonites to the Israelites

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In the biblical narrative, the Gibeonites' encounter with the Israelites is a significant event that highlights themes of deception, covenant, and divine providence. The account is found in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 9. The Gibeonites, aware of the Israelites' conquests in Canaan and the divine mandate given to them, resorted to a cunning strategy to secure their survival.

Context and Background

The Gibeonites were inhabitants of Gibeon, a significant city located in the central region of Canaan. As the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, advanced into the Promised Land, they were commanded by God to destroy the Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). The fame of Israel's victories, particularly the fall of Jericho and Ai, spread rapidly, instilling fear among the Canaanite cities.

The Deceptive Embassy

Fearing for their lives, the Gibeonites devised a plan to deceive the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them. They sent ambassadors to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, disguising themselves as envoys from a distant land. The Gibeonites wore worn-out clothes and carried moldy bread and cracked wineskins to give the impression of having traveled a long distance. Their intent was to appear as non-threatening foreigners seeking a covenant of peace.

Joshua 9:6-13 describes their approach: "They went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the men of Israel, 'We have come from a distant land; now make a treaty with us.' The Israelites said to the Hivites, 'Perhaps you dwell among us. How can we make a treaty with you?' They said to Joshua, 'We are your servants.' Then Joshua asked them, 'Who are you and where have you come from?' They replied, 'Your servants have come from a very distant land because of the fame of the LORD your God. For we have heard reports of Him and all that He did in Egypt.'"

The Treaty and Its Aftermath

Without seeking the counsel of the LORD, Joshua and the leaders of Israel made a treaty of peace with the Gibeonites, swearing an oath to let them live. Three days later, the Israelites discovered the deception, realizing that the Gibeonites were actually their neighbors. Despite the deceit, the Israelites honored the treaty due to the sacredness of the oath made before God.

Joshua 9:18-19 states, "But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. The whole assembly grumbled against the leaders, but all the leaders answered, 'We have given them our oath by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them.'"

Significance and Theological Implications

The episode of the Gibeonite ambassadors underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making. The Israelites' failure to consult God led to an unintended alliance, yet it also demonstrated God's sovereignty in using even human error to fulfill His purposes. The Gibeonites, though initially deceitful, became servants to the Israelites, hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:27).

This narrative serves as a reminder of the sanctity of oaths and the necessity of integrity in dealings, as well as the mercy and grace that can emerge from unexpected circumstances. The Gibeonites' account is a testament to the power of faith and the providential unfolding of God's plan, even through the complexities of human actions.

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Joshua 9:4
They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks on their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up;
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How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... Thus did these ambassadors speak; and showing them the ... of Canaan, he understood that
the Gibeonites dwelt not ... the stock of the Canaanites; so he sent for their ...
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