Topical Bible: Craftiness: Gibeonites, in Deceiving Joshua and the Israelites Into a Treaty

◄ Craftiness: Gibeonites, in Deceiving Joshua and the Israelites Into a Treaty ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the Gibeonites' craftiness is a significant narrative found in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 9. This episode highlights the cunning and deceptive tactics employed by the Gibeonites to secure a treaty with the Israelites, thereby ensuring their survival amidst the conquest of Canaan.

Background

Following the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the subsequent 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 advancing Israelites, began to form alliances to resist them. However, the Gibeonites, a group of Hivites from the city of Gibeon, chose a different approach.

The Deception

Aware of the Israelites' divine mandate to conquer the land and destroy its inhabitants, the Gibeonites resorted to deception to protect themselves. They devised a plan to appear as distant travelers seeking a peace treaty. The Berean Standard Bible recounts their actions: "They acted with cunning and set out as envoys, carrying old sacks on their donkeys, old wineskins, cracked and mended, and worn-out, patched sandals on their feet, and old clothes on their bodies. And all the bread of their provision was dry and moldy" (Joshua 9:4-5).

Approaching Joshua and the leaders of Israel at their camp in Gilgal, the Gibeonites presented themselves as ambassadors from a distant land. They claimed to have heard of the LORD's mighty works in Egypt and sought a covenant of peace. The Israelites, deceived by the appearance of their provisions and the Gibeonites' persuasive words, failed to seek counsel from the LORD. Consequently, Joshua made a treaty of peace with them, swearing an oath to let them live (Joshua 9:14-15).

Discovery and Consequences

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 leaders of Israel honored the treaty due to the oath sworn before the LORD. The Berean Standard Bible states, "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'" (Joshua 9:18-19).

As a result of their craftiness, the Gibeonites were spared from destruction but were subjected to servitude. Joshua declared, "Now you are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God" (Joshua 9:23). The Gibeonites accepted their fate, acknowledging their fear of the Israelites and their God as the motivation for their deception.

Theological Implications

The account of the Gibeonites' deception serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making. The Israelites' failure to consult the LORD before entering into the treaty highlights the potential consequences of relying solely on human judgment. Additionally, the narrative underscores the sanctity of oaths made before God, as the Israelites honored their covenant despite the deceit involved.

The Gibeonites' craftiness also illustrates the broader theme of God's sovereignty and mercy. Despite their deceptive methods, the Gibeonites were integrated into the community of Israel, serving in the tabernacle and later the temple. This inclusion foreshadows the eventual extension of God's covenant blessings to all nations through Jesus Christ.