Topical Bible: Israel: Make a Treaty With the Gibeonites

◄ Israel: Make a Treaty With the Gibeonites ►

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Biblical Context:
The account of Israel making a treaty with the Gibeonites is found in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 9. This event occurs during the conquest of Canaan, as the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, are claiming the land promised to them by God. The Gibeonites, aware of Israel's victories and the divine mandate given to them, resort to deception to secure their survival.

The Deception of the Gibeonites:
The Gibeonites, inhabitants of a nearby region, feared the advancing Israelites. To protect themselves, they devised a plan to trick Israel into making a peace treaty. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land, wearing worn-out clothes and carrying moldy bread and cracked wineskins. Approaching Joshua and the leaders of Israel at Gilgal, they presented themselves as ambassadors from a far-off country seeking a covenant of peace.

Israel's Response:
The Israelites, without seeking the counsel of the LORD, assessed the Gibeonites' provisions and accepted their account. Joshua 9:14-15 states, "Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the counsel of the LORD. And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them."

Discovery and Consequences:
Three days after the treaty was made, the Israelites discovered that the Gibeonites were actually their neighbors, living within the land of Canaan. Despite the deception, the leaders of Israel honored the treaty because they had sworn an oath by the LORD, the God of Israel. Joshua 9:18-19 records, "But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. Then the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders."

The Gibeonites' Role:
As a result of their deception, the Gibeonites were assigned to be woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD. Joshua 9:27 notes, "On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD at the place He would choose. And they are to this day."

Theological Implications:
This narrative highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making. The failure of the Israelites to consult the LORD led to an unintended alliance. The account also underscores the sanctity of oaths made in God's name, as the Israelites honored their commitment despite the Gibeonites' deceit. The Gibeonites' integration into Israelite society, albeit in a servile role, demonstrates God's mercy and the potential for redemption even for those outside the covenant community.

Historical and Cultural Insights:
The Gibeonites were part of the Hivite group, one of the Canaanite tribes. Their city, Gibeon, was significant and strategically located. The treaty with the Gibeonites had long-term implications, as seen later in Israel's history, including King Saul's breach of the treaty, which resulted in divine retribution during King David's reign (2 Samuel 21).

Moral and Ethical Lessons:
The account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deception and the necessity of discernment. It also illustrates the ethical obligation to uphold one's word, even when made under false pretenses. The Gibeonites' account is a testament to the power of humility and the pursuit of peace, albeit through unconventional means.

Nave's Topical Index

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

Library

Covenanting a Duty.
... The Israelites were forbidden to enter into treaty with the ... not dwell in thy land,
lest they make thee sin ... thee."[199] Joshua and the princes of Israel did not ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm

A Paradox
... department they are a little short, they make up for ... apart from the perpetual guard
of him that keepeth Israel. ... of the world, and therefore a treaty with them ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a paradox.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... who by a crafty stratagem had obtained a treaty) to be ... but unto the lost sheep of
the house of Israel." [2797] At ... Well did David swear, well did he make a vow ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... "Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines
said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears;" and whoever needed to ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... Let others make what show they wish; they are as ... The children of Israel in old times
kept the oath that ... cardinals, and broke the good and useful treaty that he ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm