Topical Bible: Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Makes a Treaty With the Gibeonites

◄ Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Makes a Treaty With the Gibeonites ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Joshua, known also as Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, and Oshea, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, renowned for his leadership of the Israelites following the death of Moses. As the successor to Moses, Joshua is tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, a mission that involves both military conquest and spiritual guidance. His name, meaning "The LORD is salvation," reflects his role as a divinely appointed leader.

Background and Leadership

Joshua first appears in the biblical narrative as a military leader during the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:9-13). He is later appointed as Moses' assistant and is one of the twelve spies sent to scout the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:8, 16). Unlike the other spies, Joshua, along with Caleb, demonstrates faith in God's promise, urging the Israelites to trust in the LORD's ability to deliver the land into their hands (Numbers 14:6-9).

Upon Moses' death, Joshua is commissioned by God to lead the Israelites (Deuteronomy 31:23; Joshua 1:1-9). His leadership is marked by a series of military campaigns that establish Israel's presence in Canaan, including the famous battle of Jericho (Joshua 6).

The Treaty with the Gibeonites

One of the notable events during Joshua's leadership is the treaty made with the Gibeonites, as recorded in Joshua 9. The Gibeonites, fearing the advancing Israelites, resort to deception to secure a peace treaty. They disguise themselves as travelers from a distant land, wearing worn-out clothing and carrying moldy provisions, to give the impression of having journeyed from afar.

The Israelites, led by Joshua, are deceived by the Gibeonites' ruse. The key verse in this narrative highlights the failure to seek divine guidance: "The men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the LORD’s counsel" (Joshua 9:14). Consequently, Joshua makes a covenant of peace with the Gibeonites, swearing an oath to let them live.

When the deception is uncovered, the Israelites honor the treaty due to the sacredness of the oath made before God. Joshua declares, "We have given them our oath by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them" (Joshua 9:19). Instead of annihilation, the Gibeonites are assigned as woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:21, 27).

Theological Implications

The episode of the Gibeonite treaty underscores several theological themes. It highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making, as the Israelites' failure to consult the LORD leads to unintended consequences. The narrative also illustrates the sanctity of oaths and covenants, even when made under false pretenses, reflecting the biblical principle that one's word, especially when sworn before God, must be honored.

Furthermore, the Gibeonites' integration into Israelite society, albeit in a servile role, demonstrates God's mercy and the possibility of inclusion for those outside the covenant community. This event foreshadows the broader biblical theme of God's grace extending beyond ethnic and national boundaries.

In summary, Joshua's treaty with the Gibeonites is a complex narrative that reveals the challenges of leadership, the necessity of divine guidance, and the enduring nature of covenants. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of human actions within the unfolding account of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land.