The Gibeonites were a group of people descended from the Hivites, who lived in the land of Canaan during the time of Joshua. Their account is primarily found in the book of Joshua, chapters 9 and 10, and they are mentioned again in 2 Samuel 21. The consequences faced by the Gibeonites are deeply intertwined with their interactions with the Israelites and the covenant they deceitfully secured.

Deceptive Covenant with Israel

The Gibeonites, aware of the Israelites' victories over Jericho and Ai, feared for their survival. To protect themselves, they resorted to deception. Disguising themselves as travelers from a distant land, they approached Joshua and the leaders of Israel to make a peace treaty. Without seeking the counsel of the LORD, the Israelites made a covenant with the Gibeonites, swearing by the LORD to let them live (Joshua 9:14-15).

When the deception was uncovered, the Israelites honored their oath due to the sacredness of their vow before God, despite the Gibeonites' deceit. As a consequence, the Gibeonites were spared from destruction but were subjected to servitude. Joshua declared, "Now therefore you are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God" (Joshua 9:23). This servitude was a direct consequence of their deception, yet it also integrated them into the religious life of Israel, serving at the tabernacle.

Divine Protection and Integration

Despite their servitude, the Gibeonites experienced divine protection. When the Amorite kings attacked Gibeon for allying with Israel, Joshua led a miraculous defense, during which the LORD intervened by casting down large hailstones and halting the sun and moon (Joshua 10:11-13). This event underscored God's commitment to the covenant made in His name, even when entered under false pretenses.

Violation of the Covenant and Retribution

Centuries later, during the reign of King Saul, the covenant with the Gibeonites was violated. Saul, in his zeal for Israel and Judah, sought to annihilate them, breaking the oath made by Joshua. This breach of covenant brought a famine upon Israel during the reign of David, as the LORD's displeasure was evident (2 Samuel 21:1).

To atone for this violation, David sought the Gibeonites' terms for reparation. The Gibeonites requested the execution of seven of Saul's male descendants, which David granted, sparing Mephibosheth due to his covenant with Jonathan, Saul's son (2 Samuel 21:6-7). This act of retribution appeased the Gibeonites and lifted the famine from the land, demonstrating the seriousness with which God regards covenants and the severe consequences of breaking them.

Legacy and Lessons

The account of the Gibeonites serves as a profound lesson on the sanctity of oaths and the importance of seeking divine guidance. Their integration into Israelite society, despite initial deceit, highlights God's mercy and the potential for redemption. The severe consequences faced by Israel for breaking the covenant with the Gibeonites underscore the enduring nature of vows made before God and the divine expectation of faithfulness to one's word.