The Gibeonites were a significant group of people mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their strategic cunning and eventual integration into the Israelite community. They were inhabitants of Gibeon, a major city located in the territory of Benjamin, northwest of Jerusalem. The Gibeonites are primarily noted for their interaction with Joshua and the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan.

Historical Context and Origin

The Gibeonites were part of the Hivite nation, one of the Canaanite tribes inhabiting the Promised Land before the arrival of the Israelites. The city of Gibeon was a prominent and fortified city, suggesting that its inhabitants were both skilled and formidable. The Gibeonites are first introduced in the biblical narrative in the Book of Joshua, where they are described as a "great city, like one of the royal cities" (Joshua 10:2).

The Deceptive Treaty

The most notable account involving the Gibeonites is their cunning deception to secure a peace treaty with the Israelites. Aware of the fate that befell Jericho and Ai, the Gibeonites resorted to a ruse to protect themselves from destruction. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land, wearing worn-out clothes and carrying moldy provisions, and approached Joshua at the camp in Gilgal. Without seeking counsel from the LORD, Joshua and the leaders of Israel made a covenant of peace with them, swearing an oath to let them live (Joshua 9:14-15).

When the truth of their proximity was discovered, the Israelites honored the treaty due to the sacred oath made before God, despite the congregation's discontent. As a result, the Gibeonites were spared but were assigned to be woodcutters and water carriers for the assembly and the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:21).

Role in Israelite Society

Despite their initial deception, the Gibeonites played a significant role in the history of Israel. Their city, Gibeon, became a Levitical city and a place of worship. The Gibeonites' integration into Israelite society is further evidenced by their involvement in the broader narrative of Israel's history.

During the reign of King Saul, a breach of the treaty occurred when Saul sought to annihilate the Gibeonites in his zeal for Israel and Judah. This act brought a famine upon the land during the reign of King David, as the LORD's judgment for the broken oath. To atone for this sin, David sought the Gibeonites' counsel, leading to the execution of seven of Saul's descendants (2 Samuel 21:1-9).

Military Prowess and Legacy

The Gibeonites were not only known for their strategic acumen but also for their military prowess. Their city was a focal point in the battle narratives of the conquest. When the Amorite kings formed a coalition to attack Gibeon for allying with Israel, Joshua led a miraculous campaign to defend them. The LORD intervened by casting down large hailstones and halting the sun and moon, granting Israel a decisive victory (Joshua 10:10-14).

The legacy of the Gibeonites is a testament to the complexity of God's providence and the unfolding of His plans through human history. Their account illustrates themes of covenant faithfulness, divine justice, and the integration of Gentiles into the community of God's people.Joshua 10:2
That they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of their far-off origin, and that warlike temperament which ... on every occasion of
national danger.* The people of Ephraim ... us out of the hand of these mighty gods ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... Judah and Israel into hopeless conflicts with their mighty neighbors ... Very short was
the period of Israel's warlike glory, and ... Take the story of the Gibeonites. ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

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