Topical Encyclopedia The Gibeonites were a group of people who inhabited the city of Gibeon, located in the central region of Canaan. They are most notably recognized for their interaction with the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. The Gibeonites were Hivites, one of the Canaanite tribes, and their account is primarily recorded in the Book of Joshua.Deception and Covenant with Israel As the Israelites advanced into Canaan, the Gibeonites, fearing for their survival, resorted to deception to secure a peace treaty with Israel. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land, wearing worn-out clothing and carrying moldy provisions, to give the impression of having journeyed from afar. They approached Joshua and the leaders of Israel at Gilgal, seeking a covenant of peace. The Israelites, without seeking counsel from the LORD, made a treaty with the Gibeonites, swearing an oath to let them live (Joshua 9:3-15). When the deception was uncovered, the Israelites honored their oath, despite the Gibeonites' deceit, due to the sacredness of their vow before God. As a result, the Gibeonites were spared but were assigned to be woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:16-27). Deliverance from the Amorite Kings The Gibeonites' covenant with Israel soon led to their need for deliverance. When the surrounding Amorite kings learned of the treaty, they formed a coalition to attack Gibeon. The Gibeonites appealed to Joshua for help, and he responded by leading the Israelite army to their defense. The LORD assured Joshua of victory, saying, "Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you" (Joshua 10:8). In a miraculous intervention, God threw the Amorite armies into confusion, and as they fled, He sent large hailstones from the sky, killing more of the enemy than the Israelites did with the sword. Furthermore, at Joshua's request, the sun stood still over Gibeon, prolonging the day until Israel achieved complete victory (Joshua 10:10-14). Role in Israel's History The Gibeonites continued to live among the Israelites, serving in the roles assigned to them. Their presence is noted in various parts of Israel's history. During the reign of King Saul, a breach of the covenant occurred when Saul sought to annihilate the Gibeonites, leading to a famine in Israel during the reign of King David. To atone for this sin, David sought the Gibeonites' terms for reconciliation, which resulted in the execution of seven of Saul's descendants (2 Samuel 21:1-9). The Gibeonites' account is a testament to the importance of oaths and the consequences of breaking them, as well as the mercy and justice of God in dealing with His people and those who align themselves with them. Their integration into Israelite society, despite their initial deception, highlights the complex interactions between Israel and the indigenous peoples of Canaan during the conquest period. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 10:6-10And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not your hand from your servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Five Kings in a Cave The Judges. Manner of Covenanting. Hope for the Heathen Book 4 Footnotes The Antiquities of the Jews Of a Good Government in External Things, and of Having Recourse to ... How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The The Historical Books. Job's Regret and Our Own Resources Who were the Nethinim? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Mephibosheth? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Gibeah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gibeonites: A Mighty and Warlike People Gibeonites: Attacked by the Kings of Canaan Gibeonites: Delivered by Israel Gibeonites: Descended from the Hivites and Amorites Gibeonites: Effected the Destruction of the Remnant of Saul's House Gibeonites: Israel Plagued for Saul's Cruelty To Gibeonites: Israel: Appointed, Hewers of Wood Gibeonites: Israel: Deceived By Gibeonites: Israel: Made a League With Gibeonites: Israel: Spared on Account of Their Oath Gibeonites: Part of, Returned from the Captivity Gibeonites: Saul Sought to Destroy Gibeonites: The office of the Nethinim Probably Originated In Related Terms |
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