Topical Encyclopedia The Gibeonites were a group of people who lived in the region of Canaan during the time of Joshua's conquest of the Promised Land. They are primarily known for their cunning deception of the Israelites, which is recorded in the Book of Joshua, chapter 9.Background and Identity The Gibeonites were part of the Hivite nation, one of the Canaanite tribes that inhabited the land before the arrival of the Israelites. Gibeon was a significant city, described as a "great city, like one of the royal cities" (Joshua 10:2). The Gibeonites were aware of the Israelites' victories over Jericho and Ai and feared for their survival. The Deception In an effort to save themselves from destruction, the Gibeonites resorted to deception. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land, wearing worn-out clothes and carrying moldy bread and cracked wineskins. They approached Joshua and the leaders of Israel at their camp in Gilgal, claiming to be envoys from a far-off country seeking a peace treaty (Joshua 9:3-6). The Israelites, without seeking guidance from the LORD, were deceived by the appearance and account of the Gibeonites. Joshua and the leaders made a covenant of peace with them, swearing an oath by the LORD to let them live (Joshua 9:14-15). Discovery and Consequences Three days after making the treaty, the Israelites discovered that the Gibeonites were actually their neighbors, living within the land of Canaan. Despite the deception, the Israelites honored their oath to the Gibeonites, as breaking it would have brought dishonor to the name of the LORD (Joshua 9:16-19). However, the Gibeonites were subjected to servitude as a consequence of their deceit. Joshua declared that they would become woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:21, 23). This servitude was a perpetual condition, as the Gibeonites served in this capacity for generations. Theological Implications The account of the Gibeonites highlights several theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making. The Israelites' failure to consult the LORD led to their deception. Secondly, it demonstrates the sanctity of oaths made in the name of the LORD, as the Israelites honored their covenant despite the circumstances. Lastly, it illustrates God's sovereignty in using even the deceitful actions of the Gibeonites to fulfill His purposes, as they became part of the Israelite community and served in the tabernacle. Later References The Gibeonites appear later in biblical history, notably during the reign of King Saul and King David. Saul's violation of the covenant by attempting to annihilate the Gibeonites led to a famine during David's reign, which was only resolved after David sought to make amends (2 Samuel 21:1-14). This incident further emphasizes the enduring nature of the covenant and the consequences of breaking it. The Gibeonites' account serves as a reminder of the complexities of human interactions and the necessity of faithfulness to God's commands and covenants. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 9:4-13They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks on their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of a Good Government in External Things, and of Having Recourse to ... The Thirty-Eighth Chapter: the Right Ordering of External Affairs ... Five Kings in a Cave Book 4 Footnotes Matt. Ii. 2 His Name --The Counsellor Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace ... Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ... Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who were the Gibeonites? | GotQuestions.orgWas the killing of Saul's descendants a just response to Saul's killing of the Gibeonites? | GotQuestions.org Who was Rizpah 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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