Joshua 9
Joshua 9:1 – The Application of the Gibeonites This passage shows a change in the attitude of the Canaanite kings. Before, they only defended themselves against Israel’s attacks on places like Jericho and Ai. Now, these kings come together to make plans and fight Israel as one group. The commentary notes that it is surprising the kings did not unite earlier, even though they knew Israel was coming. It is also strange that, after seeing Israel’s strength and God’s power, they still chose to fight instead of making peace. This section helps us understand the overall situation and the reactions of the Canaanite people to Israel’s victories.v. 1: When the Canaanite kings heard about Israel’s victories at Jericho and Ai, and the big gathering at Mount Ebal where Joshua read God’s law to the people (Joshua 8:34-35 a), they realized Israel was serious about conquering the land. This news made them finally decide to act together. Sometimes, the devotion of God's people can make their enemies angry or worried (v. 1 b). v. 2: Even though these kings came from different nations – Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, and others – and often fought each other, they all agreed to join forces against Israel. This unity shows how serious they were about stopping Israel. The commentary suggests that God’s people can learn from this unity, and should also work together against anything that opposes God’s kingdom (v. 2 c). Joshua 9:3 – The Artifice of the Gibeonites This section explains how the Gibeonites tried to make peace with Israel because they were afraid after hearing about the destruction of Jericho and Ai (v. 3 d). Unlike other Canaanites who wanted to fight, the Gibeonites chose to deceive Israel in order to save their lives. The people of Gibeon were ruled by elders, not by a single king, which may have helped them decide to seek peace. The Gibeonites acted cleverly, using trickery to pretend they were from a distant land, since they knew Israel was not allowed to make peace with the people of Canaan (Deuteronomy 7:1-3 e). Their actions show both cunning and a desire to survive, but also involve lying, which the commentary says cannot be approved.v. 3: The people of Gibeon heard about Israel’s victories and decided to try to make peace instead of fighting like the other Canaanites (v. 3 f). The gospel can affect people differently: some are drawn to God, while others are hardened against Him (2 Corinthians 2:16 g). v. 4: The Gibeonites made a plan to trick Israel. They disguised themselves as travelers from a faraway land by wearing old clothes, carrying worn-out sacks, and bringing dry, moldy bread (v. 4 h). This was to make it look like they had come a long distance. v. 5: Their shoes and clothes were worn out, and their bread was dry and moldy, as if they had traveled for a long time (v. 5 i). They wanted everything to appear old so Israel would believe their story. v. 6: The Gibeonites came to Joshua and the Israelites at Gilgal and asked to make a peace treaty. They said they were from a far country, hiding their real home (v. 6 j). They hoped this would allow them to survive. v. 7: The Israelites were suspicious. They asked the Gibeonites, “Maybe you live near us. How can we make a treaty with you?” Israel’s leaders knew they were not supposed to make peace with Canaanites (v. 7; Deuteronomy 7:1-3 k). v. 8: The Gibeonites continued their act and said, “We are your servants.” They would not give details about their home and just wanted to make peace quickly (v. 8 l). v. 9: When Joshua asked where they came from, they kept saying they were from “a very far country.” They claimed to be impressed by what God had done, showing respect to the God of Israel (v. 9 m). v. 10: The Gibeonites said they had heard about the miracles God did in Egypt and the victories over Sihon and Og, kings east of the Jordan (v. 10 n). They did not mention Jericho or Ai, even though these were the real reasons for their fear, because they wanted Israel to think they had traveled from far away. v. 11: The elders of Gibeon told their people to go and try to make peace with Israel. They wanted to become Israel’s servants if it meant their lives would be spared (v. 11 o). They did not ask for any special terms, just for peace. v. 12: The Gibeonites showed their dry, moldy bread to convince Israel they had traveled far. They claimed the bread was fresh when they left home (v. 12 p). This was part of their trick. v. 13: The Gibeonites also pointed out their old, patched wineskins and worn clothes. They said these things became old during their journey (v. 13 q). Their whole story was built on lies.Summary of Their Conduct: The Gibeonites’ actions were a mix of good and bad. Their trickery and lying were wrong, and we should not justify falsehoods. If they had been honest about their identity and truly given up their idols, God might have shown them mercy. However, their desire to live and their faith that God could save them is praiseworthy (Luke 16:8 r). Their choice was different from their neighbors, and they acted quickly before it was too late. The commentary encourages us to seek peace with God honestly and humbly, just as the Gibeonites sought peace with Israel. – Joshua 9:15 – The League with the Gibeonites This section tells how the leaders of Israel made a treaty with the Gibeonites, agreeing to let them live in exchange for peace (v. 15 s). The agreement was made quickly and was confirmed by an oath, involving both Joshua and the leaders of Israel. The commentary highlights that Israel did not seek God’s guidance before making this decision, which was a mistake. Soon after, they discovered they had been tricked, as the Gibeonites actually lived nearby. The people of Israel were upset about the situation, but the leaders explained why they had to keep their promise. As a result, the Gibeonites were allowed to live but were made servants. The story shows the importance of keeping promises, even when made in difficult situations, and the need to ask for God’s direction before making big decisions.v. 15: The treaty with the Gibeonites was made quickly. Israel’s leaders agreed to let the Gibeonites live, which was a big favor since Canaanites were supposed to be destroyed in these wars (Jeremiah 45:5 t). The agreement was not just Joshua’s decision; all the leaders were involved. They confirmed the peace by making an oath to God (v. 19 u). However, they did this without asking God for advice. They trusted their own judgment after seeing the old food of the Gibeonites, but they should have prayed and checked with God first. v. 16: After three days, Israel found out the truth. They discovered the Gibeonites were actually neighbors, not people from a far country (v. 16 v). Lies are often discovered quickly, and the truth comes out with time. v. 17: The Israelites traveled to the cities of the Gibeonites and saw that they were close by—just a short journey from their camp at Gilgal (v. 17; ch. 10:9 w). Scouts or travelers likely brought back this news. v. 18: The people of Israel were upset and complained against their leaders because of the treaty (v. 18 x). The Israelites didn’t attack the Gibeonites or take their belongings, but many were angry because they felt the leaders had made a mistake. Some complained for selfish reasons, but others were worried about obeying God’s commands. v. 19: The leaders explained that they had made an oath to the Gibeonites by the name of the God of Israel and could not break it (v. 19 y). They understood that keeping their promise was important, even though it was made because of a trick. The leaders feared God’s anger if they broke their word (Ecclesiastes 9:2; v. 20 z). v. 20: The leaders said that everyone was bound by the oath. If they broke it, God’s wrath might come upon them (v. 20 aa). Making and keeping promises is serious, especially when God’s name is involved. v. 21: The leaders decided to let the Gibeonites live, but they made them servants—woodcutters and water carriers for the people of Israel (v. 21 ab). This helped calm the people’s anger. Some were satisfied because the Gibeonites would serve Israel, and others saw that this would benefit everyone.Summary and Lesson: The leaders kept their promise, even though it was made under false pretenses. This showed respect for God and for the seriousness of making an oath (Psalm 15:4 ac). God was pleased with their decision, and later helped Israel win a great victory when they defended the Gibeonites (ch. 10 ad). Breaking promises is wrong, even if others have lied to us, and honesty in our words and actions is always important (2 Samuel 21:1 ae). Joshua 9:22 – The Gibeonites Made Bondmen This section describes how Joshua and the leaders of Israel dealt with the Gibeonites after discovering their deception. Now, the elders of Gibeon met directly with Joshua to settle the matter. Joshua confronted them about their trickery, and the Gibeonites explained their actions. As punishment, Joshua made them servants for the house of God. The Gibeonites accepted this sentence, understanding it was better than death. Their new role would help with the daily work in the tabernacle and would also connect them to Israel’s worship. This arrangement also showed that even those who come as outsiders can find a place among God's people if they are humble and willing to serve.v. 22: Joshua spoke to the Gibeonites and asked why they had tricked Israel (v. 22 af). He did not use harsh words or insult them, but calmly asked for an explanation. This shows that it is wise to stay calm, even when someone has done wrong. v. 23: Joshua punished the Gibeonites by making them servants—woodcutters and water carriers—for the house of God (v. 23 ag). He reminded them that their lie was the reason for this sentence. Their servitude would be a lasting reminder of their choice, but it was also a special duty because it was for God’s worship. This fulfilled the ancient curse on Canaan (Genesis 9:25 ah), but it also brought a blessing, as they would serve in God’s house. v. 24: The Gibeonites answered Joshua honestly. They said they lied because they knew God had ordered the destruction of all the people of Canaan (v. 24 ai). They saw God’s power and justice and were afraid for their lives. They did not try to justify their lie, but simply asked for mercy. v. 25: The Gibeonites submitted to Joshua’s decision. They said, “Do as it seems right to you.” They accepted being servants, knowing that it was better than being killed (v. 25 aj). It is better to live and serve than not to live at all (Deuteronomy 29:11 ak). v. 26: Joshua protected the Gibeonites from being killed by the Israelites (v. 26 al). Some people wanted to attack them, but Joshua used his authority to keep them safe. A wise leader knows when to stop fighting. v. 27: Joshua assigned the Gibeonites to be servants for the altar of God and the congregation, just as he had said (v. 27 am). They were given to the Levites to help with the daily work of the tabernacle, like cutting wood and drawing water. This role helped them learn about God and stay close to true worship. Later, these servants were known as the Nethinim (Numbers 3:9 an). Their service was both a punishment and a special opportunity, and it points to how Gentiles would later be brought into God’s people (Isaiah 66:21 ao).
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