632 - The Gibeonites Deceive Israel

The Gibeonites Deceive Israel

Now all the kings, west of the Jordan River, heard about what had happened (with the Israelites at Jericho and Ai). 

These were the kings of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who lived in the hill country, in the western foothills, and along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, as far north as the Lebanon mountains. 

These kings combined their armies, to fight as one, against Joshua and the Israelites. But, when the people, of Gibeon, heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, …they resorted to deception to save themselves. 

They sent ambassadors to Joshua, loading their donkeys with weathered saddlebags and old, patched wineskins. 

They put on …worn-out, patched sandals and ragged clothes. 

And the bread, that they took with them, was dry and moldy. 

When they arrived, at the camp of Israel, at Gilgal, they told Joshua and the men of Israel, 

“We have come from a distant land, to ask you to make a peace treaty with us.” 

The Israelites replied to these Hivites, 

“How do we know you don’t live nearby? 

For if you do, we cannot make a treaty with you.” 

They replied…, “We are your servants.” 

“But who are you?” Joshua demanded. 

“Where do you come from?” 

They answered, “Your servants have come from a very distant country. 

We have heard of the might, of the Lord your God, and of all He did in Egypt. We have also heard what He did to the two Amorite kings, east of the Jordan River—King Sihon, of Heshbon, and King Og, of Bashan, (who lived in Ashtaroth). 

So our elders and all our people instructed us, 

‘Take supplies, for a long journey. 

Go meet with the people of Israel …and tell them, 

“We are your servants; please make a treaty with us.” ’ 

“This bread was hot from the ovens when we left our homes. 

But now, as you can see, it is dry and moldy. 

These wineskins were new when we filled them, but now they are old and split open. And our clothing and sandals are worn out, from our very long journey.” 

So, the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord. 

Then, Joshua made a peace treaty with them …and guaranteed their safety, …and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement, with a binding oath. 

Joshua 9:1–15 (NLT)

Praise be to God!


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