Joshua 9:6

They went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the men of Israel, "We have come from a distant land; please make a treaty with us."

Study Bible

They went to Joshua
The phrase "They went to Joshua" indicates a deliberate action by the Gibeonites, who sought out the leader of Israel. Joshua, whose name in Hebrew, Yehoshua, means "The LORD is salvation," is a central figure in the conquest of Canaan. His leadership is divinely appointed, and the Gibeonites' approach to him signifies their recognition of his authority. This action reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of seeking peace through diplomacy, especially with a recognized leader.

in the camp at Gilgal
Gilgal holds significant historical and spiritual importance for Israel. It was the first encampment of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River, a place of renewal and covenant (Joshua 4:19-24). The mention of Gilgal here underscores the setting as a place where Israel's identity and mission are reaffirmed. Archaeologically, Gilgal is associated with a circle of stones, symbolizing the Israelites' commitment to God.

and said to him and the men of Israel
The Gibeonites address not only Joshua but also "the men of Israel," indicating their understanding that any treaty would require the consent of the community. This reflects the communal nature of decision-making in ancient Israel, where leaders and elders played crucial roles. The phrase emphasizes the collective responsibility and unity of the Israelites in their covenantal journey.

We have come from a distant land
This claim by the Gibeonites is a strategic deception. In the ancient world, distance often implied neutrality or non-threat, as distant lands were less likely to be involved in local conflicts. The Gibeonites' statement is designed to evoke a sense of safety and to persuade the Israelites to enter into a treaty. This highlights the theme of discernment and the need for divine guidance in decision-making.

now make a treaty with us
The request for a treaty, or "covenant," is significant in biblical terms. In Hebrew, the word for covenant is "berit," which denotes a solemn and binding agreement. The Gibeonites' plea for a treaty reflects their desire for protection and peace, recognizing the power and favor of Israel under God's guidance. This request challenges the Israelites to consider their covenantal obligations and the importance of seeking God's will in their alliances.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.

2. The Gibeonites
A group of people from the region of Canaan who deceived the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them by pretending to be from a distant land.

3. The Israelites
The people of God, led by Joshua, who were conquering the land of Canaan as God had commanded.

4. Gilgal
The Israelite camp and base of operations during the conquest of Canaan.

5. The Deception
The event where the Gibeonites tricked the Israelites into making a treaty by pretending to be from a far-off land.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Decision-Making
The Israelites failed to seek God's guidance before making a treaty. This teaches us the importance of seeking divine wisdom in our decisions.

The Consequences of Deception
The Gibeonites' deception led to a binding treaty. This reminds us that deceit can have long-lasting and serious consequences.

God's Sovereignty and Grace
Despite the deception, God used the situation for His purposes. This illustrates that God can work through our mistakes to fulfill His plans.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites were commanded not to make treaties with the inhabitants of the land. This highlights the importance of adhering to God's commands.

The Role of Community in Accountability
The leaders of Israel were responsible for the decision. This underscores the need for accountability within the community of believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we ensure that we seek God's guidance in our decision-making processes, especially when faced with seemingly straightforward choices?

2. What are some modern-day examples of deception that can lead us away from God's commands, and how can we guard against them?

3. How does the account of the Gibeonites illustrate the importance of discernment and wisdom in our interactions with others?

4. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in situations where we have made mistakes or been deceived?

5. How can we foster a culture of accountability within our church or community to prevent decisions that go against God's will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 20:10-18
This passage outlines the rules for making treaties with distant nations versus those within the land of Canaan. The Gibeonites exploited this distinction.

Exodus 23:32-33
God commands the Israelites not to make covenants with the inhabitants of the land, which highlights the seriousness of the Gibeonites' deception.

2 Samuel 21:1-2
This passage recounts the consequences of Saul breaking the treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the lasting impact of this event.