The Deceit of the Gibeonites

1Now when news of this reached all the kings west of the Jordan (flowing down)—those in the hill country, the foothills {Shephelah},a and all along the coast of the Great Sea (the Mediterranean Sea)b toward Lebanon (whiteness) (the Hittites, Amorites (sayers), Canaanites (merchants), Perizzites (villagers), Hivites, and Jebusites (Jerusalemites))— 2they came together to wage war against Joshua (YHWH saves) and Israel (he wrestles with God).

3But the people of Gibeon (hill city), having heard what Joshua (YHWH saves) had done to Jericho (city of palms) and Ai (heap of ruins), 4acted deceptively and set out as envoys (set out with provisions),c carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. 5They put worn, patched sandals on their feet and threadbare clothing on their bodies, and their whole supply of bread was dry and moldy. 6They went to Joshua (YHWH saves) in the camp at Gilgal (a wheel) and said to him and the men of Israel (he wrestles with God), “We have come from a distant land; please make a treaty (covenant)d with us.”

7But the men of Israel (he wrestles with God) said to the Hivites (villagers), “Perhaps you dwell near us. How can we make a treaty with you?”

8“We are your servants,” they said to Joshua (YHWH saves).

Then Joshua asked them, “Who are you⁺ and where have you⁺ come from?”

9“Your servants have come from a very distant land,” they replied, “because of the fame of the LORD your God {YHWH Eloheka}. For we have heard the reports about Him: all that He did in Egypt (land of bondage), 10and all that He did to the two kings of the Amorites (sayers) beyond the Jordan (flowing down)—Sihon (warrior) king of Heshbon (stronghold) and Og (long-necked) king of Bashan (fruitful), who reigned in Ashtaroth (star). 11So the elders and inhabitants of our land told us, ‘Take provisions for your⁺ journey; go to meet them and say to them: We are your⁺ servants. Please make a treaty with us.’

12This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you⁺. But look, it is now dry and moldy. 13These wineskins were new when we filled them, but look, they are cracked. And these clothes and sandals are worn out from our very long journey.”

14Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not seek the counsel of the LORD {YHWH}. 15And Joshua (YHWH saves) made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them.

16Three days after they had made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites learned that they were neighbors, living among them. 17So the Israelites (God prevails) set out and on the third day arrived at their cities—Gibeon (hill city), Chephirah (lioness), Beeroth (wells), and Kiriath-jearim (city of forests). 18But the Israelites (God prevails) did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God {YHWH Elohe} of Israel. And the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders.

19All the leaders answered, “We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God {YHWH Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God), and now we cannot touch them. 20This is how we will treat them: We will let them live, so that no wrath will fall on us because of the oath we swore to them.” 21They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation.” So the leaders kept their promise.

22Then Joshua (YHWH saves) summoned the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you⁺ deceive us by telling us you⁺ live far away from us, when in fact you⁺ live among us? 23Now therefore you⁺ are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God {Elohay}.”

24The Gibeonites answered (YHWH saves), “Your servants were told clearly that the LORD your God {YHWH Eloheka} had commanded His servant Moses (drawn out) to give you⁺ all the land and wipe out all its inhabitants before you⁺. So we greatly feared for our lives because of you⁺, and that is why we have done this. 25Now we are in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.”

26So Joshua did this and delivered them from the hands of the Israelites (God prevails), and they did not kill the Gibeonites. 27On that day he (YHWH saves) made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD {YHWH} and for the altar at the place He would choose.