Joshua 11:19

No city made peace with the Israelites except the Hivites living in Gibeon; all others were taken in battle.

Study Bible

No city made peace with the Israelites
This phrase highlights the widespread resistance against the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. The Canaanite cities, despite witnessing the power of God through Israel's victories, chose to resist rather than seek peace. This reflects the hardness of their hearts and fulfills the divine mandate given to Israel to conquer the land (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). The refusal to make peace can be seen as a fulfillment of God's judgment against the Canaanites for their idolatry and wickedness (Genesis 15:16).

except the Hivites living in Gibeon
The Gibeonites, a group of Hivites, are noted for their unique approach to the advancing Israelites. Unlike other Canaanite cities, they sought peace through deception, as detailed in Joshua 9. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land to secure a treaty with Israel. This act of cunning is significant as it spared them from destruction and integrated them into Israelite society, albeit as servants. The Gibeonites' decision can be seen as a recognition of the power of Israel's God, contrasting with the defiance of other Canaanite cities.

all others were taken in battle
This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of Israel's military campaign in Canaan. The conquest was marked by numerous battles, as the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, systematically defeated the Canaanite cities. This military success is attributed to divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs (Genesis 12:7, Exodus 23:23). The phrase also highlights the theme of divine justice, as the conquest served as a judgment against the Canaanite nations for their sins. The battles were not merely human endeavors but were seen as acts of divine will, with God fighting for Israel (Joshua 10:42).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites, tasked with conquering the Promised Land. He is a central figure in the book of Joshua, known for his faithfulness and obedience to God.

2. Israelites
The people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are entering and conquering the Promised Land as God commanded.

3. Hivites
A group of Canaanite people who lived in the region. The Hivites of Gibeon made a treaty with Israel through deception, as described earlier in Joshua 9.

4. Gibeon
A significant city in Canaan whose inhabitants, the Hivites, made peace with Israel through a deceptive treaty, thus avoiding destruction.

5. Canaan
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, which the Israelites are in the process of conquering under Joshua's leadership.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Joshua's leadership exemplifies obedience to God's commands, even in warfare. Believers are called to follow God's guidance in all areas of life.

The Consequences of Deception
The Gibeonites' deception led to their survival, but it also brought them into servitude. This teaches the importance of honesty and the long-term consequences of deceit.

God's Sovereignty in Conquest
The account underscores God's control over the events in Canaan. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty in their own lives, knowing He orchestrates events for His purposes.

Peace and Reconciliation
The peace made with Gibeon, though achieved through deception, highlights the possibility of reconciliation. Christians are called to be peacemakers, seeking reconciliation where possible.

The Importance of Discernment
The Israelites' failure to seek God's counsel regarding the Gibeonites serves as a reminder of the need for discernment and prayer in decision-making.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 and 11 illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of obedience to God's commands, as demonstrated by Joshua, in our daily lives?

3. What lessons can we learn from the Gibeonites' deception about the consequences of dishonesty and the importance of integrity?

4. How does the concept of God's sovereignty in the conquest of Canaan provide comfort and assurance in the challenges we face today?

5. Reflect on a situation where you needed discernment. How can the account of the Israelites and the Gibeonites inform your approach to seeking God's wisdom in similar situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 9
This chapter provides the background on how the Gibeonites, a group of Hivites, deceived the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them. This is crucial for understanding why Gibeon was spared.

Deuteronomy 20
Offers instructions on warfare, including the treatment of cities that are far away versus those in the land of Canaan. This context helps explain the Israelites' approach to the conquest.

Exodus 23
God’s promise to drive out the inhabitants of the land gradually, which ties into the broader account of Israel's conquest and settlement.