Joshua 9:11

So 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.'

Study Bible

So our elders and all the inhabitants of our land spoke to us, saying, 'Take provisions for your journey, go to meet them, and say to them, We are your servants; make a treaty with us.'
So our elders
The term "elders" in the Hebrew context refers to the leaders or senior figures within a community, often those with wisdom and experience. In ancient Israelite society, elders held significant authority and were responsible for making important decisions. This reflects a structured society where leadership was respected and followed. The elders' involvement indicates the seriousness of the situation and the strategic planning behind the Gibeonites' approach to Joshua and the Israelites.

and all the inhabitants of our land
This phrase emphasizes the collective decision-making process of the Gibeonites. It wasn't just the elders but all the people who were involved in this decision. This collective action underscores the desperation and unity of the Gibeonites in seeking peace with Israel. Historically, this reflects the common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures where community decisions were made collectively, especially in times of crisis.

spoke to us, saying
The act of speaking here is significant as it conveys the transmission of a strategic plan. In the ancient world, oral communication was the primary means of conveying important messages and decisions. This phrase highlights the importance of communication and the role it plays in executing plans and strategies.

Take provisions for your journey
The instruction to "take provisions" indicates preparation and foresight. The Hebrew root for "provisions" suggests sustenance and necessary supplies for a journey. This reflects the Gibeonites' understanding of the need to present themselves as travelers from a distant land, which was part of their ruse to deceive the Israelites. It also highlights the importance of preparation in any endeavor, a principle that resonates throughout Scripture.

go to meet them
This phrase indicates a proactive approach. The Gibeonites did not wait for the Israelites to come to them; instead, they took the initiative to meet them. This action reflects a strategic and intentional effort to engage with the Israelites. In a broader biblical context, it underscores the importance of taking initiative and being proactive in seeking peace and resolution.

and say to them
The directive to "say" underscores the power of words and the importance of the message they were to deliver. In biblical times, words held significant weight and were often seen as binding. This phrase highlights the careful planning and the importance of delivering the right message to achieve the desired outcome.

We are your servants
This declaration of servitude is a strategic move by the Gibeonites. By presenting themselves as servants, they appeal to the Israelites' sense of authority and power. The Hebrew concept of servanthood often implied submission and a willingness to be under the authority of another. This phrase reflects the Gibeonites' humility and their desire to align themselves with the Israelites for protection.

make a treaty with us
The request for a treaty is central to the Gibeonites' strategy. In the ancient Near East, treaties were formal agreements that established peace and mutual obligations between parties. The Hebrew word for "treaty" often implies a covenant, which is a binding agreement. This request reflects the Gibeonites' understanding of the importance of formal agreements in securing peace and protection. In a broader biblical context, it highlights the significance of covenants and the role they play in relationships and agreements.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elders of Gibeon
The leaders of the Gibeonite people who devised a plan to deceive the Israelites into making a peace treaty.

2. Gibeonites
Inhabitants of Gibeon, a Canaanite city, who feared the Israelites and sought to make a treaty with them through deception.

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

4. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites, who was responsible for making decisions regarding treaties and warfare.

5. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites by God, which they were in the process of conquering.

Teaching Points

Discernment and Seeking God’s Guidance
The Israelites failed to seek God's counsel before making a treaty with the Gibeonites. This teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance in all decisions, especially those that seem straightforward.

The Deceptiveness of Appearances
The Gibeonites' deception reminds us that appearances can be misleading. We must be cautious and discerning, testing everything against God's Word.

The Importance of Integrity
Despite being deceived, the Israelites honored their treaty with the Gibeonites. This highlights the importance of keeping our commitments and maintaining integrity, even when it is difficult.

God’s Sovereignty and Mercy
Despite the deception, God used the situation for His purposes. This shows that God can work through our mistakes and still bring about His plans.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did the Gibeonites' fear of the Israelites lead them to devise their plan, and what does this teach us about the power of fear in decision-making?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are seeking God's guidance in our daily decisions, and how can we apply this to our current life situations?

3. How does the Israelites' response to the Gibeonites' deception challenge us to uphold our commitments, even when circumstances change?

4. What are some modern-day examples of situations where appearances can be deceiving, and how can we apply biblical discernment in these cases?

5. How does the account of the Gibeonites and the Israelites illustrate God's ability to use our mistakes for His purposes, and how can this encourage us in our walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 20:10-18
Provides instructions on making treaties with distant cities, which the Gibeonites exploited by pretending to be from a distant land.

Exodus 23:32-33
Warns against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land, highlighting the Israelites' failure to seek God's guidance in this situation.

2 Samuel 21:1-2
Describes the consequences of Saul breaking the treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the long-term impact of this event.