Joshua 9:13

These 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."

Study Bible

These wineskins were new when we filled them
The Gibeonites, who are speaking in this verse, are attempting to deceive the Israelites by claiming they have come from a distant land. In ancient times, wineskins were made from animal hides and were used to store wine. New wineskins were necessary because they could expand as the wine fermented. The mention of "new" wineskins suggests the Gibeonites' attempt to appear as if they had traveled a long distance, as new wineskins would not typically crack unless subjected to extensive use. This deception is part of a larger narrative where the Gibeonites seek to make a treaty with Israel, fearing the Israelites' God-given mandate to conquer the land.

but look, they are cracked
The cracked wineskins serve as physical evidence to support the Gibeonites' story. In the cultural context, cracked wineskins would indicate age and wear, reinforcing the idea of a long journey. This detail is crucial in the narrative, as it plays into the Israelites' decision to believe the Gibeonites without seeking God's counsel. The cracked wineskins symbolize the fragility of human plans and the ease with which appearances can deceive. This moment foreshadows the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible.

And these clothes and sandals are worn out
The worn-out clothes and sandals further the Gibeonites' ruse, suggesting a lengthy and arduous journey. In the ancient Near East, clothing and footwear were valuable and not easily replaced, so their condition would be a significant indicator of travel. This imagery connects to the Israelites' own experience in the wilderness, where God miraculously preserved their clothing and sandals (Deuteronomy 29:5). The contrast highlights the Gibeonites' deception and the Israelites' failure to discern the truth.

from our very long journey.”
The claim of a "very long journey" is central to the Gibeonites' strategy to secure a peace treaty with Israel. This phrase emphasizes the supposed distance they have traveled, aiming to convince the Israelites of their sincerity and non-threatening nature. The narrative underscores the theme of discernment and the consequences of failing to seek God's guidance. The Gibeonites' deception ultimately leads to their servitude to Israel, fulfilling God's promise to give the land to the Israelites, yet also showing God's mercy in allowing the Gibeonites to live. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual vigilance and reliance on God’s wisdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gibeonites
A group of people from the city of Gibeon who deceived Joshua and the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them by pretending to be from a distant land.

2. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites who succeeded Moses and led the people into the Promised Land. He was responsible for making decisions regarding treaties and warfare.

3. Israelites
The people of God who were commanded to conquer the land of Canaan and were deceived by the Gibeonites into making a covenant with them.

4. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites by God, which they were in the process of conquering during the events of Joshua.

5. Gibeon
A significant city in Canaan whose inhabitants tricked the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them.

Teaching Points

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

Consequences of Deception
The Gibeonites' deception led to a binding covenant. This reminds us that deceit can have long-lasting consequences, and we must strive for honesty and integrity.

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

The Importance of Keeping Promises
The Israelites honored their treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the importance of keeping our commitments, even when made under false pretenses.

The Role of Community in Accountability
The leaders of Israel made the decision without consulting the broader community. This highlights the value of accountability and counsel in decision-making processes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we apply the lesson of seeking God's guidance in our daily decision-making processes?

2. What are some modern-day examples of deception, and how can we guard against them in our personal and spiritual lives?

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

4. How does the account of the Gibeonites challenge us to consider the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationships?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to keep a promise that was difficult to uphold. How does this relate to the Israelites' commitment to the Gibeonites?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7
This chapter outlines God's command to the Israelites to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan and not make treaties with them, highlighting the seriousness of the Gibeonites' deception.

2 Samuel 21
This passage describes the consequences of Saul breaking the treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the long-term impact of the covenant made in Joshua 9.

Matthew 10
Jesus instructs His disciples to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves," which can be related to the need for discernment that Joshua and the Israelites lacked in this situation.