Joshua 9:22

Then Joshua 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?

Study Bible

Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites
Joshua, as the leader of Israel, takes decisive action by summoning the Gibeonites. This reflects his role as a judge and leader, responsible for maintaining the covenant integrity of Israel. The Gibeonites were a group of Hivites, one of the Canaanite tribes, who lived in the region of Gibeon, a city located northwest of Jerusalem. This summoning indicates a formal inquiry, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures when addressing grievances or breaches of agreements.

and said, “Why did you deceive us
The act of deception by the Gibeonites is central to this narrative. In the ancient world, deception was often used as a survival tactic, especially by weaker parties facing stronger adversaries. The Gibeonites' deception involved pretending to be from a distant land to secure a peace treaty with Israel, as they feared the fate of other Canaanite cities. This question by Joshua highlights the moral and ethical expectations within covenant relationships, where honesty and transparency were paramount.

by telling us you live far away from us,
The Gibeonites claimed to be from a distant land, which was a strategic lie to avoid the fate of other Canaanite cities that were being conquered by Israel. This phrase underscores the geographical and political dynamics of the time. The Israelites were commanded by God to conquer the land of Canaan and not to make treaties with its inhabitants (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). By claiming to be from afar, the Gibeonites sought to circumvent this divine mandate.

when in fact you live among us?
The revelation that the Gibeonites lived nearby is significant. It highlights the proximity of Gibeon to the Israelite camp at Gilgal, emphasizing the immediacy of the threat perceived by the Gibeonites. This phrase also reflects the broader theme of the Israelites' journey into the Promised Land, where they encountered various peoples and cultures. The Gibeonites' integration into Israelite society, despite their deception, foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into the people of God, a theme that is fully realized in the New Testament with the spread of the Gospel to all nations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. He is known for his military leadership and faithfulness to God.

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

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, led by Joshua, who are in the process of conquering the Promised Land as commanded by God.

4. Gibeon
A significant city in Canaan, whose inhabitants tricked the Israelites into making a covenant with them.

5. Deception
The act committed by the Gibeonites to secure a treaty with Israel, which is central to this passage.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Discernment
Believers must seek God's wisdom and discernment in all decisions, especially when forming alliances or agreements.

Consequences of Deception
Deception can lead to unintended consequences and long-term commitments that may not align with God's will.

God's Sovereignty in Our Mistakes
Even when we make mistakes, God can use them for His purposes, as seen in how the Gibeonites became servants and later contributed to Israel's society.

The Value of Integrity
Upholding integrity and truthfulness is crucial in our relationships and dealings with others.

The Role of Leadership
Leaders must be vigilant and seek God's guidance to protect their communities from deceit and to make wise decisions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we apply the lesson of discernment from Joshua 9:22 in our daily decision-making processes?

2. What are some modern-day examples of deception that Christians might face, and how can we guard against them?

3. How does the account of the Gibeonites illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance before making commitments?

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 the principles of integrity and truthfulness be applied in our personal and professional lives, and what scriptures support these principles?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 23:32-33
This passage warns the Israelites against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands.

2 Samuel 21:1-2
This passage recounts the consequences of Saul breaking the treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the long-term impact of the covenant made in Joshua 9.

Matthew 10:16
Jesus instructs His disciples to be "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves," which can be related to the need for discernment in dealing with others, as Joshua and the Israelites learned.