Joshua 9:5

They put worn, patched sandals on their feet and threadbare clothing on their bodies, and their whole supply of bread was dry and moldy.

Study Bible

They put worn-out sacks
The phrase "worn-out sacks" signifies a deliberate attempt to deceive. In the Hebrew context, the word for "worn-out" (בָּלוֹת, balot) implies something that has been used to the point of exhaustion. This imagery of worn-out sacks suggests a strategic plan by the Gibeonites to appear as if they had traveled from a distant land. The use of such items reflects a common practice in ancient times where travelers would carry their provisions in sacks. The Gibeonites' choice to use worn-out sacks was a calculated move to gain sympathy and trust from the Israelites, highlighting the theme of deception and the lengths to which people will go to protect themselves.

on their donkeys
Donkeys were a common mode of transportation and beasts of burden in the ancient Near East. The mention of donkeys here underscores the authenticity of the Gibeonites' ruse. In biblical times, donkeys were often associated with peace and humility, contrasting with horses, which were symbols of war. The use of donkeys by the Gibeonites could symbolize their peaceful intentions, albeit under false pretenses. This detail adds to the narrative's depth, showing how appearances can be deceiving and how the Israelites were misled by what seemed to be a humble delegation.

and old wineskins
Wineskins were essential for storing and transporting liquids, particularly wine, in ancient times. The term "old" (נִקְרָעִים, niqra'im) suggests that these wineskins were not only aged but also worn to the point of being unreliable. The Gibeonites' use of old wineskins was another element of their deception, as it would have been expected that travelers from afar would have such worn provisions. This choice reflects the broader biblical theme of the new versus the old, where new wineskins are needed for new wine, as Jesus later teaches in the New Testament. Here, the old wineskins symbolize the outdated and deceptive practices of the Gibeonites.

cracked and mended
The description "cracked and mended" (מְבֻקָּעִים וּמְצֻרָּפִים, mebuqa'im u'metzurafim) paints a vivid picture of the wineskins' condition, emphasizing their age and the care taken to repair them. This detail highlights the Gibeonites' thoroughness in their deception, as they not only used old items but also ensured they appeared to have been used and repaired over time. The act of mending suggests a resourcefulness and determination to survive, which can be seen as both a negative trait, in terms of deceit, and a positive one, in terms of perseverance. This duality invites reflection on the nature of human actions and the motivations behind them, encouraging believers to seek wisdom and discernment in their own lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gibeonites
A group of people from the city of Gibeon who, fearing the Israelites, resorted to deception to secure a peace treaty with them.

2. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites, who was responsible for leading the people into the Promised Land and making decisions regarding treaties and warfare.

3. Israelites
The people of God, who were commanded to conquer the land of Canaan and were warned against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land.

4. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites by God, which they were in the process of conquering under Joshua's leadership.

5. Deception Event
The Gibeonites' act of deception, where they disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land to make a treaty with Israel.

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 in our decisions.

Consequences of Deception
The Gibeonites' deception led to a lasting covenant with Israel, illustrating how deceit can have long-term implications.

God's Sovereignty and Grace
Despite the deception, God used the situation for His purposes, showing His ability to work through human mistakes.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites were commanded not to make covenants with the inhabitants of the land. This highlights the importance of adhering to God's commands.

The Role of Appearances
The Gibeonites' worn-out appearance deceived the Israelites, reminding us that appearances can be misleading and the need for spiritual discernment.

Bible Study Questions

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

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, even when we make mistakes or face deception?

4. How does the account of the Gibeonites challenge us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions and decisions?

5. How can we cultivate discernment to see beyond appearances and make wise choices in our relationships and commitments?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:1-2
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's breach of the treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the long-term impact of the covenant made in Joshua 9.

Proverbs 12:22
This verse speaks to the value of truthfulness and the Lord's disdain for deceit, which contrasts with the Gibeonites' actions.

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