Background and Context:
The account of the Gibeonites' deceit is found in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 9. This event occurs during the Israelite conquest of Canaan, following their victories at Jericho and Ai. The Gibeonites, a group of Hivites, resided in the land of Canaan and were aware of the Israelites' divine mandate to conquer the land and destroy its inhabitants. Fearing for their survival, the Gibeonites resorted to deception to secure a peace treaty with Israel.

The Deception:
The Gibeonites, recognizing the threat posed by the advancing Israelites, devised a cunning plan to save themselves. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land, wearing worn-out clothes and carrying moldy bread and cracked wineskins. They approached Joshua and the leaders of Israel at their camp in Gilgal, claiming to be envoys from a far-off country seeking a covenant of peace.

Joshua 9:6-7 records their approach: "They went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the men of Israel, 'We have come from a distant land; now make a treaty with us.' But the men of Israel said to the Hivites, 'Perhaps you dwell near us. How can we make a treaty with you?'"

Despite their initial skepticism, the Israelites were deceived by the Gibeonites' appearance and account. Crucially, the Israelites failed to seek the counsel of the LORD in this matter. Joshua 9:14 states, "Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the counsel of the LORD."

The Treaty:
Convinced by the Gibeonites' ruse, Joshua made a peace treaty with them, swearing an oath to let them live. This treaty was binding, as it was made in the name of the LORD, and the Israelites were obligated to honor it despite the deceit involved.

The Discovery:
Three days after making the treaty, the Israelites discovered that the Gibeonites were actually their neighbors, living within the land of Canaan. The Israelites set out to confront the Gibeonites but could not attack them due to the oath they had sworn. Joshua 9:18 notes, "But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel."

The Consequences:
Although the Gibeonites were spared from destruction, they were subjected to servitude as a consequence of their deceit. Joshua declared that they would become woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the LORD. Joshua 9:27 states, "On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD at the place He would choose, and they are to this day."

Theological Implications:
The account of the Gibeonites' deceit highlights several key theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance in all decisions, as the Israelites' failure to do so led to unintended consequences. Secondly, it demonstrates the binding nature of oaths made in the name of the LORD, emphasizing the seriousness with which such commitments should be regarded. Lastly, it illustrates God's mercy and the possibility of redemption, as the Gibeonites, despite their deceit, were integrated into the community of Israel and served in the tabernacle, contributing to the worship of the LORD.