The Gibeonites were a group of people descended from the Hivites and Amorites, who inhabited the city of Gibeon and its surrounding towns in the land of Canaan. They are most notably recognized for their cunning interaction with the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership.

Historical Background

The Gibeonites are first introduced in the Book of Joshua. As the Israelites, led by Joshua, were conquering the Promised Land, the Gibeonites devised a plan to secure their survival. Aware of the fate that had befallen Jericho and Ai, they resorted to deception to make a treaty with Israel. Disguising themselves as travelers from a distant land, they wore worn-out clothes and carried moldy bread to give the impression of having journeyed from afar. They approached Joshua and the leaders of Israel, seeking a covenant of peace.

Joshua 9:14-15 records the critical moment: "Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the counsel of the LORD. And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them."

The Treaty and Its Consequences

Upon discovering the ruse, the Israelites were bound by their oath and could not attack the Gibeonites. Instead, the Gibeonites were consigned to servitude, becoming woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:21). This arrangement was a fulfillment of the Israelites' obligation to their oath, despite the deceptive means by which it was obtained.

The Gibeonites' treaty with Israel had significant implications. When the surrounding Amorite kings learned of Gibeon's alliance with Israel, they formed a coalition to attack Gibeon. The Gibeonites called upon Joshua for help, leading to the miraculous battle at Gibeon, where God intervened by casting down large hailstones and causing the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:11-13).

Role in Israel's History

The Gibeonites continued to play a role in Israel's history. During the reign of King Saul, a breach of the treaty occurred when Saul sought to annihilate them in his zeal for Israel and Judah. This act brought a famine upon the land during the reign of King David. To atone for Saul's actions, David sought the LORD's guidance and ultimately handed over seven of Saul's descendants to the Gibeonites, who executed them as retribution (2 Samuel 21:1-9).

Religious and Cultural Significance

The Gibeonites' account is a testament to the importance of oaths and covenants in biblical times. Their integration into Israelite society, albeit as servants, highlights the complex relationships between the Israelites and the indigenous peoples of Canaan. The Gibeonites' servitude at the altar of the LORD also underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His purposes, even through human deception and error.

The Gibeonites' narrative serves as a reminder of the necessity of seeking divine guidance in decision-making, as the Israelites' failure to consult the LORD led to unforeseen consequences. Their account is a vivid illustration of God's justice and mercy, as well as the enduring impact of covenants made in His name.Joshua 9:3,7
And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 21:2
And the king called the Gibeonites, and said to them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn to them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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