Joshua 9:1-27
Q.1. How did the nations in Canaan respond to the conquering Israelites? How did the Gibeonites approach their crisis differently? What did they ask for? – (Josh.9:1-6)
When the nations who lived in Canaan heard of Israel’s miraculous exploits – they gathered themselves together with one accord to fight with Joshua and with Israel (Josh.9:2). By contrast, the Gibeonites realized that their only hope for survival was to join with Israel. But how? They determined to deceive the Israelites, by sending envoys who pretended that they lived in a distant land – … We have come from a far country; now therefore, make a covenant with us (Josh.9:6).
Q.2. Did the visit of the Gibeonites raise any suspicions? How did the Gibeonites convince Israel? What fundamental mistake did the Israelites make? – (Josh.9:7-15)
The leaders were suspicious, and the Gibeonites lied in answer to Joshua’s direct questions. They explained that they had heard of Israel’s all conquering ways and asked to enter into a covenant (Josh.9:7-13). Therefore – Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live; and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them (Josh.9:15 c.f. Dt.20:15-18). However, the leaders made a monumental mistake – … and did not ask for the counsel of the Lord (Josh.9:14).
Q.3. Did the Israelites honour the covenant when they realised that they had been deceived? Why? How did they overcome the ‘Gibeonite problem’? – (Josh.9:16-21)
Just three days later they discovered that the Gibeonites had deceived them, and actually lived nearby (Josh.9:16-17). Though the people grumbled against their leaders, they replied – … We have sworn to them by the Lord, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them (Josh.9:19). They could have made excuses, but refused, saying – This we will do to them, even let them live, so that wrath will not be upon us for the oath which we swore to them (Josh.9:20). They found an alternative – … they became cutters of wood and drawers of water for the whole congregation, just as the leaders had spoken to them (Josh.9:21). Two wrongs don’t make a right. This is a great example of standing by our solemn promises in a day where agreements are broken by politicians, spouses, and employers. They were true to their word and their oath.
Q.4. Did Joshua ignore the deception of the Gibeonites? What had been their motivation? How did their submission lead to blessing? – (Josh.9:22-27)
Nevertheless, Joshua confronted them with their deception. The Gibeonites responded that it was preferable to enter into a covenant. They believed that God would give Israel victory. Far from being cursed, they had saved their nation – But Joshua made them that day cutters of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord, to this day, in the place which He would choose (Josh.9:27). They accepted their role in Israel, which would bless them in generations to come, because of their proximity to the Temple (Neh.3:7). Later, King Saul would break the covenant by slaughtering many of the Gibeonites. In David’s reign, God sent three years of drought as punishment (c.f. 2 Samuel 21). He told David – It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death (2 Sam. 21:1). When there had been restitution through the blood of seven of Saul’s descendants – After that, God answered prayer on behalf of the land (2 Sam.21:14). God takes our vows very seriously.