Joshua Chapter 9

In Joshua 9, the people of Gibeon, fearing the Israelites’ conquests, devise a plan to deceive Joshua and secure a treaty with them. The Gibeonites disguise themselves as travelers from a distant land and approach Joshua, claiming they have come to make a covenant with Israel. Unaware of their true identity, Joshua and the leaders of Israel enter into a treaty with them without consulting the Lord. After three days, they discover that the Gibeonites are their neighbors and part of the Canaanite nations they were commanded to destroy. However, because of the oath they had sworn in God’s name, they cannot harm the Gibeonites. Joshua rebukes them but allows them to live as woodcutters and water carriers for the Israelites.

To explore the deeper context and understanding of Joshua 9, click on the links below for verse-by-verse analysis: