“And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us.”
Context:Before diving into Joshua 9:6, it’s important to understand the context of the passage. The book of Joshua follows the Israelites’ journey into the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, succeeding Moses. After crossing the Jordan River, they begin to conquer the land by defeating various kings and cities. In Joshua 9, the narrative focuses on the Gibeonites, a nearby city.
The Gibeonite Deception:In Joshua 9:6, the Gibeonites approach Joshua and the Israelites at their camp in Gilgal. The Gibeonites were aware of the Israelites’ victories and wanted to avoid destruction. However, instead of engaging in battle, they resorted to deception. They claimed to be ambassadors from a distant land, seeking to establish a treaty or league with the Israelites.
The Israelites’ Response:The Gibeonites’ deceptive tactics put Joshua and the Israelites in a difficult situation. As God had commanded the Israelites to conquer the land and utterly destroy its inhabitants (Deuteronomy 7:1-2), making treaties with the inhabitants of the land was forbidden. However, Joshua and the leaders did not seek guidance from God or consult the Ark of the Covenant before making a decision.
The Deceptive Covenant:Joshua and the Israelite leaders were deceived by the Gibeonites’ claim of being from a distant land. They inspected the evidence provided by the Gibeonites, such as their old clothes and moldy bread, which seemed to support their story. Without consulting the Lord, Joshua and the leaders made a covenant with the Gibeonites, agreeing not to harm them.
The Discovery of the Deception:After three days, the Israelites discovered that the Gibeonites were actually from a nearby city. Upon this realization, Joshua confronted the Gibeonites, questioning why they deceived the Israelites. The Gibeonites admitted their fear of the Israelite army and expressed their desire to make peace, offering themselves as servants to the Israelites.
Consequences and Lessons:Though Joshua and the Israelites were deceived, they honored the covenant they made with the Gibeonites. They spared their lives but made them woodcutters and water carriers for the Israelite community. This incident serves as a lesson about the importance of seeking God’s guidance and not relying solely on our own understanding.
God’s Sovereignty:While the Israelites made a mistake in making a covenant with the Gibeonites, God, in His sovereignty, used this situation for His purposes. The Gibeonites’ deception led to their survival, and they became a constant reminder to Israel of the consequences of not seeking God’s guidance.
In summary, Joshua 9:6 highlights the Gibeonites’ deceptive approach to Joshua and the Israelites, resulting in a covenant being made between the two parties. It teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all matters and the consequences of relying solely on our own understanding.
