-
The Gibeonites: Joshua 9-10
What Israel had done to Jericho and Ai was becoming well known to the people of Canaan. One of these, inhabitants of Gibeon, decided to try to trick the Israelites instead of fighting them. The Gibeonites dressed up and acted like envoys from a far country. They found Joshua at the camp in Gilgal and said, “We have come from a far country; now therefore, make a covenant with us” (Joshua 9-10).
The Israelites were not free to make a covenant with people in the land, and they were a bit skeptical. But the Gibeonites insisted, “We are your servants.” Their plan worked like they wanted.
The mistake that Israel made at this point was that they “did not ask for the counsel of the Lord” (9:14). So Joshua made peace with them, and a covenant to let them live. So the Gibeonites returned to their city.
A few days later, Israel came up against the city and found that the Gibeonites were indeed in the land. Because of their oath, they did not destroy Gibeon, but made them servants instead. Joshua was angry with their deception.
When other kings in the land heard of this, they tried to fight against Gibeon. Israel came to their aid and defeated the other armies. While the armies fled, Joshua spoke to God, asking that the sun would “stand still” to give them time to pursue the enemies. God granted this, and Israel destroyed their enemies. The reason why Israel was so effective is stated several times: “because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.” And even today, God fights for His people (Romans 8:31ff).
Discussion
1. Why did the Gibeonites want to make a covenant with Israel? What was this covenant?
2. What error did Israel commit? Why was it a problem for them to make a covenant with people in the land?
3. What did God assure Joshua of when Israel went to battle?
4. How did God aid in the fight against the enemy kings?
5. What notable miracle occurred during this battle?
6. What lessons may we learn from these chapters?