Joshua 10

Brothers and sisters, peace to you all. Today, we are reading Joshua chapter 9, and the story continues to grow more intriguing. In this passage, we see how the nation of Israel, after entering the land of Canaan, gained a reputation that spread far and wide. They had already conquered Jericho and Ai, and news of these victories sent shockwaves throughout the Canaanite tribes. We first observe that six nations formed an alliance to resist the Israelites. These were the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (their kings are mentioned in Deuteronomy 20 as well). This passage reveals that God had determined to drive these nations out of Canaan because of their corrupt customs, which were contrary to His holy standards. God’s command was intended to protect the Israelites from cultural influences that could lead them astray. Therefore, He instructed them to completely drive out or destroy these nations (see Deuteronomy 20). The Strategy and Spiritual Significance of the Gibeonites’ Treaty In this story, the Gibeonites clearly understood the majesty and power of Israel’s God. They likely had some knowledge of Him and realized their own precarious situation. Though Gibeon was located just north of Jerusalem and close to the Israelites’ encampment, making them part of the Canaanite region, they decided to use a strategy to surrender and preserve their lives. The Gibeonites’ Strategy The Gibeonites disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land. They wore worn-out clothes, carried dry and cracked bread, and brought old and patched wineskins. They attempted to convince the Israelites that they were not local residents. Claiming they had come from far away out of reverence for Israel’s God, they sought to make a treaty. The Israelites, seeing their worn-out attire and supplies, believed their story and made a covenant with them, promising not to harm them. However, the Israelites soon discovered that the Gibeonites were actually their nearby neighbors within the land of Canaan. Despite this revelation, the Israelites could not break their oath due to the covenant they had made, and they spared the lives of the Gibeonites. The Impact of the Treaty with the Gibeonites Deuteronomy’s Rules for Warfare Deuteronomy 20:10 specifies that before attacking a city, the Israelites should first offer terms of peace. If the inhabitants accept and surrender, they are to serve the Israelites. The Gibeonites took advantage of this provision and successfully secured a treaty, becoming servants to Israel and serving them for generations. The Gibeonites’ Role in Service In 1 Samuel 7, we see the Gibeonites mentioned again. They preserved the Ark of the Covenant in Kiriath Jearim for 20 years. This responsibility arose after the Philistines captured the Ark and caused devastation, eventually returning it. The Ark remained with the Gibeonites until King David moved it to Jerusalem. A Lasting Covenant Across Generations The treaty with the Gibeonites had long-term effects. In 2 Samuel 21:2, we learn that King Saul violated the treaty by killing Gibeonites, committing a bloodshed that angered God and brought punishment upon Israel. This reminds us that humans may forget their promises, but God does not. Even generations later, the Gibeonites declared their continued service to Israel, but the sin of murder still required atonement. Spiritual Reflections 1. The Importance of Honesty and Reverence While the Gibeonites’ strategy was driven by self-preservation, their choice demonstrated reverence for Israel’s God. They humbled themselves and became servants to ensure survival. This teaches us that reverence for God is the first step toward receiving His grace. This is another example of Gentiles receiving salvation through repentance. 2. The Value of Keeping Promises Even though the Israelites were deceived, they honored their covenant with the Gibeonites, demonstrating the integrity expected of God’s people. The enduring