Read Joshua 9.1-15. In 9.1-15: The Gibeonite deception. In verses 1-4; There are two contrasting reactions to the news about Israel's victories. The kings of the various peoples gathered ... to fight (v. 20). But the citizens of Gibeon acted with cunning (v. 4). In verse 6; Their argument rests on being from a far country (also v. 9), exempting them from the extermination required by Deut 20.16-18. In verse 7: In reality they are Hivites, one of the nations to be destroyed (9.1; Deut 20.17). A Treaty with any who live among Israel was forbidden (Deut 7.2). In verse 8: Their language about being servants is respectful but it also ironic in light of vv. 21, 23, 27. In verses 9-10: Their speech is similar to Rahab's confession (2.10-11), but is hypocritical. In verse 15: All three Israelite parties fall for the ruse. The ordinary Israelite of vv. 6 and 7 ("men" is the better reading) taste the evidence. Joshua makes peace. The leaders of the congregation swear an oath. Gibeonites retained their special status as a foreign enclave down to the reign of David (2 Sam 21.1-6). Comments or Questions..
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