Analysis of Joshua Chapter 9
Joshua 9 is a fascinating chapter that presents the narrative of the Gibeonites’ deception of the Israelites. This chapter holds significant meaning within the context of the larger biblical narrative, containing themes of deceit, fear, covenant, and divine providence. As we delve into this chapter, we will provide a verse-by-verse analysis, seeking to understand its theological significance, historical context, and practical implications for modern readers.
Verses 1-2: The Alliance of the Kings
1 Now when all the kings west of the Jordan heard about these things—the kings in the hill country, in the western foothills, and along the entire coast of the Mediterranean Sea as far as Lebanon (the kings of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites)— 2 they came together to wage war against Joshua and Israel.
Verses 1-2 establish the backdrop against which the Gibeonite deception occurs. The chapter begins by introducing an alliance of kings from various regions who decide to wage war against Joshua and Israel. This collective response highlights the severity of the threat perceived by the indigenous populations due to Israel’s conquests. The mention of these specific peoples adds a geographical depth to the narrative, emphasizing that Israel’s presence in the land was seen as a significant invasion.
From a theological perspective, this alliance can be interpreted as the worldly powers uniting against God’s chosen people. It underscores a recurring biblical theme that those who oppose God’s purposes often band together, yet their efforts are ultimately futile against God’s sovereign plans.
Verses 3-6: The Gibeonite Deception
3 However, when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, 4 they resorted to a ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were loaded with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. 5 They put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy. 6 Then they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the Israelites, “We have come from a distant country; make a treaty with us.”
The Gibeonites’ response to the threat of destruction is remarkably different from that of the other Canaanite kings. Instead of confronting Israel militarily, they adopt a strategy of deception. By disguising themselves with old and worn-out provisions, they aim to convince Joshua and the Israelites that they are from a distant land and pose no threat. Their ruse is detailed meticulously to emphasize how thorough and deliberate their deception is.
This passage illustrates the Gibeonites’ fear and desperation, which leads them to resort to deceit. It also reflects human nature in facing overwhelming forces—choosing cunning and subterfuge over direct confrontation. Theologically, this section can be seen as a commentary on the lengths to which people might go to secure their survival, even deceiving God’s chosen people to do so.
Verses 7-13: The Israelites’ Inquiry
7 The Israelites said to the Hivites, “But perhaps you live near us, so how can we make a treaty with you?” 8 “We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. But Joshua asked, “Who are you and where do you come from?” 9 They answered: “Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the Lord your God. For we have heard reports of him: all that he did in Egypt, 10 and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth. 11 And our elders and all those living in our country said to us, ‘Take provisions for your journey; go and meet them and say to them, “We are your servants; make a treaty with us.”’ 12 This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But now see how dry and moldy it is. 13 And these wineskins that we filled were new, but see how cracked they are. And our clothes and sandals are worn out by the very long journey.”
The Israelites’ initial suspicion shows their awareness of potential deception. They question the Gibeonites’ origin and intentions. However, the Gibeonites cleverly craft their story by highlighting the fame of the Lord God and recounting His mighty deeds in Egypt and against the Amorite kings. Their deceit is not just physical (with their worn-out clothes and provisions) but also verbal, as they appeal to Israel’s knowledge of God’s past acts.
This section raises questions about discernment and the importance of seeking God’s guidance. Despite their initial caution, the Israelites, led by Joshua, do not seek divine counsel at this moment, leading to their eventual deception. This serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity of involving God in decisions, especially those that carry significant consequences.
Verses 14-15: The Treaty Made
14 The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. 15 Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.
The key phrase in this passage is “but did not inquire of the Lord.” This omission is crucial. The Israelites rely on their evaluation of the Gibeonites’ provisions rather than seeking divine guidance. Consequently, Joshua makes a peace treaty with them, and the leaders affirm it with an oath. The act of sealing a treaty is significant in the ancient Near East, as it involves a solemn promise that is binding before God and man.
Here, the narrative highlights human fallibility, even among God’s chosen leaders. It shows the importance of seeking God’s wisdom rather than relying solely on human judgment. This also sets up a critical turning point in the story, where the Israelites will face the consequences of acting without divine consultation.
Verses 16-21: The Deception Uncovered
16 Three days after they made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites heard that they were neighbors, living near them. 17 So the Israelites set out and on the third day came to their cities: Gibeon, Kephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath Jearim. 18 But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel. The whole assembly grumbled against the leaders, 19 but all the leaders answered, “We have given them our oath by the Lord, the God of Israel, and we cannot touch them now. 20 This is what we will do to them: We will let them live, so that God’s wrath will not fall on us for breaking the oath we swore to them.” 21 They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers in the service of the whole assembly.” So the leaders’ promise to them was kept.
When the Israelites discover the Gibeonites’ true identity, they are faced with a dilemma. Their covenant, sworn in the name of the Lord, binds them, and breaking it would invoke God’s wrath. Despite the deception, they choose to honor the treaty. This decision demonstrates the importance of keeping one’s word, especially when it is made before God. It also emphasizes the sanctity of oaths and covenants in biblical ethics.
The leaders’ solution is to let the Gibeonites live but assign them to menial tasks—woodcutting and water carrying—for the whole assembly. This compromise allows Israel to keep their oath while still imposing a consequence on the Gibeonites for their deceit. This passage reflects the principle that even in challenging circumstances, faithfulness to one’s word is paramount, and reconciliation is possible through just and practical measures.
Verses 22-27: The Gibeonites’ Role
22 Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you deceive us by saying, ‘We live a long way from you,’ while actually you live near us? 23 You are now under a curse: You will never be free from being servants, woodcutters, and water carriers for the house of my God.” 24 They answered Joshua, “Your servants were clearly told how the Lord your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you the whole land and to wipe out all its inhabitants from before you. So we feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we did this. 25 We are now in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.” 26 So Joshua saved them from the Israelites, and they did not kill them. 27 That day he made the Gibeonites woodcutters and water carriers for the assembly, to provide for the needs of the altar of the Lord at the place the Lord would choose. And that is what they are to this day.
In the concluding verses, Joshua confronts the Gibeonites about their deception. Their response reveals their motivation: fear of annihilation as they had heard of God’s command to Moses regarding the conquest of the land. They willingly submit to whatever punishment Joshua deems appropriate, displaying a mix of resignation and acknowledgment of their precarious position.
Joshua’s decision to curse them to perpetual servitude reflects a nuanced approach to justice. By making them woodcutters and water carriers for the house of God, Joshua integrates the Gibeonites into the service of the Israelite community, thereby turning their deception into a means of fulfilling practical needs. This outcome underscores the integration of justice and mercy within the community of faith.
Moreover, placing the Gibeonites in service to the altar of the Lord adds a layer of spiritual significance. It implies a form of inclusion within the covenant community, albeit in a subservient role. This act can be viewed as a foreshadowing of the broader inclusion of Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan, as seen in later biblical narratives.
Conclusion
Joshua 9 is a rich text that explores themes of deception, covenant fidelity, divine providence, and justice. The Gibeonites’ cunning and the Israelites’ failure to seek divine guidance result in an unexpected yet instructive outcome. Despite the initial deceit, the integrity of the covenant is upheld, demonstrating the importance of faithfulness and the possibilities of mercy and reconciliation.
This chapter challenges readers to consider the complexity of human actions and divine responses. It serves as a reminder of the necessity of seeking God’s wisdom in decision-making and the sanctity of oaths and covenants. Additionally, it reveals how even flawed decisions made by God’s people can ultimately serve His purposes and contribute to the broader narrative of redemption.
As modern readers reflect on Joshua 9, it invites contemplation on the nature of honesty, the weight of promises, and the ways in which God can bring good out of human error. The story of the Gibeonites stands as a testament to God’s ability to weave human actions, even those rooted in fear and deceit, into His divine plan for His people.