The Gibeonites’ Deception: A Lesson in Discernment and God’s Unfailing Covenant

Executive Summary

Joshua 9, the story of The Gibeonites’ Deception, presents a pivotal moment in Israel’s conquest of Canaan. The Gibeonites, hearing of Israel’s victories, shrewdly feign a long journey and request a covenant of peace. Joshua and the elders, failing to consult God, enter into this treaty. This chapter serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of hasty decisions and the imperative to seek divine guidance in all matters. Despite the deception, the covenant, once made, is honored by God, revealing His commitment to His word, even when based on human error. The Gibeonites are then relegated to servants, highlighting God’s justice amidst the flawed human actions. This account provides profound lessons on humility, prayer, discernment, and the enduring nature of God’s promises. It urges us to diligently “check out our options” and reminds us that even mistakes can be opportunities for God’s grace to manifest.

Introduction

Joshua 9 unfolds a narrative rich in both spiritual and political intrigue. It details how the Gibeonites, a people dwelling within the land promised to Israel, circumvented God’s command for complete conquest through a calculated deception. This chapter isn’t merely a historical account; it’s a theological case study on the importance of seeking God’s will, the consequences of rash decisions, and the enduring power of covenant, even when established on shaky ground. Let us delve into this passage, examining each verse through the lens of Coptic Orthodox tradition and biblical wisdom, exploring its relevance for our lives today, as we explore The Gibeonites’ Deception.

Commentary on Joshua 9

Verses 1-2: The Canaanite Coalition

KJV Joshua 9:1-2: And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof; That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord.

These verses set the stage by depicting the fear and unity that gripped the Canaanite kings upon hearing of Israel’s victories over Jericho and Ai. Their collective response was to form a military alliance, a desperate attempt to resist the seemingly unstoppable advance of the Israelites. The mention of specific tribes—Hittite, Amorite, etc.—underscores the diversity of the Canaanite population and their determination to protect their ancestral lands. This coalition highlights the perceived threat that Israel posed to their way of life and religious practices.

Spiritual Application: Just as the Canaanite kings united against Israel, we too face spiritual adversaries who seek to undermine our faith. These forces may manifest as doubt, temptation, or worldly distractions. We must recognize these threats and, like Israel, rely on God’s strength and guidance to overcome them. Just as these Kings made “checking out options” a habit, perhaps they could’ve worked with our AI-powered option generator to find the best path forward.

Verses 3-6: The Gibeonite Strategy

KJV Joshua 9:3-6: And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. 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.

The Gibeonites, unlike the other Canaanite cities, chose a different path: deception. Aware of Israel’s military might and the inevitable destruction that awaited those who resisted, they devised a cunning plan to secure a covenant of peace. Their staged appearance—worn-out clothes, old sacks, and mouldy bread—was designed to convince Joshua that they were from a distant land, thus circumventing the divine command to utterly destroy the inhabitants of Canaan. This demonstrates a remarkable level of strategic thinking, albeit rooted in deceit.

Patristic Insight: St. Augustine of Hippo, in his “City of God,” speaks of the “two cities”—the city of God and the city of man—each characterized by different loves and motivations. The Gibeonites, driven by the love of self-preservation, exemplify the values of the earthly city, prioritizing temporal security over spiritual truth. (Augustine, *De Civitate Dei*, Book XV, Chapter 1)

Spiritual Application: The Gibeonites’ deception serves as a cautionary tale against superficial appearances. We must be discerning and seek the truth beneath the surface, lest we be misled by outward displays. Like the Gibeonites, the devil often disguises himself in appealing forms to deceive us. We must always ask ourselves, “what are my options?”, just like the Gibeonites.

Verse 7: The Israelites’ Suspicion

KJV Joshua 9:7: And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?

This verse reveals a moment of suspicion on the part of the Israelites. They recognized the possibility that the Gibeonites might be their neighbors, which would contradict God’s command regarding the inhabitants of Canaan. However, their suspicion was not thorough enough. They failed to consult God for guidance, relying instead on their own judgment and the Gibeonites’ deceptive presentation.

Spiritual Application: Suspicion, while sometimes necessary, is not a substitute for seeking God’s wisdom. We must not allow our initial doubts to cloud our judgment or prevent us from seeking the truth through prayer and discernment. In today’s world, we need to think about “checking out options”, especially when the stakes are high.

Verses 8-13: The Deception Continues

KJV Joshua 9:8-13: And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye? And they said unto him, From a very far country are thy servants come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt, And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan. Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us. This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy: And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.

The Gibeonites skillfully reiterated their fabricated story, emphasizing their admiration for the God of Israel and their fear of His power. They appealed to Joshua’s ego and played on his sense of justice, claiming to have traveled from a distant land solely because of their respect for the LORD. Their detailed account, though deceptive, was convincing enough to allay the Israelites’ initial suspicions.

Spiritual Application: This passage highlights the persuasive power of flattery and carefully crafted lies. We must be vigilant against those who seek to manipulate us through false praise or appealing rhetoric. True discernment requires us to look beyond the surface and examine the underlying motives and intentions.

Verse 14: The Fatal Flaw

KJV Joshua 9:14: And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.

This verse encapsulates the Israelites’ fatal error: they failed to consult God before entering into a covenant with the Gibeonites. They relied on their own judgment and the evidence presented before them, neglecting the most crucial step of seeking divine guidance. This omission had significant consequences, leading them to make a decision that would ultimately affect the future of Israel.

Patristic Insight: St. Antony the Great, in his teachings, emphasized the importance of constant prayer and seeking God’s will in all matters. He warned against relying on our own understanding, which is limited and prone to error. “Always be mindful of God; pray without ceasing,” he advised, highlighting the need for continual communion with the divine. (Athanasius, *The Life of Antony*, Chapter 4)

Spiritual Application: This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer and seeking God’s guidance in all our decisions, both big and small. We must not rely solely on our own wisdom or understanding but humbly submit ourselves to God’s will. We must always remember to “check out our options” with God, just like Israel should’ve.

Verses 15-21: The Covenant and Its Consequences

KJV Joshua 9:15-21: And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them. And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them. And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim. And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes. But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them. And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them. So the princes made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day.

Joshua, bound by his oath, honored the covenant made with the Gibeonites, even after discovering their deception. This highlights the sanctity of oaths and the importance of keeping one’s word, even when it proves inconvenient or disadvantageous. However, the Gibeonites were relegated to the status of servants, fulfilling a prophecy of servitude and demonstrating God’s justice amidst the flawed human actions. This also sets a precedent for the integration of non-Israelites into the service of God and the community.

Spiritual Application: Our words have power, and we must be mindful of the promises we make. Even when we make mistakes, we must strive to honor our commitments, recognizing that God is faithful even when we are not. This passage also teaches us about the importance of humility and service, as exemplified by the Gibeonites’ role as hewers of wood and drawers of water.

Verses 22-27: The Gibeonites’ Fate

KJV Joshua 9:22-27: And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you, when ye dwell among us? Now therefore ye are cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God. And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told us, that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing. And now, behold, we are in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do. And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not. And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.

Joshua confronts the Gibeonites about their deception, acknowledging their fear as a motive for their actions. While he could have rightfully executed them, he chose to honor the covenant, albeit with the condition of perpetual servitude. This act of mercy, tempered with justice, reveals God’s grace even in the midst of human fallibility. The Gibeonites’ service to the house of God, though initially imposed as punishment, ultimately became a means by which they participated in the life of the community and contributed to the worship of the LORD.

Spiritual Application: Even in our moments of weakness and deception, God can work through us to accomplish His purposes. The Gibeonites, though initially motivated by fear, ultimately served God through their assigned roles. This reminds us that God can redeem even our mistakes and transform them into opportunities for His glory. Like the Gibeonites, we should be thankful, as we thought about “checking out options” that made our lives easier.

Subtopic Sections

The Importance of Discernment

Discernment is a crucial spiritual gift that enables us to distinguish between truth and falsehood, good and evil. The story of the Gibeonites underscores the dire consequences of lacking discernment. Without seeking God’s guidance, the Israelites were easily deceived, leading them to make a covenant that contradicted God’s will.

• Prayer and Fasting: Cultivate a deep relationship with God through consistent prayer and fasting, seeking His wisdom and guidance in all matters.
• Study of Scripture: Familiarize yourself with the teachings of the Bible, which serve as a foundation for discerning truth and exposing falsehood.
• Guidance of the Holy Spirit: Ask for the Holy Spirit to enlighten your mind and guide your understanding, enabling you to perceive spiritual realities.
• Accountability: Surround yourself with wise and godly counsel who can provide objective feedback and help you discern truth from error.
• Humility: Approach situations with humility, recognizing your limitations and dependence on God’s wisdom.
• Testing the Spirits: Follow the Apostle John’s instruction to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1), carefully examining the source and motivation behind every teaching and influence.

The Sanctity of Oaths and Covenants

The story of Joshua and the Gibeonites highlights the importance of keeping our promises, even when they prove to be difficult or inconvenient. An oath is a sacred commitment made before God, and breaking it carries serious consequences.

• Integrity: Cultivate a reputation for honesty and integrity, making your words trustworthy and reliable.
• Careful Consideration: Think carefully before making a promise, considering the potential implications and your ability to fulfill it.
• Commitment: Once a promise is made, commit to honoring it, even if it requires sacrifice or effort.
• Forgiveness: Seek forgiveness if you have broken a promise, and strive to make amends for any harm caused.
• Grace: Extend grace to others who have broken promises, recognizing that we all fall short of perfection.
• Divine Standard: Remember that God is a covenant-keeping God, and we are called to reflect His faithfulness in our own lives.

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Conclusion

The story of The Gibeonites’ Deception is a powerful reminder that even the most faithful leaders can stumble when they fail to seek God’s guidance. The consequences of Joshua’s hasty decision to enter into a covenant with the Gibeonites underscore the importance of humility, discernment, and unwavering reliance on God’s wisdom. While the deception itself was regrettable, God’s commitment to His word and His ability to work through flawed human actions shines through. This passage calls us to examine our own lives, to ensure that we are constantly seeking God’s will and relying on His strength to navigate the challenges we face. It also reminds us that even our mistakes can be opportunities for God’s grace and redemption, and like the Gibeonites perhaps find a perfect solution by checking out options and using the services of the internet, like checking out this AI option generator.

Tags

Joshua, Gibeonites, Deception, Covenant, Discernment, Prayer, Humility, Faithfulness, Old Testament, Bible Study

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Uncover the profound lessons of Joshua 9: The Gibeonites’ Deception. Learn about discernment, covenant keeping, and seeking God’s guidance. A Coptic Orthodox perspective.