The Covenant with the Gibeonites

Context & Setting

• Main Biblical Reference: Joshua 9:1–27 (with aftermath in Joshua 10:1–27)
• Historical Period: Israel’s entry into Canaan during the leadership of Joshua
• Geographic Location: Gibeon and nearby towns in the hill country of Canaan; the Israelite camp at Gilgal
• Key Characters: Joshua; the leaders of Israel; the Gibeonites; the congregation of Israel

The Narrative

The Beginning: As Israel advances in Canaan, several Canaanite kings form alliances to resist them. The people of Gibeon, fearing Israel’s God and Israel’s victories, choose a different strategy. They send envoys wearing worn-out clothing and carrying dry, moldy provisions to appear as travelers from a distant land.

The Middle: The envoys ask Israel for a covenant of peace, presenting their deception as evidence that they have come from far away. Israel’s leaders examine the provisions but do not seek guidance from the LORD. Joshua and the leaders make a covenant with them and swear an oath to let them live. Soon after, Israel discovers the truth: the Gibeonites are nearby inhabitants of the land, not distant foreigners, and the congregation grumbles against the leaders.

The End: Because of the sworn oath made in the LORD’s name, the leaders refuse to kill the Gibeonites. Instead, Joshua confronts them for their deception and assigns them to servile labor—cutting wood and drawing water—for the congregation and “for the house of my God.” The covenant stands, and Israel proceeds in the conquest with the Gibeonites spared but placed under Israel’s authority.

Theological Meaning

This account highlights the seriousness of vows made before God: even a covenant obtained by deceit is treated as binding once sworn in the LORD’s name. The story also exposes the danger of acting on human assessment without seeking the LORD’s counsel. At the same time, it shows God’s purposes advancing amid human failure—Israel’s leaders err in judgment, yet they are still called to uphold truthfulness and reverence for God’s name in their commitments.

Historical & Cultural Insight

In the ancient Near East, treaties and oaths—especially those invoking a deity—were viewed as sacred obligations; violating them could be seen as inviting divine judgment. This cultural backdrop helps explain why Israel’s leaders insist on keeping the covenant, even after the deception is uncovered.

Key Memory Verse

“So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD.” — Joshua 9:14