The Gibeonite Deception
Overview: Walking by Sight or by Faith?
Joshua 9 presents a crucial moment in Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land. Just after victories at Jericho and Ai, the Israelites are deceived by a neighboring people—the Gibeonites—who pretend to be from a faraway country. This chapter challenges us to consider how often we make decisions based on appearances instead of seeking the Lord’s direction.
📖 Chapter Summary (Joshua 9)
Deception by the Gibeonites: A coalition of Canaanite kings prepares for war against Israel, but the Gibeonites take a different approach. Disguising themselves with worn clothing and stale provisions, they claim to be from a distant land and request a peace treaty (vv. 1–13).
Israel’s Mistake: Without seeking God’s guidance, Joshua and the leaders make a covenant with the Gibeonites (v. 14–15). Three days later, they discover the deception but choose to honor their oath (vv. 16–21).
A New Status for the Gibeonites: The Gibeonites are spared but are made servants, assigned to labor as woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and altar of the Lord (vv. 22–27).
🧠 Application Points & Takeaways
Seek God's Counsel Before Major Decisions
The Israelites failed because they “did not ask counsel from the Lord” (Joshua 9:14). This underscores the need for daily dependence on God in all areas of life.
🔗 Enduring Word Commentary – Joshua 9
Discernment Requires More Than What Meets the Eye
The Gibeonites’ worn-out gear fooled Israel. This shows the limitations of human wisdom and the danger of relying on outward appearances.
🔗 Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary – Joshua 9
Integrity in Keeping Covenants
Despite being tricked, Israel kept their promise. This illustrates the importance of honoring commitments, even when it costs us.
🔗 Poole’s Commentary – Joshua 9
God Uses Even Deception for His Purposes
Though deceitful, the Gibeonites end up serving the temple, participating indirectly in Israel’s worship life—a powerful example of how God redeems broken situations.
🔗 JFB Commentary – Joshua 9
Fear of God Can Lead to Salvation
The Gibeonites feared Israel’s God and sought peace. Their reverence, though expressed through dishonesty, ultimately led to mercy.
🔗 Matthew Henry Commentary – Joshua 9
🔍 Foreshadowing Jesus: A Picture of Grace
The Gibeonites were not Israelites by birth, yet they were spared and given a place among God’s people. This anticipates the Gospel message: Gentiles who humble themselves and seek peace with God can be included in the covenant community.
“Remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh...were separated from Christ...but now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
— Ephesians 2:11–13
❓ Quiz: Test Your Understanding (Joshua 9)
What strategy did the Gibeonites use to deceive Israel?
a) They offered gold and silver
b) They pretended to be from a distant land
c) They claimed to be relatives of Abraham
d) They disguised themselves as merchants
Why did Israel agree to a treaty with the Gibeonites?
a) They admired their honesty
b) They consulted God
c) They believed their story and did not seek God's counsel
d) They were told to by Moses
How long did it take Israel to realize the Gibeonites were neighbors?
a) Immediately
b) After one week
c) Three days
d) One year
What was Israel’s response when they discovered the truth?
a) They broke the covenant
b) They attacked Gibeon
c) They honored their oath
d) They took back their supplies
What position were the Gibeonites given in Israel?
a) Warriors
b) Prophets
c) Woodcutters and water carriers
d) Judges
What role did the Gibeonites play related to worship?
a) They led singing
b) They built the altar
c) They served at the altar as laborers
d) They offered sacrifices
What emotion initially motivated the Gibeonites’ actions?
a) Pride
b) Ambition
c) Fear
d) Anger
✅ Answers
-
b
-
c
-
c
-
c
-
c
-
c
-
c
💬 Closing Reflection for ARISE
Joshua 9 reminds us that even when we fall for deception or make decisions apart from God, His grace still weaves those choices into His redemptive plan. Like the Gibeonites, we all approach God as outsiders. But in Christ, we are brought near—not by deceit, but by faith.
Let’s live with discernment, dependence on God, and covenant faithfulness.
Prophetic Teaching For Todays Study Guide
Be on Guard: Not Every Friendly Face is From God ( Joshua 9)