The Bible Says Commentary on Joshua 9

Joshua 9 describes the deception of the Gibeonites and the reaction of the Israelites. While six Canaanite kings confederate to combat Israel, the Gibeonites form a delegation, approach Israel, and pretend to come from afar to solicit a peace treaty. Without consulting God, the covenant people make peace with them but soon learn they live a few miles away. The Israelites grumble and want to revoke the treaty. However, their leaders remain faithful to their vows and refuse to kill the enemy. Instead, Joshua curses the Gibeonites, making them woodcutters and water carriers for the LORD's sanctuary. The chapter's outline is as follows:

1. The Canaanite kings ally themselves to fight against Joshua and the Israelites when they hear about their success in Jericho and Ai (vv. 1-2).
   
   
2. The Gibeonites fear an imminent Israelite invasion. They act craftily to deceive Joshua and the Israelites to protect themselves. They urge God’s people to make a peace treaty with them (vv. 3-6).
   
   
3. The Israelites question the veracity of the Gibeonite claim that they live from afar. Without seeking the will of God, they make a peace treaty with the Gibeonites (vv. 7-15).
   
   
4. The Israelites heard that the Gibeonites were their neighbors, so they visited their towns to confirm the rumor. Despite the complaints by the Israelite assembly, their leaders spare the lives of the Gibeonites because of their vows. Nevertheless, they allow them to live in Israel as slaves (vv. 16-21).
   
   
5. Joshua curses the Gibeonites for deceiving Israel, and they confess their fault, throwing themselves at his mercy. He rescues them from the angry Israelites but makes them woodcutters and water carriers for the LORD's sanctuary (vv. 22-27).