Gibeonite Deception
Overview
- Testament: Old
- Book: Joshua
- Chapters: Joshua 9
- Summary: The Gibeonites deceive Israel into making a covenant with them by pretending to come from a far country.
Details
The Gibeonites arrive with worn-out sacks, patched wineskins, old clothes, and dry bread. Israel examines the evidence but does not ask counsel from the LORD. When the deception is exposed, Israel keeps the oath but makes the Gibeonites servants for the sanctuary.
Key People Involved
- Joshua (Son of Nun) — Makes and preserves the treaty
- The Gibeonites — Seek survival through deception
Key Places
Important Verses
“And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.” — Joshua 9:14
Cross-References
- Related events: Battle of Gibeon, Division of the Land
- Connected to: 2 Samuel 21
Notes
Joshua 9 warns that visible evidence is not enough when covenant decisions are at stake.