In Joshua 9, the Gibeonites, fearing Israel’s conquests, deceive Joshua and the Israelites by pretending to be from a distant land. They present worn-out provisions to secure a peace treaty, which the Israelites agree to without consulting God. When the deception is uncovered, the Israelites honor their oath made before the Lord, sparing the Gibeonites but cursing them to be perpetual servants as woodcutters and water carriers for the community and God’s altar.
If a parent promises to support their child but lies, what happens? The child grows up feeling abandoned and struggles with trusting anyone. If a doctor lies about a diagnosis, what happens? Misguided treatment, potential harm, and loss of confidence in medical care. If a contractor lies about the quality of materials used, what happens? A poorly constructed home that will not last and may even collapse. If a witness lies in court, what happens? A failure of justice, possibly harming the innocent and enabling the guilty.
Deceit and falsehood undermine interpersonal bonds and devastate communal relationships. Surviving deception and lies is extremely challenging for a family, a community, or a friendship, and we see these themes play out all throughout Scripture. Against the backdrop of humanity’s selfish scheming and fickle falsehood, we find God’s amazing grace.
After their triumphant victory over the city of Ai in Joshua 8, the Israelites rededicate themselves to the Lord. Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal as Moses had commanded, using uncut stones, and offered sacrifices to God. He inscribed the law of Moses on the stones and read it aloud to the entire assembly of Israel, including men, women, children, and resident aliens, ensuring everyone heard both the blessings and curses of the law. It was an incredible spiritual high!
At the very same time, the enemy, ever keen on undermining God’s people, began to sow seeds of deception and lies within the hearts of the neighboring nations. Israel had barely tasted victory when the scheme to mislead them was promptly put into action. Does this sound familiar?
Spiritual enemies relentlessly oppose believers, with demonic forces seeking to destroy faith and rob us of victory in Christ. Trials and temptations become their tools, pressing believers to falter and sin. Take note: their attacks are fiercest during spiritual highs – moments of recommitment and covenant renewal with God! Scripture reminds us of this ongoing warfare, warning us to expect fierce battles with the enemy.
“When anyone hears the word about the kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the one sown along the path.”
Matthew 13:19 CSB
“Simon, Simon, look out. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. [32] But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32 CSB
“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.”
1 Peter 5:8 CSB
Here in Joshua 9, the Gibeonites deceived the Israelites with a web of lies. They claimed to come from a distant land, seeking peace, yet Joshua and his leaders suspected their deceit. They feigned reverence for the Lord and portrayed themselves as important ambassadors, eager to serve Israel in exchange for peace. Their worn clothes and stale provisions were a carefully crafted illusion, meant to deceive into believing their long journey. Each lie was a deliberate stroke, masking their true identity and intentions.
Israel’s leaders, together with Joshua, examined their appearance and assessed their belongings before entering into an agreement to ensure their safety. It was later revealed that the Gibeonites were in close proximity all along. According to God’s law in Leviticus, all oaths were to be upheld, leaving them bound to honor their promise even though they were deceived.
Though it was tempting for Israel to pay back the Gibeonites’ deceit with violence, they instead honored their oath to the Lord, and the Lord provided a solution. Joshua publicly rebuked the Gibeonites for their deception and subjected them to a lifetime of menial service in the Tabernacle, preventing them from becoming allies.
Joshua 9 states that the Gibeonites admitted they deceived the Israelites out of fear for their lives, and, willing to serve, they were spared from death. To protect Israel from further deceit, they were assigned to work in the Tabernacle, focusing on worship and keeping them from spreading idolatry. This arrangement ensured that the Gibeonites, over time, could be influenced by God’s presence, leading some to eventually become true worshipers of the Lord. Once again, God’s grace prevails.
The Scriptures do not suggest that the Gibeonites posed any issues for the Israelites from this day forward. On the contrary, more than 500 of them came back to Jerusalem following the Babylonian captivity (Ezr 2:43-58; Ezr 8:20). This implies that they had truly embraced the faith and devoted themselves to worshiping the One True God!