The Gibeonite Trick + Treaty

Joshua 8 & 9

This episode covers Joshua 8 and 9. After a crushing defeat, God encourages Joshua with the promise of victory. This is the story of the Conquest of Ai.

HAYLEY’S BIBLE BENDER:

No Bible Bender for me this episode. I did love the takeaway that susan had for the Gibeonite trick though! She says, “The Gibeonites theatrical performance successfully won them a lifetime Achievement award.

• They get to have a life.
• Granted, the lifetime was not to be spent in luxury, but they did survive, which was far better than any other tribe.
• However they were given a much-reduced role of woodcutters and water carriers for the Israelites.
• Unlike Rahab, they are not grafted in as a member of Israel.

Additionally, Joshua places them under a curse.

• The curse downgrades them from treaty partners that are allowed a specific roll in Israel to slaves.
• They would specifically serve the sanctuary. They would supply the wood and water for sacrificial fires and ritual washing.
• The curse is fitting, they deceived because they feared the God of the Israelites and so they would serve God for their deception.

As a result of the treaty, the Gibeonites are here to stay.

• In 2 Samuel, Saul breaks the treaty and tries to do away with Gibeonites. But that ends in the execution of several of Saul’s family.

Although their tactics were less than honorable, the Gibeonites bring a humanity into the annihilation policy of herem. It seems some of the Canaanites did wish to live in peace with Israel, and were willing to sacrifice freedom for the chance to live in the Promised Land.”

What was your Bible bender from Joshua 8? Did you learn anything new?

VERSES MENTIONED:

• Genesis 12:4-8
• Exodus 17
• Deuteronomy 27
• Deuteronomy 7:1-2

The author of this article is Hayley Mowatt, producer of Bible Book Club Podcast.