Joshua 9:22

KJV

¶ And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We [are] very far from you; when ye dwell among us?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} called {H7121} for them, and he spake {H1696} unto them, saying {H559}, Wherefore have ye beguiled {H7411} us, saying {H559}, We are very {H3966} far {H7350} from you; when ye dwell {H3427} among {H7130} us?

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua summoned them and said this to them: "Why have you deceived us by saying, 'We come from a place very far away,' when in fact you are living right here with us?

Berean Standard Bible

Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you deceive us by telling us you live far away from us, when in fact you live among us?

American Standard Version

And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you; when ye dwell among us?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 9:22 marks the pivotal moment of direct confrontation between Joshua and the Gibeonites, whose elaborate deception has just been uncovered. This verse encapsulates Joshua's sharp accusation, challenging their cunning claim of originating from a distant land, a falsehood exposed by their actual proximity. It sets the immediate stage for the pronouncement of judgment and the subsequent integration of the Gibeonites into Israelite society, albeit in a subservient role, highlighting the consequences of deceit and the complex outworking of covenants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 9:22 is situated immediately after the revelation of the Gibeonites' deception and Israel's realization of their error. The preceding verses (Joshua 9:3-15) detail the Gibeonites' elaborate ruse—feigning a long journey with worn-out clothes and provisions—and Israel's hasty decision to make a covenant with them without consulting the Lord. Joshua 9:16-21 describe the uncovering of the truth three days later, as the Israelites journey to Gibeon and discover the Gibeonites' true proximity. The people of Israel grumble, but the leaders uphold the oath made in the name of the Lord. Verse 22, therefore, serves as the direct verbal challenge from Joshua, initiating the process of accountability and the determination of their fate, which is then detailed in the subsequent verses (Joshua 9:23-27), where they are condemned to be "hewers of wood and drawers of water."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following their miraculous victories at [Jericho](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") and [Ai](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Conquest of Ai"), Israel's reputation as a formidable, divinely-backed force preceded them throughout Canaan. God's command to Israel was to utterly destroy the inhabitants of the land, particularly the Canaanite nations, to prevent their idolatrous practices from corrupting Israel (as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy Nations")). The Gibeonites, a Hivite people (a subgroup of Canaanites), were aware of this divine mandate and Israel's military prowess. Their strategic deception was a desperate act of self-preservation, a common tactic in ancient warfare and diplomacy where survival often depended on cunning. Oaths and covenants were considered sacred in the ancient Near East, often invoked in the name of a deity, making Israel's commitment to their oath, even under duress, a matter of profound religious and social obligation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. It underscores the theme of **deception and its inevitable unmasking**, demonstrating that hidden truths eventually come to light and that dishonesty carries consequences. Furthermore, it highlights the **sanctity and binding nature of covenants and oaths**, even when made under false pretenses. Despite being tricked, the Israelite leaders felt compelled to honor their vow made in the Lord's name, illustrating the weight placed on divine oaths (compare with [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - Keeping Oaths")). Finally, the episode serves as a powerful reminder of the **consequences of human error and the crucial importance of seeking divine counsel**. Israel's failure to "inquire of the Lord" before making the treaty (as stated in [Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's Failure to Inquire of the Lord")) led to a complex and challenging situation, emphasizing the need for divine wisdom in all decisions, a principle echoed in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beguiled (Hebrew, _nāḵal'_):** The KJV rendering "beguiled" comes from the Hebrew verb נָכַל (nāḵal), which denotes acting craftily, scheming, or deceiving with malicious or cunning intent. It implies a deliberate, well-thought-out plan to mislead. In this context, Joshua's use of the word is a direct and forceful accusation, laying bare the Gibeonites' calculated, artful, and intentional plot to avoid destruction by fabricating a story of distant origin. It emphasizes the treacherous nature of their actions, not merely a misunderstanding but a purposeful act of fraud.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes Joshua's authority and initiative in confronting the Gibeonites. After the deception is uncovered, it is Joshua, as the leader of Israel and God's chosen instrument, who takes charge of the situation. His "calling for them" signifies a formal summons, indicating that this is a serious judicial or administrative proceeding, not a casual inquiry. The phrase "he spake unto them, saying" introduces the direct, accusatory speech that follows, setting a tone of confrontation and demand for accountability.
* **"Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We [are] very far from you;"**: This is the core of Joshua's accusation, framed as a rhetorical question that expects an explanation but functions as a direct charge. The use of "wherefore" (Hebrew: לָמָּה - lammah) demands a reason or justification for their deceit. The phrase "have ye beguiled us" directly references their cunning scheme, specifically their false claim of being from a "very far" land. This highlights the central lie that underpinned their entire strategy, designed to circumvent the divine command to eradicate local inhabitants.
* **"when ye dwell among us?"**: This concluding clause starkly contrasts the Gibeonites' fabricated story with the stark reality. The Hebrew verb for "dwell" (יָשַׁב - yashab) emphasizes their established residence, indicating they were not transient travelers but permanent inhabitants of the land, and moreover, "among us," meaning in close proximity to Israel's current encampment. This juxtaposition exposes the blatant nature of their lie and underscores the Gibeonites' audacity and the Israelites' oversight in not verifying their claims, leading to the predicament of an oath made under false pretenses.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 9:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Direct Address** is prominent, as Joshua directly confronts the Gibeonites, stripping away their pretense and demanding an explanation. This immediate and personal challenge underscores the gravity of their deception. The verse also utilizes **Rhetorical Question** ("Wherefore have ye beguiled us...?"), which, while posed as a question, functions as a powerful accusation, leaving no room for denial and demanding an answer to the undeniable truth. Most strikingly, the verse employs **Juxtaposition** and **Irony**. The Gibeonites' claim "We are very far from you" is directly contrasted with the reality "when ye dwell among us," creating a sharp, ironic revelation of their deceit. The irony extends to the outcome: their cunning plan to save their lives through deception ultimately leads to a life of servitude, a fate they sought to avoid but ironically secured for themselves.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 9:22, in exposing the Gibeonites' deceit, powerfully illustrates the theological principle that God's truth will ultimately prevail over human falsehood. While the Gibeonites' cunning initially succeeded due to Israel's failure to consult the Lord, the truth of their identity and proximity could not remain hidden indefinitely. This episode underscores the sanctity of oaths made in God's name, even when obtained through deception, highlighting Israel's commitment to their covenantal obligations despite the circumstances. It serves as a profound lesson on the importance of discernment, the dangers of hasty decisions, and the enduring consequences of both human error and deliberate falsehood. Ultimately, it points to a God who, though allowing human agency and its mistakes, works His purposes through them, holding all parties accountable to truth and covenant.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Importance of Vows")
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalms/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - The Righteous Person's Oath")
* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are Abominable to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 9:22 offers a timeless mirror for self-examination, urging us to consider the integrity of our own words and actions. The Gibeonites' story reminds us that while deception may offer a temporary escape or perceived advantage, it ultimately leads to exposure, confrontation, and undesirable consequences. For believers, this verse underscores the paramount importance of living in truth and transparency, knowing that God is a God of truth who values honesty above all else. Furthermore, Israel's failure to inquire of the Lord before making a binding agreement serves as a crucial warning: hasty decisions, made without prayerful discernment and seeking divine wisdom, can lead to complicated and regrettable commitments. We are called to cultivate a habit of seeking God's counsel in all matters, especially significant ones, trusting His guidance over our own limited understanding. Finally, the Israelites' commitment to their oath, despite the deceit, highlights the sacredness of our promises and the weight of our word, urging us to be people of integrity whose "yes" means yes and "no" means no.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to use deception, even subtly, to achieve a desired outcome?**
* **When faced with significant decisions, how consistently do I seek God's counsel through prayer and His Word before acting?**
* **How seriously do I take my promises and commitments, both to God and to others, even when circumstances become difficult?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a greater spirit of truthfulness and integrity in all my interactions?**

### FAQ

**What was the Gibeonites' primary motivation for deceiving Israel?**

Answer: The Gibeonites' primary motivation was self-preservation. They had heard of Israel's devastating victories against Jericho and Ai, and knew of God's command to Israel to utterly destroy the inhabitants of Canaan (as seen in [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - Command to Destroy Canaanites")). Fearing for their lives, they devised a cunning plan to trick Israel into making a peace treaty with them, thereby avoiding destruction. Their elaborate disguise as emissaries from a distant land was a desperate attempt to secure their survival.

**Why did Israel fall for the Gibeonites' trick?**

Answer: Israel fell for the Gibeonites' trick primarily because they failed to "inquire of the Lord" (as explicitly stated in [Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's Failure to Inquire of the Lord")). Despite the Gibeonites' suspicious appearance, the Israelite leaders relied on their own judgment and the seemingly credible evidence (old clothes, moldy bread) presented by the Gibeonites. Their recent military successes might have also led to a degree of overconfidence or complacency, causing them to neglect the crucial step of seeking divine guidance before entering into a covenant.

**What was the consequence for the Gibeonites after their deception was uncovered?**

Answer: Although their deception was uncovered, the Israelite leaders upheld the oath they had made in the name of the Lord, demonstrating the sanctity of covenants. However, the Gibeonites did not escape without consequence. Joshua condemned them to perpetual servitude, specifically to be "hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord" (as detailed in [Joshua 9:23](/joshua/9-23 "Joshua 9:23 - Gibeonites' Servitude") and [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Servants of the Altar")). This meant they would perform menial tasks for the tabernacle and the community, a fate that reflected their cunning actions and their status as a subjugated people within Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 9:22, with its stark portrayal of deception and its unmasking, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Gibeonites' attempt to save themselves through cunning stands in stark contrast to Christ, who is the very embodiment of truth, having declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Unlike the Gibeonites' deceptive peace treaty, Jesus offers a genuine and eternal covenant of peace, not based on human trickery but on His own perfect sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). Where Israel failed to inquire of the Lord, leading to a regrettable oath, Christ perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father, always acting in divine wisdom and never in haste or error ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus Does Nothing of Himself")). The Gibeonites, through their deception, secured a life of servitude; conversely, Christ, through His ultimate act of truth and obedience, liberates those who were once enslaved by sin and deception, bringing them into true freedom and sonship ([John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free") and [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). He is the one who exposes all hidden things and brings light to darkness, ensuring that ultimately, no deception can stand before His perfect truth and righteous judgment ([Luke 12:2](/luke/12-2 "Luke 12:2 - Nothing Hidden That Will Not Be Revealed")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 9:6

And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us.

Joshua 9:16

And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they [were] their neighbours, and [that] they dwelt among them.

Genesis 27:35

And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.

Genesis 27:36

And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?

Genesis 3:13

And the LORD God said unto the woman, What [is] this [that] thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

Genesis 3:14

¶ And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou [art] cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

Joshua 9:9

And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt,