Joshua 9:24

KJV

And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they answered {H6030} Joshua {H3091}, and said {H559}, Because it was certainly {H5046} told {H5046} thy servants {H5650}, how that the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} commanded {H6680} his servant {H5650} Moses {H4872} to give {H5414} you all the land {H776}, and to destroy {H8045} all the inhabitants {H3427} of the land {H776} from before {H6440} you, therefore we were sore {H3966} afraid {H3372} of our lives {H5315} because {H6440} of you, and have done {H6213} this thing {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They answered Y'hoshua, "It is because we heard the reports that ADONAI your God had ordered his servant Moshe to give you all the land and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from ahead of you. So we were terrified for our lives on account of you; that's why we did this.

Berean Standard Bible

The Gibeonites answered, “Your servants were told clearly that the LORD your God had commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land and wipe out all its inhabitants before you. So we greatly feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we have done this.

American Standard Version

And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that Jehovah thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you; therefore we were sore afraid for our lives because of you, and have done this thing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 9:24 records the Gibeonites' candid and desperate explanation for their elaborate deception of Israel's leaders. Faced with the overwhelming power of the Israelites, who were acting under the explicit divine command to utterly destroy the Canaanite inhabitants, the Gibeonites resorted to cunning and trickery to preserve their lives, highlighting their profound terror and the extreme measures they felt compelled to take.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative immediately following Israel's decisive and terrifying victories at Jericho and Ai. The Gibeonites, a powerful Hivite people inhabiting a significant city in Canaan, had undoubtedly heard detailed accounts of these conquests and of the formidable power of the Israelites' God, the LORD. The preceding verses in [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception") describe their cunning plan to feign being from a very distant land, complete with worn-out clothes and provisions, to trick Joshua and the elders into making a peace treaty. This treaty was made without Israel consulting the LORD, a crucial error highlighted in [Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's Failure to Consult the Lord"). When their deceit was uncovered three days later, Joshua confronted them, and [Joshua 9:24](/joshua/9-24 "Joshua 9:24 - The Gibeonites' Justification") records their direct and fearful justification for their actions, leading to Joshua's pronouncement of their perpetual servitude.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was characterized by frequent warfare and the establishment of treaties, often sealed by oaths invoking deities. The Gibeonites' fear was rooted in the well-known practice of *herem* warfare, a divine command for utter destruction of certain peoples, especially the Canaanites, to prevent their idolatrous practices from corrupting Israel. This command is detailed in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy Canaanite Nations"). News of Israel's God and His power had spread throughout the land, as evidenced by Rahab's confession in [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession of God's Power"). The Gibeonites' elaborate ruse reflects their understanding of Israel's mission and their desperate attempt to circumvent the divine mandate for their destruction, leveraging the sanctity of oaths in the ancient world.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. It underscores the **Divine Mandate for Conquest and *Herem***, as the Gibeonites explicitly acknowledge God's command to destroy them, validating the theological basis for Israel's actions. It highlights the **Pervasiveness of God's Reputation**, demonstrating that even outside the covenant community, the power and intentions of the LORD were recognized and feared. The Gibeonites' actions are a stark example of **Fear of the Lord**—not a reverential awe leading to worship, but a terror born of impending judgment. Finally, the incident showcases the **Consequences of Deception** and Israel's **Failure to Consult God**, revealing how human error and cunning can intersect with divine sovereignty, ultimately leading to an outcome where lives are spared but at the cost of perpetual servitude, as seen in [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - The Gibeonites' Servitude").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"sore afraid" (Hebrew, יָרֵא, _yare'_):** This verb carries a broad semantic range, encompassing both reverential awe and profound terror or dread. In the context of the Gibeonites, it unequivocally denotes intense fear for their lives. This is not the "fear of the LORD" that leads to wisdom and obedience (as in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")), but a visceral, survival-driven terror in the face of an existential threat. Their fear was born of a clear understanding of God's power and His specific command to annihilate them.
* **"destroy" (Hebrew, חָרַם, _charam'_):** This term refers to the concept of *herem*, or "devotion to destruction." It signifies a complete and irreversible annihilation, often with a religious dimension, where people, animals, and possessions were utterly consecrated to God by being destroyed. This was not mere warfare but a divine judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanite nations. The Gibeonites' use of this word indicates their precise knowledge of the severity and finality of God's command, which fueled their desperate actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they answered Joshua, and said,"**: This phrase introduces the Gibeonites' direct response to Joshua's confrontation regarding their deception. It signifies a moment of confession and justification, where they are compelled to explain their actions to their new overlords.
* **"Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses"**: The Gibeonites immediately appeal to the well-known divine mandate. Their use of "certainly told" (literally, "telling it was told") emphasizes the widespread and undeniable nature of the information. They acknowledge Israel's God as "the LORD thy God," recognizing His unique relationship with Israel and His authority, even if they do not worship Him. They also acknowledge Moses as God's servant, demonstrating their awareness of Israel's history and leadership.
* **"to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you,"**: This clause articulates the specific content of the divine command that so terrified them. They understood that God had promised the entire land of Canaan to Israel and, crucially, that this promise entailed the complete eradication of its current inhabitants. This was an existential threat, leaving them with no perceived option for survival other than deception.
* **"therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing."**: This is the direct causal link. Their knowledge of God's command and Israel's power, coupled with the threat to their very existence, led to profound fear. This fear, in turn, motivated their elaborate deception ("this thing"). It is a raw, unvarnished confession of their primal survival instinct overriding any moral compunctions about honesty.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 9:24 is rich in **Direct Speech**, providing the Gibeonites' unmediated confession and justification, which lends authenticity and immediacy to their desperate plea. The entire verse functions as a **Justification** or defense, where the Gibeonites attempt to explain their deceptive actions by appealing to the overwhelming divine mandate and their profound fear. There is a subtle **Irony** at play: their attempt to escape utter destruction through cunning leads not to complete freedom but to a different form of subjugation—perpetual servitude to Israel. This outcome, while preserving their lives, underscores the inescapable nature of God's sovereign plan, even when human actions are flawed. Furthermore, the Gibeonites' survival and integration into Israel's service, albeit in a humble capacity, can be seen as **Foreshadowing** the future inclusion of non-Israelites (Gentiles) into the broader community of God's people, albeit under different covenantal terms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Gibeonites' confession in Joshua 9:24 is a powerful testament to the pervasive reputation of the LORD God of Israel. Even outside the covenant community, the Canaanites recognized the power and specific commands of Israel's God, understanding the divine mandate for their destruction. Their "sore afraid" response, while not reverential worship, acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty and His active involvement in history. This incident highlights the tension between divine judgment and human survival instincts, demonstrating that while God's commands are absolute, human responses to them can be complex and driven by desperation. Despite Israel's error in making the treaty without consulting the LORD, God's overarching plan for the land and His people continued to unfold, even incorporating the Gibeonites' unique, divinely-ordained servitude.

* [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - The Command for Utter Destruction")
* [Exodus 15:14-16](/exodus/15-14 "Exodus 15:14-16 - Nations Tremble at God's Power")
* [Joshua 11:19-20](/joshua/11-19 "Joshua 11:19-20 - No City Made Peace Except Gibeon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 9:24 challenges us to consider our own responses when faced with difficult circumstances or seemingly overwhelming divine commands. The Gibeonites, driven by a primal fear of judgment, resorted to deception to preserve their lives. While their lives were spared, their method led to a life of servitude. This narrative prompts us to examine whether our "fear of God" is a reverential awe that leads to trust and obedience, or a terror that might tempt us to manipulate circumstances or compromise our integrity. It reminds us that while God is merciful, deception often carries consequences, even if lives are spared. Ultimately, the Gibeonites' story, set against the backdrop of God's unwavering plan, encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty even when human actions are flawed or deceptive, recognizing that He can weave even our mistakes into His larger tapestry of purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Gibeonites' fear of the LORD differ from a reverential fear, and what does this distinction teach us about God's nature and our proper response to Him?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Gibeonites, be tempted to use deception or manipulation when faced with difficult circumstances, especially when we perceive a threat to our well-being or plans?**
* **How does God's sovereignty, evident even in the midst of human error and deception in this narrative, encourage us in our walk of faith and trust in His ultimate purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why did Israel make a treaty with the Gibeonites despite the command to destroy the Canaanites?**

Answer: Israel made a treaty with the Gibeonites primarily due to their failure to consult the Lord, as explicitly stated in [Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's Failure to Consult the Lord"). The Gibeonites masterfully executed an elaborate deception, presenting themselves as travelers from a very distant land, with worn-out clothes, stale bread, and patched wineskins. This ruse convinced Joshua and the elders that they were not inhabitants of Canaan, thus seemingly exempting them from the divine command of *herem* (utter destruction). Once the oath was sworn, Israel felt bound by it, demonstrating the sanctity and binding nature of oaths in ancient Near Eastern culture, even if made under false pretenses.

**What was the long-term consequence for the Gibeonites?**

Answer: While their lives were spared through their deception and Israel's oath, the Gibeonites were cursed by Joshua to become perpetual "hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD" ([Joshua 9:23](/joshua/9-23 "Joshua 9:23 - The Gibeonites' Curse") and [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - The Gibeonites' Servitude")). This meant they were condemned to menial servitude, particularly in connection with the tabernacle and later the temple. This unique status allowed them to remain in the land, serving the Israelite community and, by extension, the Lord, albeit in a humble and subservient capacity. Their story is a testament to God's sovereignty, as even through human error and deception, He can integrate individuals into His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Gibeonites' profound fear of judgment and their desperate, albeit deceptive, plea for life foreshadows humanity's universal need for salvation from the ultimate judgment of sin. Their understanding that a divine command necessitated their destruction mirrors the spiritual reality that "the wages of sin is death" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Just as the Gibeonites sought refuge from an impending physical destruction, humanity seeks refuge from spiritual death. Jesus Christ is the ultimate deliverer, the one who takes away the sin of the world, offering not just preservation of physical life but eternal life through His atoning sacrifice. The Gibeonites' integration into Israel's service, even in a humble capacity, can be seen as a shadow of the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people through Christ. Under the New Covenant, our "fear of God" is transformed from a terror of annihilation into a reverential awe and loving submission, leading us to serve Him not out of desperation, but out of gratitude for the [immeasurable riches of His grace](/ephesians/2-7 "Ephesians 2:7 - The Riches of God's Grace"). The true and lasting peace offered by Christ, established through His [blood of the new covenant](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood"), transcends any peace secured through human cunning or deception, inviting all to become [fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints").

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

Deuteronomy 20:15

Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities [which are] very far off from thee, which [are] not of the cities of these nations.

Deuteronomy 20:17

But thou shalt utterly destroy them; [namely], the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:

Deuteronomy 7:1

¶ When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;

Deuteronomy 7:2

And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

Numbers 33:55

But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them [shall be] pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

Numbers 33:56

Moreover it shall come to pass, [that] I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them.

Exodus 23:31

And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.