Joshua 9:26

Joshua 9:26 describes the fulfillment of a solemn oath made by the leaders of Israel to the Gibeonites, despite the Gibeonites' clever deception. This verse highlights Joshua's integrity in upholding a covenant, even when it was made under false pretenses.

Context

The preceding verses in Joshua chapter 9 detail the cunning strategy employed by the Gibeonites, inhabitants of a powerful Canaanite city, to avoid destruction by the conquering Israelites. Knowing that Israel was under divine command to destroy all inhabitants of the land (Deuteronomy 7:1-2), the Gibeonites sent ambassadors disguised as weary travelers from a distant land (Joshua 9:3-6). They presented old clothes, worn-out sandals, and dry, moldy bread as proof of their long journey.

The leaders of Israel, including Joshua, were deceived by this elaborate ruse and, without consulting the Lord, made a peace treaty with the Gibeonites, promising to let them live (Joshua 9:15). Three days later, the Israelites discovered the deception when they reached the Gibeonite cities (Joshua 9:16-17). The people of Israel were angered, but their leaders insisted on honoring the oath they had sworn before the Lord (Joshua 9:18-20). As a consequence of their deception, the Gibeonites were cursed to become perpetual servants, "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord (Joshua 9:21-23). Joshua 9:26 confirms that Joshua acted according to this judgment, sparing their lives.

Key Themes

• The Sanctity of Oaths and Covenants: This verse underscores the immense importance placed on oaths and covenants in ancient Israel, especially those sworn before God. Even when made under false pretenses, the commitment was binding, demonstrating God's own faithfulness to His word and the seriousness with which He expects His people to keep theirs.
• Consequences of Deception and Lack of Counsel: The Gibeonites used deception, which led to their servitude. The Israelites, on the other hand, suffered the consequence of not seeking divine counsel before making a crucial decision (Proverbs 3:5-6), binding themselves to people they were commanded to dispossess.
• Mercy within Judgment: While the Gibeonites faced servitude, they were spared the death that was the common fate of other Canaanite nations. This act, driven by the integrity of Israel's oath, represents a degree of mercy and a deviation from the absolute destruction commanded for the land's inhabitants.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not" clearly indicates Joshua's active role in protecting the Gibeonites from the wrath of the Israelite assembly, who were initially enraged by the deception. The word "delivered" (Hebrew: nātan) here implies that Joshua gave them over to their new status as servants, thereby protecting them from death, rather than simply letting them go free.

Practical Application

Joshua 9:26 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

• Upholding Your Word: This account powerfully illustrates the importance of integrity and keeping one's promises, even when it's difficult or inconvenient. Our word should be trustworthy, reflecting the character of God who is faithful to His covenants.
• Seeking Divine Wisdom: The primary error of the Israelite leaders was their failure to "ask counsel of the Lord" (Joshua 9:14). This serves as a vital reminder to seek God's guidance through prayer and His Word before making significant decisions, especially those that involve long-term commitments.
• God's Sovereignty and Grace: Even in situations born of human error and deception, God's sovereign plan can unfold. He used this event to establish a unique relationship between Israel and the Gibeonites, who later played a role in Israel's history (e.g., 2 Samuel 21:1-9). It demonstrates that God can bring about His purposes even through imperfect human actions, while also showing grace in the midst of judgment.