Joshua 9:3

KJV

¶ And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai,

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the inhabitants {H3427} of Gibeon {H1391} heard {H8085} what Joshua {H3091} had done {H6213} unto Jericho {H3405} and to Ai {H5857},

Complete Jewish Bible

But when the inhabitants of Giv'ah heard what Y'hoshua had done to Yericho and 'Ai,

Berean Standard Bible

But the people of Gibeon, having heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai,

American Standard Version

But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 9:3 introduces the Gibeonites, a Hivite people, who, upon learning of Israel's decisive and divinely-backed victories at Jericho and Ai, devise a cunning strategy to preserve themselves. This verse marks a pivotal moment in the conquest narrative, signaling a shift from direct military confrontation to a significant deception that will test Israel's discernment and obedience to God's commands concerning covenants with the inhabitants of Canaan. It underscores the widespread impact of God's power demonstrated through Israel's military success and sets the stage for a critical encounter that highlights both human fear and ingenuity, as well as the profound consequences of failing to seek divine counsel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 9:3 immediately follows a description of the unified opposition of the Canaanite kings against Israel, who had gathered to fight Joshua and Israel "with one accord" ([Joshua 9:1-2](/joshua/9-1-2 "Joshua 9:1-2 - Kings Unite Against Israel")). The Gibeonites' reaction, therefore, stands in stark contrast to this widespread confederation. Instead of preparing for battle, they opt for a strategy of deception, which is detailed in the subsequent verses of [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception"). This verse serves as the narrative pivot, shifting from the general Canaanite response of warfare to a specific, manipulative attempt at peace, setting up the dramatic events that unfold, including Israel's ill-advised covenant and its long-term implications. The preceding chapters, [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") and [Joshua 8](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Conquest of Ai"), meticulously detail the miraculous fall of Jericho and the strategic capture of Ai, establishing the formidable reputation of Israel and their God, Yahweh, which directly precipitates the Gibeonites' actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan was not merely a military campaign but a divinely ordained judgment against the idolatrous and morally corrupt inhabitants of the land. God had commanded Israel to utterly destroy these nations ([Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1-2 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - God's Command to Destroy Canaanites")) to prevent their pagan practices from corrupting His chosen people. The Gibeonites were Hivites, one of the ethnic groups explicitly marked for destruction. Gibeon was a prominent city, described later as "a great city, as one of the royal cities" ([Joshua 10:2](/joshua/10-2 "Joshua 10:2 - Gibeon's Prominence")). In the ancient Near East, news of significant military victories, especially those involving supernatural elements like the fall of Jericho, would travel quickly through trade routes and word of mouth, instilling widespread fear or inspiring resistance. The Gibeonites' sophisticated deception reflects a common ancient survival tactic when faced with overwhelming power, often involving elaborate disguises and false narratives to secure a treaty or alliance, a practice well-understood in the geopolitical landscape of the time.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua. Firstly, it highlights **the spreading fame of God's power** as demonstrated through Israel's victories. The news of Jericho's miraculous collapse ([Joshua 6:20](/joshua/6-20 "Joshua 6:20 - Fall of Jericho")) and Ai's strategic defeat ([Joshua 8:28](/joshua/8-28 "Joshua 8:28 - Conquest of Ai")) reverberated across the region, instilling profound fear in the Canaanite inhabitants, validating God's promise to put the dread and fear of Israel upon the nations ([Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "Deuteronomy 2:25 - God's Promise of Dread")). Secondly, it introduces the theme of **human reaction to divine power**, showcasing how fear can lead to desperate and deceitful measures rather than genuine repentance or submission. The Gibeonites' cunning plan contrasts sharply with the direct confrontation chosen by other kings ([Joshua 9:1-2](/joshua/9-1-2 "Joshua 9:1-2 - Kings Unite Against Israel")). Finally, it foreshadows the critical theme of **Israel's obedience and discernment**. The Gibeonites' deception directly challenges Israel's adherence to God's clear command against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land, setting the stage for a significant lapse in judgment due to a failure to seek divine counsel ([Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's Failure to Consult God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inhabitants (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** The root for "inhabitants" (H3427, _yâshab'_) primarily means "to sit down," but by implication, "to dwell" or "to remain." In this context, it refers to those who are settled residents of Gibeon. The use of this term emphasizes their established presence in the land and their deep-rooted interest in preserving their lives and homes. Their status as "inhabitants" underscores their vulnerability to Israel's conquest and provides the motivation for their desperate scheme to secure their continued dwelling in Canaan, despite God's decree against the land's original occupants.
* **Heard (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (H8085, _shâmaʻ'_) is far more profound than a mere passive reception of sound. It denotes not just hearing but also understanding, giving heed, taking notice, and often, by extension, obeying or responding. In this context, the Gibeonites didn't just passively "hear" a rumor; they fully apprehended the implications of Israel's devastating victories. This deep understanding of Israel's military prowess and, implicitly, the power of their God, Yahweh, is what compelled them to act decisively, albeit deceitfully, rather than simply ignore the news or prepare for direct confrontation like other Canaanite kings. Their "hearing" led directly to their strategic and self-preservative response.
* **Done (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** The Hebrew verb עָשָׂה (H6213, _ʻâsâh'_) is a broad term meaning "to do" or "to make," encompassing a wide range of actions and applications. Here, it refers to the decisive and impactful military actions Joshua had executed at Jericho and Ai. This word highlights the tangible, undeniable reality of Israel's conquests. It was not mere talk or reputation, but concrete "deeds" that had reshaped the landscape of Canaan and instilled terror in its inhabitants. The Gibeonites were reacting to accomplished facts, not just rumors, which made their fear and subsequent deception all the more urgent and calculated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard":** This opening clause immediately draws attention to the specific group whose reaction is central to the unfolding narrative: the Gibeonites. The introductory "And when" signals a direct consequence or response to previously described events, setting the stage for their unique and pivotal role. Their act of "hearing" is presented as the primary catalyst for their subsequent actions, underscoring that their knowledge of Israel's recent conquests was the fundamental driver of their elaborate scheme. This highlights the widespread impact of Israel's victories and the fear they instilled throughout Canaan.
* **"what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai,":** This specifies the exact events that prompted the Gibeonites' fear and strategic response. The fall of Jericho was a miraculous, divinely orchestrated victory, demonstrating God's direct intervention and overwhelming power ([Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho")). The subsequent, though initially challenging, conquest of Ai ([Joshua 8](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Conquest of Ai")) confirmed Israel's military might and strategic capability under Joshua's leadership. These two victories, particularly Jericho's, established Israel as an unstoppable force, backed by a formidable deity, making the Gibeonites' decision to avoid direct confrontation entirely rational from their perspective, leading them to seek an alternative path to survival.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 9:3 effectively employs **Foreshadowing** and **Contrast**. The verse acts as a clear **Foreshadowing** of the elaborate deception that will unfold in the remainder of the chapter. By stating that the Gibeonites "heard" of Israel's actions, the text immediately primes the reader for a specific, non-military response from this group, building anticipation for their cunning plan. This sets up the narrative tension between God's clear command to destroy the Canaanites and the Gibeonites' attempt to circumvent it. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** to highlight the unique reaction of the Gibeonites compared to the broader Canaanite response. While [Joshua 9:1-2](/joshua/9-1-2 "Joshua 9:1-2 - Kings Unite Against Israel") describes other kings forming a united confederacy to "fight with Joshua and with Israel," the Gibeonites choose a radically different path: deception and negotiation. This contrast underscores their distinct strategy and sets them apart from the general opposition, making their story particularly significant in the narrative of the conquest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 9:3 powerfully illustrates the pervasive nature of God's reputation and the varied human responses to His manifest power. The news of God's mighty acts, particularly through the miraculous victories at Jericho and Ai, spread far beyond the immediate battlefields, instilling fear and awe among the inhabitants of Canaan. This widespread recognition of Yahweh's power serves as a testimony to His sovereignty and His active presence in the affairs of humanity, fulfilling His promise to put the dread of Israel upon the nations. However, the Gibeonites' response—deception rather than repentance or submission—highlights a crucial theological point: while God's power can evoke fear, that fear does not automatically lead to saving faith or obedience. It can instead prompt manipulative strategies for self-preservation, underscoring the human tendency to rely on cunning rather than divine grace. This verse also implicitly connects to the broader biblical theme of discernment and the dangers of making covenants without seeking God's counsel, a lesson Israel would learn painfully, demonstrating the importance of relying on divine wisdom over human appearances.

* [Exodus 15:14-16](/exodus/15-14-16 "Exodus 15:14-16 - Nations Tremble at God's Power")
* [Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "Deuteronomy 2:25 - Dread and Fear Upon Nations")
* [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9-11 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession of Fear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 9:3 serves as a profound reminder that the impact of God's work often precedes direct encounter, and the fame of His power can spread far and wide. Just as the Gibeonites heard of God's might through Israel's actions, our lives and the collective witness of the church can broadcast the reality of God to those around us, even before they hear a direct sermon. This challenges us to live in a way that authentically reflects the power and character of God, understanding that our obedience and His accompanying blessings can serve as a powerful testimony to a watching world. The Gibeonites' reaction, born of fear leading to deceit, also offers a cautionary tale: when confronted with overwhelming truth or power, human beings can resort to desperate and manipulative measures if they do not channel their fear into seeking God's wisdom and mercy. This underscores the vital importance of discerning truth, exercising spiritual vigilance, and, crucially, seeking divine counsel through prayer and God's Word before making critical decisions, especially when faced with seemingly advantageous but unverified propositions. Our ultimate trust must be in God's guidance, not in our own shrewdness or the appearances presented by others, for true security is found only in His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the widespread knowledge of God's power, as seen in this verse, challenge or encourage your own witness in the world today?**
* **In what ways might fear, when not directed towards God, lead individuals or communities to make deceptive or unwise decisions?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the Gibeonites' cunning in terms of the importance of discernment and seeking God's counsel in our own lives before acting?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Gibeonites so afraid of Israel, unlike other Canaanite kings?**

The Gibeonites' fear stemmed from the specific and devastating nature of Israel's recent victories, particularly the miraculous fall of [Jericho](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") and the subsequent conquest of [Ai](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Conquest of Ai"). Unlike typical military victories, the destruction of Jericho was clearly supernatural, demonstrating that Israel was backed by an incredibly powerful deity. This instilled a unique level of dread that led the Gibeonites to believe direct confrontation was futile. While other kings formed a confederacy to fight ([Joshua 9:1-2](/joshua/9-1-2 "Joshua 9:1-2 - Kings Unite Against Israel")), the Gibeonites, likely assessing the overwhelming odds and the divine backing of Israel, opted for a survival strategy based on deception rather than open warfare. Their fear was not just of Israel's army, but of the God who fought for Israel, whose fame had spread throughout the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 9:3, in its depiction of the Gibeonites' reaction to the spreading fame of Joshua's victories, powerfully foreshadows the widespread impact of the fame of Jesus Christ and the varied responses to His power and authority. Just as the Gibeonites "heard" of Joshua's deeds, so too did many "hear" of Jesus' miraculous healings, authoritative teaching, and power over demons ([Mark 1:28](/mark/1-28 "Mark 1:28 - Jesus' Fame Spreads")). This spreading fame often evoked fear, awe, and a range of responses from individuals and groups. Some, like the Gibeonites, responded with attempts at manipulation or self-preservation, seeking to engage with Jesus on their own terms rather than submitting to His divine authority (e.g., the Pharisees testing Him, [Matthew 22:15-46](/matthew/22-15-46 "Matthew 22:15-46 - Pharisees Test Jesus")). Others, however, responded with genuine faith and repentance, recognizing His true identity and seeking His mercy ([Luke 7:36-50](/luke/7-36-50 "Luke 7:36-50 - The Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus")). Ultimately, while the Gibeonites secured a covenant through deceit, the new covenant established by Christ is founded on His perfect sacrifice and grace, offered freely to all who believe, not based on human cunning but on divine truth ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Jesus is the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and His fame is not merely of a conqueror, but of a Savior whose power is manifested in redemption and transformation, inviting a response of worship and surrender, not fear-driven schemes.

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 10:2

That they feared greatly, because Gibeon [was] a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it [was] greater than Ai, and all the men thereof [were] mighty.

Joshua 9:17

And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities [were] Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.

2 Samuel 21:1

¶ Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, [It is] for Saul, and for [his] bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.

2 Samuel 21:2

And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites [were] not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)

Joshua 6:1

¶ Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.

Joshua 6:27

So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was [noised] throughout all the country.

Joshua 8:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land: