Joshua 9:7

KJV

And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?

KJV (with Strong's)

And the men {H376} of Israel {H3478} said {H559} unto the Hivites {H2340}, Peradventure {H194} ye dwell {H3427} among {H7130} us; and how shall we make {H3772} a league {H1285} with you?

Complete Jewish Bible

The men of Isra'el said to the Hivi, "How do we know that you don't live here among us? If you do, we don't want to make a covenant with you."

Berean Standard Bible

But the men of Israel said to the Hivites, “Perhaps you dwell near us. How can we make a treaty with you?”

American Standard Version

And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a covenant with you?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 9:7 captures the initial, crucial moment of suspicion among the Israelite leaders as they encounter the Gibeonites' elaborate deception. Having recently achieved decisive victories and being acutely aware of God's strict command against making covenants with the inhabitants of Canaan, the men of Israel voice their concern that these seemingly distant travelers might, in fact, be local Hivites. This verse highlights their immediate recognition of the profound dilemma: if the visitors were indeed from within the Promised Land, any "league" or treaty would constitute a direct violation of their divine mandate, setting the stage for a critical test of their discernment and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 9:7 is strategically placed in the narrative immediately following Israel's significant victories over Jericho and Ai, which established their military dominance and God's faithfulness in the conquest. The preceding chapters (Joshua 6-8) detail the *herem* (utter destruction) commanded by God for these cities. This verse introduces a pivotal turning point, as the Gibeonites, a group of Hivites, employ a cunning deception to avoid the fate of other Canaanite cities. Their elaborate ruse, involving worn-out clothes, stale bread, and patched wineskins, is designed to convince Joshua and the elders that they have traveled from a very distant land, thus circumventing the divine prohibition against making treaties with local inhabitants. The Israelites' initial suspicion in this verse foreshadows their ultimate failure to consult the Lord, leading to a binding covenant that would have long-term implications for the nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to utterly destroy the Canaanite nations and make no covenants with them was a foundational element of Israel's covenant with Yahweh, reiterated in texts like [Deuteronomy 7:2-5](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2-5 - Prohibition Against Covenants and Idolatry") and [Exodus 23:32-33](/exodus/23-32 "Exodus 23:32-33 - Warning Against Covenants with Inhabitants"). This prohibition was not arbitrary but served to protect Israel from the spiritual corruption of Canaanite idolatry, child sacrifice, and immoral practices. Covenants (*berit* in Hebrew) in the ancient Near East were solemn, binding agreements, often involving oaths and divine witnesses, making their violation a serious offense. The Gibeonites, as Hivites, were one of the seven nations explicitly marked for destruction, making their survival dependent on outsmarting Israel. The Israelites' question in Joshua 9:7 reflects their awareness of this unique divine mandate and the severe consequences of its breach.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **obedience to divine command**, specifically the *herem* and the prohibition against covenants, which is central to Israel's success in the conquest. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **discernment versus deception**. While the Israelites display initial caution and suspicion, their subsequent failure to fully investigate the Gibeonites' claims and, critically, to [inquire of the Lord](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's Failure to Consult the Lord") before making a treaty, demonstrates the dangers of relying solely on human judgment. This oversight leads directly to the theme of **consequences of disobedience**, as the binding covenant with the Gibeonites becomes a recurring source of tension and challenge for Israel throughout its history, as seen in passages like [2 Samuel 21:1-6](/2_samuel/21-1 "2 Samuel 21:1-6 - Saul's Violation of the Gibeonite Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hivites (Hebrew, _Ḥiwwî_):** One of the seven Canaanite nations occupying the Promised Land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - Nations to be Dispossessed")). The identification of the Gibeonites as Hivites (confirmed later in [Joshua 9:17](/joshua/9-17 "Joshua 9:17 - Gibeonites Identified as Hivites")) is crucial, as it places them squarely within the group of peoples Israel was commanded to dispossess and with whom they were forbidden to make treaties. Their presence "among us" (i.e., within Canaan) would render any covenant unlawful.
* **Peradventure (Hebrew, _ʾûlay_):** This adverb expresses doubt, uncertainty, or a possibility ("perhaps," "it may be"). Its use here reveals the Israelites' immediate, albeit incomplete, suspicion regarding the Gibeonites' claims. It indicates that they were not entirely convinced by the elaborate disguise and sensed a potential contradiction to the Gibeonites' story of coming from a "very far country."
* **League (Hebrew, _bĕrît_):** This is a critical theological and legal term, referring to a solemn covenant, treaty, or agreement. In the ancient Near East, a *berit* could be between individuals, groups, or nations, often ratified by oaths, sacrifices, and shared meals. For Israel, a *berit* with a pagan nation was prohibited because it implied fellowship and potential adoption of their gods and practices, directly undermining their exclusive covenant with Yahweh. The Israelites' concern about making a "league" demonstrates their awareness of the divine command against such alliances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites":** This opening clause identifies the speakers as the "men of Israel," likely referring to Joshua and the elders who had the authority to negotiate treaties. The recipients are explicitly identified as "the Hivites," indicating that despite their disguise, the Israelites either had some inkling of their true identity or were using a generic term for the local inhabitants they were commanded to dispossess.
* **"Peradventure ye dwell among us":** This phrase encapsulates the Israelites' immediate, well-founded suspicion. The use of "peradventure" (Hebrew _ʾûlay_) signals their doubt about the Gibeonites' story of distant origin. They suspected that these visitors were, in fact, residents of Canaan ("among us"), which would make any treaty with them a direct violation of God's command. This shows a degree of initial discernment.
* **"and how shall we make a league with you?":** This rhetorical question directly articulates the dilemma and the core of their concern. It highlights their awareness of the divine prohibition against forming a *berit* (covenant or treaty) with the Canaanite nations. If the Gibeonites were indeed local, then making such an agreement would be an act of disobedience with severe spiritual and practical consequences. The question underscores the gravity of the situation and the perceived conflict between the Gibeonites' claims and Israel's divine mandate.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 9:7 effectively employs several **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the Israelites' initial suspicion and their question about making a "league" directly foreshadow the problematic treaty they will soon enter into, despite their misgivings. This creates dramatic **Irony**, where the very concern expressed in the verse—the potential violation of God's command—is precisely what transpires due to their subsequent lack of discernment and failure to consult the Lord. The use of **Dialogue** ("And the men of Israel said...") immediately draws the reader into the tension of the scene, highlighting the direct confrontation between Israel's mandate and the Gibeonites' cunning. The Gibeonites' elaborate disguise also functions as a form of **Symbolism**, representing the deceptive nature of the world and the spiritual enemies Israel (and believers) must contend with, often appearing benign or advantageous but concealing dangerous intentions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 9:7 serves as a poignant illustration of the constant tension between human prudence and divine instruction. While the Israelites displayed initial caution, their subsequent failure to consult the Lord demonstrates that human wisdom, even when initially discerning, is insufficient without divine guidance. This incident underscores the importance of absolute obedience to God's revealed will, particularly when faced with situations that appear to offer an easy solution or compromise. The theological principle at stake is the purity of Israel's worship and their distinct identity as God's holy nation, which would be compromised by alliances with idolatrous peoples. The "league" they contemplate, and eventually make, highlights the enduring challenge for God's people to remain separate from the world's corrupting influences.

* [Deuteronomy 7:2](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2 - Command to make no covenant with Canaanites")
* [Exodus 23:32](/exodus/23-32 "Exodus 23:32 - Prohibition against making a covenant with the inhabitants of the land")
* [Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel's failure to inquire of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 9:7 provides a timeless lesson on the critical importance of spiritual discernment and unwavering adherence to God's Word. In a world teeming with deceptive appearances and enticing compromises, believers are called to exercise vigilance, just as the Israelites initially did. We must cultivate a keen awareness of God's commands, allowing them to be the filter through which we evaluate every proposal, relationship, or opportunity. The Israelites' initial suspicion was good, but their ultimate failure lay in not taking that suspicion to the Lord in prayer and seeking His definitive counsel. This reminds us that even when we sense something is amiss, our human intuition is not enough; we must actively seek God's wisdom through His Word and prayer, especially before making significant commitments or entering into "leagues" that could compromise our faith or obedience. This verse challenges us to consider whether we are truly measuring our decisions against the clear teachings of Scripture and whether we are prioritizing divine counsel above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize deception in our personal lives and in the broader culture?**
* **What "leagues" or alliances might we be tempted to make today that could compromise our Christian witness or obedience to God's commands?**
* **In what areas of your life are you most prone to rely on your own understanding rather than seeking the Lord's counsel, even when you have initial doubts?**

### FAQ

**Why were the Israelites forbidden to make treaties with the Canaanites?**

Answer: The prohibition against making treaties with the Canaanites was a fundamental aspect of God's covenant with Israel, designed to protect their spiritual purity and identity as His chosen people. God knew that alliances with these nations would inevitably lead to Israel adopting their idolatrous practices, moral corruption, and pagan worship, thereby breaking their exclusive covenant with Him. This command was not about ethnic cleansing but about spiritual preservation, ensuring Israel remained a distinct, holy nation devoted solely to Yahweh, as articulated in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Consequences of Intermarriage and Idolatry").

**What was the Gibeonites' motivation for deception?**

Answer: The Gibeonites' motivation for their elaborate deception was pure self-preservation. They had heard of Israel's overwhelming victories at Jericho and Ai and understood that their own cities were next in line for destruction, according to Israel's divine mandate. Rather than face annihilation, they chose to employ cunning and trickery to secure a covenant of peace with Israel, thereby ensuring their survival, as illustrated by their desperate plea in [Joshua 9:3-6](/joshua/9-3 "Joshua 9:3-6 - The Gibeonites' Deceptive Approach").

**What was the immediate consequence of this treaty for Israel?**

Answer: The immediate consequence for Israel was that they were bound by their oath to spare the Gibeonites' lives, despite discovering the deception. While they could not put them to death, Joshua cursed them and condemned them to perpetual servitude, becoming "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord. This outcome, detailed in [Joshua 9:21](/joshua/9-21 "Joshua 9:21 - The Gibeonites Become Servants") and [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Servants of the Altar"), served as a constant reminder of Israel's failure to consult God before making such a critical decision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joshua 9:7, with Israel's initial suspicion yet ultimate failure to discern and consult God, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Unlike the men of Israel, who were susceptible to the Gibeonites' cunning, Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of truth and perfect discernment. He was never deceived by outward appearances or the schemes of the adversary; indeed, He is the [Truth](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life") Himself. Where Israel failed to uphold the terms of the old covenant and made a disastrous "league" based on human judgment, Christ perfectly fulfilled the Law and inaugurated a [new and better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")—a covenant of grace, established not on human deception or flawed oaths, but on His own perfect sacrifice. He is our wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")), and through Him, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to discern truth from error, preventing us from entering into spiritual "leagues" with the world that would compromise our faith or allegiance to God. Just as the Gibeonites sought to save their lives through deception, humanity, dead in sin, seeks salvation through various futile means. But Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offers genuine, eternal life through a covenant of grace, transforming us into [new creations](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ") who are no longer bound by the deceptions of this world but are led by the Spirit of Truth.

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 11:19

There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all [other] they took in battle.

Judges 2:2

And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?

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:

Deuteronomy 7:3

Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.

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.

Exodus 23:33

They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.

Joshua 9:1

¶ And it came to pass, when all the kings which [were] on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard [thereof];