Joshua 9:9

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559} unto him, From a very {H3966} far {H7350} country {H776} thy servants {H5650} are come {H935} because of the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}: for we have heard {H8085} the fame {H8089} of him, and all that he did {H6213} in Egypt {H4714},

Complete Jewish Bible

They answered him, "Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the reputation of ADONAI your God. We have heard reports about him - everything he did in Egypt,

Berean Standard Bible

“Your servants have come from a very distant land,” they replied, “because of the fame of the LORD your God. For we have heard the reports about Him: all that He did in Egypt,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 9:9 captures the deceptive plea of the Gibeonites to Joshua and the Israelite leaders. Feigning origin from a distant land, they strategically invoked the widespread fame of Yahweh, Israel's God, specifically referencing His mighty acts in Egypt, to convince the Israelites of their non-Canaanite identity. This calculated lie aimed to secure a peace treaty and avoid the divinely mandated destruction of the Canaanite inhabitants, setting the stage for a significant lapse in Israelite discernment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 9:9 is nestled within the narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan, immediately following their miraculous victories at Jericho and Ai ([Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") and [Joshua 8](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Defeat of Ai")). These decisive triumphs, coupled with the covenant renewal at Mount Ebal and Gerizim ([Joshua 8:30-35](/joshua/8-30 "Joshua 8:30-35 - The Altar on Mount Ebal")), had spread fear among the Canaanite kings, prompting them to form a confederation against Israel ([Joshua 9:1-2](/joshua/9-1 "Joshua 9:1-2 - Canaanite Kings Form Alliance")). The Gibeonites, however, chose a different strategy: deception. Their elaborate ruse, detailed in [Joshua 9:3-15](/joshua/9-3 "Joshua 9:3-15 - The Gibeonites' Deception"), directly contrasts with the straightforward obedience and reliance on God seen in earlier chapters, highlighting a critical moment of Israelite failure to inquire of the Lord. The verse itself is part of their carefully crafted speech, designed to establish their false identity and secure a covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Gibeonites were a Hivite people, one of the indigenous groups inhabiting Canaan whom Israel was commanded to utterly dispossess and destroy ([Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - God's Command to Destroy Nations")). In the ancient Near East, treaties and covenants were solemn agreements, often sealed with oaths and rituals, binding parties to mutual obligations. The Gibeonites' fear was well-founded, given Israel's recent, divinely-empowered victories. Their strategy of feigning a distant origin was a common tactic to avoid conflict, as treaties with distant peoples were permissible, unlike those with immediate neighbors. Their detailed presentation of worn-out provisions and clothing was a culturally recognizable sign of a long journey, intended to lend credibility to their fabricated story and bypass the need for direct inquiry about their true identity or origin.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 9:9 contributes to several overarching themes in Joshua and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores **The Spreading Fame of God**, demonstrating that the reputation of Yahweh, Israel's God, and His mighty deeds—especially the Exodus events—had permeated the region, instilling fear in Israel's enemies ([Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession of God's Power")). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Cunning and Deception**, showcasing the lengths to which people will go for self-preservation, directly contrasting with the divine expectation of truthfulness and reliance on God. Lastly, and most critically, it introduces the theme of the **Consequences of Lack of Discernment and Inquiry**, as the Israelites' failure to consult the Lord before making a covenant with the Gibeonites ([Joshua 9:14](/joshua/9-14 "Joshua 9:14 - Israel Fails to Inquire of the Lord")) led to a forbidden alliance and subsequent complications for generations ([2 Samuel 21:1-6](/2_samuel/21-1 "2 Samuel 21:1-6 - Saul's Sin Against the Gibeonites")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Name (Hebrew, _shem_):** In biblical thought, a "name" (שֵׁם, *shem*) is far more than a mere label; it represents the very essence, character, authority, and reputation of an individual or, in this case, God Himself. When the Gibeonites speak of "the name of the LORD thy God," they are not merely acknowledging a deity called Yahweh, but recognizing His demonstrated power, unique nature, and the awe-inspiring reputation built upon His historical acts, particularly those in Egypt. Their awareness of His "name" implies a recognition of His unique identity as the sovereign God who acts in history.
* **Fame (Hebrew, _shema'_):** The word "fame" (שֵׁמַע, *shema'*) refers to what has been heard, a report, or renown. It signifies the widespread knowledge and reputation of God's deeds. The Gibeonites' claim to have "heard the fame of him" indicates that the accounts of God's miraculous interventions on behalf of Israel had become common knowledge even among distant peoples, confirming the pervasive impact of His power and the fulfillment of His promise to make His name known among the nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come":** This opening clause immediately establishes the core of the Gibeonites' deception. Their claim of originating from a "very far country" (literally, "from a land very far off") was crucial because it would exempt them from the divine command to destroy the Canaanite inhabitants. This statement was designed to appeal to Israel's understanding of permissible treaties with distant nations, contrasting with the forbidden covenants with those within Canaan.
* **"because of the name of the LORD thy God":** This is a profound and manipulative theological statement. The Gibeonites attribute their supposed long journey not to a general fear or desire for alliance, but specifically to the reputation and character ("name") of Yahweh, Israel's God. This feigned piety and respect for God's renown were calculated to disarm Joshua and the Israelite elders, making their story more credible and appealing to their religious sensibilities.
* **"for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt":** This clause provides the specific evidence for their claim about God's "name" and "fame." By referencing "all that he did in Egypt"—a clear allusion to the plagues, the Exodus, and the defeat of Pharaoh's army—the Gibeonites demonstrated a knowledge of Israel's foundational redemptive history. This specific detail, widely known and feared, served as compelling "proof" that their journey was motivated by genuine awe of Yahweh's power, further solidifying their deceptive narrative.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 9:9 employs several literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the Gibeonites, through their deception, speak a profound truth about the widespread fame of God, even as they use that truth for their own manipulative ends. Their words, though a lie about their origin, are a genuine testament to the terrifying power of Yahweh. There is also an element of **Contrast** between the Gibeonites' cunning and the Israelites' surprising lack of discernment, which sets up the narrative's central conflict. Furthermore, the verse, as part of the larger Gibeonite narrative, serves as **Foreshadowing** for future instances of Israel's failure to fully obey God's commands regarding the land and its inhabitants, often leading to negative consequences for generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 9:9 powerfully illustrates that God's renown and the impact of His mighty acts transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, reaching even those who are His enemies. The Gibeonites, though motivated by fear and self-preservation, unwittingly bear witness to the universal sovereignty and awesome power of Yahweh. This passage serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the critical importance of seeking divine counsel and exercising spiritual discernment, especially when faced with seemingly plausible situations or when entering into significant agreements. The Israelites' failure to inquire of the Lord before making a covenant with the Gibeonites underscores a recurring biblical theme: human wisdom, no matter how well-intentioned, is insufficient without divine guidance, and deception can flourish where discernment is lacking.

* [Exodus 15:14-16](/exodus/15-14 "Exodus 15:14-16 - The Nations Tremble")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord's Counsel Stands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Gibeonites' cunning use of God's fame to achieve their ends serves as a timeless reminder of the need for vigilance and discernment in our own lives. While God's power and glory are undeniably manifest throughout creation and history, and His reputation should indeed draw people to Him, we must be wary of those who might manipulate spiritual truths or religious language for selfish gain. This narrative challenges us to consistently seek God's wisdom through prayer and His Word before making significant decisions, especially concerning relationships, commitments, or alliances. Our lives should bear witness to God's transformative power, but we must also cultivate a spirit of discernment, recognizing that not all who speak of God are truly aligned with His purposes. The Gibeonites' deception reminds us that fear can drive desperate measures, but true security is found only in trusting God's plan and seeking His counsel above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Gibeonites' knowledge of God's "fame" challenge or affirm your understanding of God's universal reach and revelation?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to rely on human wisdom or expediency rather than diligently seeking God's counsel?**
* **How can you cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize and resist deception in various forms today?**
* **What does this narrative teach us about the long-term consequences of making decisions without inquiring of the Lord?**

### FAQ

**What was the long-term consequence of the Israelites' covenant with the Gibeonites?**

Answer: The Israelites' failure to inquire of the Lord before entering into a covenant with the Gibeonites had significant and lasting consequences. Because the covenant was sealed with an oath in the name of the Lord, Israel was bound to uphold it, even after discovering the deception ([Joshua 9:16-21](/joshua/9-16 "Joshua 9:16-21 - The Covenant is Discovered")). The Gibeonites were not destroyed but were made "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the congregation and the altar of the Lord, serving as perpetual bondservants ([Joshua 9:23](/joshua/9-23 "Joshua 9:23 - Gibeonites Become Servants")). Centuries later, during the reign of King Saul, his violation of this sacred covenant by attempting to exterminate the Gibeonites brought a three-year famine upon Israel, which was only lifted after David sought atonement and delivered Saul's sons to the Gibeonites for justice ([2 Samuel 21:1-9](/2_samuel/21-1 "2 Samuel 21:1-9 - Saul's Sin Against the Gibeonites")). This long-term consequence powerfully illustrates the seriousness of oaths made before God and the enduring repercussions of failing to seek His guidance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joshua 9:9, with its themes of God's widespread fame, human deception, and the need for divine discernment, finds profound fulfillment in Christ. While the Gibeonites spoke of God's fame out of fear and for manipulative ends, Jesus Christ is the ultimate and perfect revelation of God's "name" and "fame." He is the very Word of God made flesh, through whom God's character and glory are fully displayed ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). In contrast to the Gibeonites' deception, Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")), exposing all forms of falsehood and bringing light into the darkness of human sin and manipulation ([John 3:19-21](/john/3-19 "John 3:19-21 - Light and Darkness")). Where Israel failed to inquire of the Lord, leading to a problematic covenant, Christ perfectly embodies obedience to the Father's will, establishing a new and better covenant through His blood, which truly reconciles humanity to God without deception or compromise ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - A Superior Covenant")). He is the one who grants us the Holy Spirit, empowering believers with true wisdom and discernment to navigate a world filled with deception, guiding us into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - 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 9:24

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.

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.

Joshua 2:9

And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.

Joshua 2:10

For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that [were] on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

1 Kings 8:41

Moreover concerning a stranger, that [is] not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake;

Exodus 15:14

The people shall hear, [and] be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

Numbers 14:15

Now [if] thou shalt kill [all] this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,