The Gibeonites Seek a Treaty Through Deception

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

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acted deceptively and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended.

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They put worn, patched sandals on their feet and threadbare clothing on their bodies, and their whole supply of bread was dry and moldy.

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They went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant land; please make a treaty with us.”

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

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“We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. Then Joshua asked them, “Who are you and where have you come from?”

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“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,

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and all that He did to the two kings of the Amorites beyond the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth.

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So the elders and inhabitants of our land told us, ‘Take provisions for your journey; go to meet them and say to them: We are your servants. Please make a treaty with us.’

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This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But take a look, it is now dry and moldy.

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These wineskins were new when we filled them, but look, they are cracked. And these clothes and sandals are worn out from our very long journey.”

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Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the counsel of the LORD.

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And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them.

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