patrial from גִּבְעוֹן; a Gibonite, or inhabitant of Gibon; Gibeonite.
Transliteration:Gibʻônîy
Pronunciation:ghib-o-nee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גִּבְעֹנִי (Gibʻônîy), Strong's number `{{H1393}}`, is a patrial adjective derived from the proper noun גִּבְעוֹן (Gibʻôn), `{{H1391}}`. As a patrial, it denotes an inhabitant of, or one originating from, the city of Gibeon. The base word גִּבְעוֹן itself is thought to derive from a root meaning "hill" or "hilly place," thus a Gibeonite is literally an individual from the "hilly place." The semantic range of `{{H1393}}` is therefore primarily geographical and ethnic, identifying a specific group of people who played a notable role in the history of ancient Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Gibeonites feature prominently in the historical narratives of the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Joshua and later in 2 Samuel. Their most significant appearance occurs in [[Joshua 9]], where they are presented as a cunning people who, fearing the Israelites' destructive power, employed deception to secure a covenant of peace. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land, claiming to have heard of YHWH's mighty deeds and desiring to make a treaty. Joshua and the leaders of Israel, failing to inquire of the Lord, made a solemn oath with them. Upon discovering the deception three days later, the Israelites were bound by their oath, demonstrating the sanctity of covenants even when made under false pretenses. As a consequence of their deceit, but also as a means of preserving their lives, Joshua condemned them to be "hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of YHWH" (cf. [[Joshua 9:21]], [[Joshua 9:27]]). This perpetual servitude integrated them into the service of the Israelite sanctuary, albeit in a humble capacity.
Later, the Gibeonites reappear in [[2 Samuel 21]]. During the reign of David, a three-year famine afflicted Israel. When David inquired of the Lord, he was informed that the famine was a divine judgment for King Saul's violation of the ancient covenant with the Gibeonites, whom Saul had sought to destroy "in his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah" ([[2 Samuel 21:2]]). This act of treachery against a sworn covenant incurred national guilt. To atone for Saul's sin, the Gibeonites demanded the lives of seven of Saul's male descendants, whom they then executed. This episode underscores the enduring nature of the covenant and the seriousness with which YHWH regarded its violation, even generations later.
The Gibeonites are also mentioned among those who returned from Babylonian exile and participated in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall under Nehemiah (cf. [[Nehemiah 3:7]]), indicating their continued presence and integration within the post-exilic community, though still identified by their distinct origin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H1393}}` is enriched by examining its connections to several related words and theological concepts:
* **`{{H1391}}` (Gibeon):** The city itself, which was a significant Hivite city and later a Levitical city (cf. [[Joshua 21:17]]).
* **`{{H1390}}` (Gaba):** A related root meaning "hill," underscoring the geographical nature of Gibeon.
* **`{{H1285}}` (berith, covenant):** Central to the Gibeonite narrative, highlighting the inviolability of oaths made before YHWH (cf. [[Joshua 9:15-20]]).
* **`{{H4820}}` (mirmah, deception/treachery):** The means by which the Gibeonites secured their covenant, yet which did not negate the covenant's binding nature.
* **`{{H5650}}` (eved, servant/slave):** Describes their appointed role as "hewers of wood and drawers of water," a form of perpetual servitude.
* **Divine Justice and Atonement:** Exemplified in the famine during David's reign and the subsequent retribution for Saul's sin against the Gibeonites.
* **Integration of Foreigners:** The Gibeonites represent a unique case of a non-Israelite people being integrated into the Israelite commonwealth, albeit in a subordinate role, rather than being utterly destroyed.
### Theological Significance
The story of the Gibeonites carries profound theological implications. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates the **sanctity and inviolability of covenants** in the eyes of YHWH. Despite the deception employed by the Gibeonites, Israel was bound by their oath, underscoring God's faithfulness to His own covenant principles and His expectation that His people would uphold their word. To break such an oath was to incur divine wrath, as seen in the famine during David's reign.
Secondly, the narrative highlights **divine justice and the necessity of atonement**. Saul's unwarranted attack on the Gibeonites, in violation of a sacred oath, was a national sin that had long-term consequences. God's judgment, manifested in the famine, necessitated a specific act of atonement to cleanse the land and restore divine favor, emphasizing that God remembers injustice and demands righteousness.
Thirdly, the Gibeonites' perpetual service as "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the Tabernacle/Temple illustrates a unique form of **integration of the "other"** within Israelite society. While not fully assimilated as Israelites, they served an essential function in the worship of YHWH, demonstrating that even those outside the direct covenant line could find a place, albeit a humble one, within God's purposes. Their story offers a nuanced perspective on Israel's interaction with foreign peoples, contrasting with the general command to utterly destroy the Canaanite inhabitants.
Finally, the Gibeonite narrative subtly points to **God's sovereign control over human affairs**. Even their cunning deception ultimately served a divine purpose, preserving a people and assigning them a role in the worship of YHWH.
### Summary
The term גִּבְעֹנִי (Gibʻônîy), `{{H1393}}`, identifies an inhabitant of Gibeon, a specific Hivite people group. Their most notable biblical presence involves a cunning deception of Joshua and the Israelite leaders, leading to a perpetual covenant that bound them to serve as "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the sanctuary. This narrative profoundly illustrates the inviolability of covenants before YHWH and the severe consequences of breaking them, as evidenced by Saul's later transgression and the resulting divine judgment. The Gibeonites' story also illuminates themes of divine justice, atonement, and the complex integration of foreign peoples within ancient Israel, showcasing how even humble service could be consecrated to the worship of the Lord. Their enduring presence in biblical history serves as a powerful testament to the sanctity of oaths and God's unwavering commitment to justice.
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