Joshua 9:16

And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they [were] their neighbours, and [that] they dwelt among them.

And it came to pass at the end {H7097} of three {H7969} days {H3117} after {H310} they had made {H3772} a league {H1285} with them, that they heard {H8085} that they were their neighbours {H7138}, and that they dwelt {H3427} among {H7130} them.

But three days later, after they had made the covenant with them, they heard that they were their neighbors, that they lived there with them.

Three days after they had made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites learned that they were neighbors, living among them.

And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a covenant with them, that they heard that they were their neighbors, and that they dwelt among them.

Commentary

Joshua 9:16 describes the immediate aftermath of a significant deception in Israel's conquest of Canaan. After the Israelites, led by Joshua, had made a solemn covenant with the Gibeonites, believing them to be from a distant land, the truth quickly came to light.

Context

This verse follows the cunning ruse employed by the Gibeonites, who, fearing Israel's military might and God's command to destroy all inhabitants of Canaan, disguised themselves as weary travelers from a far country. They presented old clothes, worn-out sandals, and moldy bread to convince Joshua and the leaders of Israel that they had journeyed a great distance to seek a peace treaty. Tragically, the Israelite leaders failed to inquire of the Lord before making this crucial decision, a lapse that would have lasting consequences.

Just three days after the "league" (covenant or treaty) was established, the true identity and proximity of the Gibeonites were revealed. They were not distant foreigners but "neighbours" who "dwelt among them," meaning they were indigenous Canaanites living within the very land Israel was commanded by God to possess and cleanse of its idolatrous inhabitants (Deuteronomy 7:2).

Key Themes

  • The Unveiling of Deception: This verse highlights how quickly truth can be exposed, even after elaborate lies have been told. The Gibeonites' elaborate scheme, detailed in Joshua 9:3-13, could not hold up for long.
  • The Binding Nature of Oaths: Despite being tricked, the Israelites felt bound by their oath made before God. This underscores the sanctity of covenants in ancient Israel and God's view of promises, even those made under duress or false pretenses. This dilemma would profoundly impact Israel's future actions regarding the Gibeonites.
  • Consequences of Hasty Decisions: The discovery serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of making significant decisions without proper discernment and, critically, without seeking divine guidance. The failure to consult God led to a binding agreement with an enemy God had commanded them to remove.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "made a league with them" refers to the establishment of a solemn covenant or treaty. In Hebrew, the word is berith (ื‘ึฐึผืจึดื™ืช), which signifies a formal agreement, often accompanied by oaths and rituals, establishing a binding relationship. The concept of berith is central to understanding God's relationship with Israel and the importance of promises made before Him.

Practical Application

Joshua 9:16 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Discernment is Crucial: We are called to exercise wisdom and discernment in our interactions, not taking things at face value, especially when significant commitments are involved.
  • Seek God's Guidance: The Israelites' error serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the necessity of seeking God's will through prayer and His Word before making important decisions, rather than relying solely on human judgment or appearances (Proverbs 3:5-6).
  • Integrity of Promises: While the Gibeonites were deceptive, Israel's commitment to their oath, despite the circumstances, speaks to the value of integrity and keeping one's word. Even when wronged, fulfilling solemn obligations can demonstrate a higher moral standard.

This verse sets the stage for the complex resolution found in Joshua 9:27, where the Gibeonites are made perpetual servants, highlighting the enduring impact of this event.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 12:19 (2 votes)

    ยถ The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment.