Joshua 9:25

And now, behold, we [are] in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do.

And now, behold, we {H2009} are in thine hand {H3027}: as it seemeth {H5869} good {H2896} and right {H3477} unto thee to do {H6213} unto us, do {H6213}.

Now, as you see, we are in your hands; do to us whatever seems good and right to you."

Now we are in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.โ€

And now, behold, we are in thy hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do.

Commentary

Joshua 9:25 (KJV) presents the desperate plea of the Gibeonites to Joshua and the leaders of Israel after their elaborate deception was exposed. This verse encapsulates their complete submission and vulnerability, placing their fate entirely in the hands of their would-be conquerors.

Context of Joshua 9:25

The immediate context for this verse is the aftermath of a clever ruse by the Gibeonites, a Hivite people living in Canaan. Fearing the Israelites' overwhelming military success and God's command to destroy all inhabitants of the land (as seen in Deuteronomy 7:2), they disguised themselves as ambassadors from a very distant land. They presented worn-out clothes, moldy bread, and broken wineskins to convince Joshua and the Israelite elders that they had traveled a great distance, thus not being subject to the divine command of annihilation. Without consulting the Lord, Israel made a peace treaty with them (Joshua 9:15). Three days later, the deception was revealed, placing Israel in a moral and theological dilemma: they had made an oath before the Lord.

In this verse, the Gibeonites, knowing their lives are forfeit according to the divine law, humbly surrender themselves, trusting in Israel's sense of justice and mercy despite their deceit. They acknowledge Israel's authority over them, stating, "we [are] in thine hand."

Key Themes and Messages

  • Submission and Vulnerability: The Gibeonites, having exhausted their trickery, are utterly exposed. Their statement reflects a complete surrender to the will and judgment of their captors, highlighting the power dynamics at play.
  • Consequences of Deception: While their deceit saved their lives, it resulted in a perpetual servitude. This outcome underscores that actions, even those born of fear, have lasting repercussions, a principle seen in Galatians 6:7.
  • The Binding Nature of Oaths: A central theme in this chapter is the sanctity of an oath made before God. Despite the Gibeonites' trickery, the Israelites felt bound by their solemn promise, demonstrating the importance of integrity and keeping one's word, even to one's own hurt (Psalm 15:4).
  • Divine Providence: Although the Israelites erred in not consulting God, the ultimate outcome served a divine purpose, preserving a group of people who would serve the tabernacle, turning their deception into a form of service to God's people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "in thine hand" translates the Hebrew b'yad (ื‘ึผึฐื™ึธื“), which powerfully conveys the idea of being under someone's complete control, power, and authority. It signifies absolute submission and dependence. The subsequent phrase, "as it seemeth good and right unto thee," uses the Hebrew tov v'yashar (ื˜ื•ึนื‘ ื•ึฐื™ึธืฉืึธืจ), meaning "good and upright" or "just and proper." The Gibeonites appeal to Israel's moral compass and sense of justice, hoping for a merciful and equitable decision rather than immediate destruction.

Practical Application

Joshua 9:25 offers several insights for believers today:

  • Humility in Consequences: When our mistakes or deceptions are uncovered, a posture of humility and submission to rightful authority is essential. Acknowledging wrongdoing is the first step towards reconciliation and finding a new path.
  • Integrity Matters: The narrative implicitly reminds us of the importance of truthfulness and integrity in all our dealings. While the Gibeonites' cunning saved them physically, it led to a life of servitude.
  • God's Faithfulness to Oaths: The Israelites' commitment to their oath, despite the circumstances, serves as a powerful reminder of God's own faithfulness to His covenants and promises, even when His people stumble.
  • Finding Purpose in Unlikely Circumstances: The Gibeonites, though condemned to servitude, found a unique role in serving the tabernacle (as water carriers and woodcutters, Joshua 9:27). This can be a metaphor for finding purpose and serving God even when life takes unexpected turns or after past errors.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 16:6 (4 votes)

    But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid [is] in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.

  • Jeremiah 26:14 (3 votes)

    As for me, behold, I [am] in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you.

  • Judges 10:15 (3 votes)

    And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.

  • Jeremiah 38:5 (2 votes)

    Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he [is] in your hand: for the king [is] not [he that] can do [any] thing against you.

  • Isaiah 47:6 (2 votes)

    I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

  • 2 Samuel 24:14 (2 votes)

    And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies [are] great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.

  • Matthew 11:26 (2 votes)

    Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.