None of Israel’s leaders noticed that the Gibeonites did not answer Joshua’s questions. This was because they had become distracted by the false words of praise about God and the idea that a foreign people wanted a treaty.
If the Israelites spared their lives, the Gibeonites were willing to become Israel’s servants and swear to a treaty. This request should have raised suspicions among Israel’s leaders. Why would people from a distant land want a treaty of protection?