Translations
Original
Notes
The people of Gibeon tried to trick Israel into making a covenant. Gibeon was on a high plain (plateau) north of Jerusalem. It was less than 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Israel's camp at Gilgal (see study note on 7:2).
Joshua failed to consult God again (9:14; compare 7:2–4). This time it was about an unexpected request. Other ancient Near Eastern stories only describe a leader’s successes. However, this author also noted the mistakes of Joshua and Israel’s elders. God is the true hero of the story, and the author wanted to emphasize God's achievements.
Events
People
Joshua: Moses' assistant who led Israel into Canaan
Places
Ai: A Canaanite city conquered by Joshua after initial defeat Gibeon: Hivite city that tricked Joshua into a peace treaty Jericho: An ancient city in Canaan, famously conquered by Israel
Glossary
Alliance Conquest and Allotment of the Land Foreigner Gibeon, Gibeonites Gilgal Jerusalem Joshua, Book of Judges, Book of Kiriath-jearim Mephibosheth Tribe of Dan
Topics
Confidence: Betrayed: Joshua, by the Gibeonites Contracts: Scriptures Illustrative of the Binding Force of Craftiness: Gibeonites, in Deceiving Joshua and the Israelites Into a Treaty Deception: The Gibeonites, in Misrepresenting Their Habitat Diplomacy: The Gibeonites, in Securing a Treaty with the Israelites Through Deception Gibeon: A City of the Hivites Gibeonites: Descended from the Hivites and Amorites Hivites: The Gibeonites a People of Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Makes a Treaty with the Gibeonites Kirjath-Jearim: Inhabitants of Magnanimity: Joshua and the Elders of Israel to the Gibeonites Who had Deceived the Israelites Oath: The Israelites Confirm the Covenant with the Hivites The Amorites: The Gibeonites a Tribe of, Deceived Israel Into a League Treaty: Between Nations: Israelites and Gibeonites