Joshua 9:8

Translations

Modern

“We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. Then Joshua asked them, “Who are you and where have you come from?”

Traditional

And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye?

Literal

And they said to Joshua, “We are your servants.” And Joshua said to them, “Who are you, and from where have you come?”

Latin

At illi ad Josue: Servi, inquiunt, tui sumus. Quibus Josue ait: Quinam estis vos? et unde venistis?

Original

Hebrew

English

“We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. Then Joshua asked them, “Who are you and where have you come from?”

Notes

Joshua 9:7–8

The name Hivites is known only from the Bible and refers to a non-Semitic ethnic group that lived in various parts of Canaan (see Genesis 34:2; 36:2; Exodus 23:23, 28). Semitic people were ancient groups from the Middle East and North Africa, known for their shared languages (such as Hebrew, Aramaic, or Arabic) and cultural traditions.
Perhaps you dwell near us: Israel’s leaders worried that the visitors were lying. They asked how they could know the visitors did not live nearby. Joshua then asked two direct questions. Still, he could have learned the truth by asking the Lord for guidance (Joshua 9:14).

Joshua 9:1–27

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Joshua

Events

War with Canaanites

Related verses

Deuteronomy 20:11
If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you.
2 Kings 10:5
So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.”
Joshua 9:11
So the elders and inhabitants of our land told us, ‘Take provisions for your journey; go to meet them and say to them: We are your servants. Please make a treaty with us.’
1 Kings 9:20–21
As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)—
Joshua 9:27
On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD and for the altar at the place He would choose.
Joshua 9:23
Now therefore you are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.”
Genesis 9:25–26
…he said, “Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.”
Joshua 9:25
Now we are in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.”

People

Joshua: Moses' assistant who led Israel into Canaan

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 Gibeonites: Israel: Deceived By 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

Joshua 9:8

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