³ In contrast, when the population of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, ⁴ they acted cleverly. They set out pretending to be messengers.^[a] They took worn-out sacks for their donkeys and worn-out wineskins that were split and mended. ⁵ They had worn-out, patched sandals on their feet and were wearing worn-out clothes. All the bread in their supplies was dry and crumbly.