However, when the people of Gibeon(A) heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai,(B) they resorted to a ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were loaded[a] with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. They put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy. Then they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal(C) and said to him and the Israelites, “We have come from a distant country;(D) make a treaty(E) with us.”

The Israelites said to the Hivites,(F) “But perhaps you live near us, so how can we make a treaty(G) with you?”

“We are your servants,(H)” they said to Joshua.

But Joshua asked, “Who are you and where do you come from?”

They answered: “Your servants have come from a very distant country(I) because of the fame of the Lord your God. For we have heard reports(J) of him: all that he did in Egypt,(K) 10 and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon,(L) and Og king of Bashan,(M) who reigned in Ashtaroth.(N) 11 And our elders and all those living in our country said to us, ‘Take provisions for your journey; go and meet them and say to them, “We are your servants; make a treaty with us.”’ 12 This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But now see how dry and moldy it is. 13 And these wineskins that we filled were new, but see how cracked they are. And our clothes and sandals are worn out by the very long journey.”

14 The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire(O) of the Lord. 15 Then Joshua made a treaty of peace(P) with them to let them live,(Q) and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Joshua 9:4 Most Hebrew manuscripts; some Hebrew manuscripts, Vulgate and Syriac (see also Septuagint) They prepared provisions and loaded their donkeys

Bible Gateway Recommends