The Gibeonites were a group of Amorites who lived in the land of Canaan during the time of Joshua. Their story is told in Joshua 9-10 and 2 Samuel 21. Here is a summary of the key events involving the Gibeonites in the Bible:
The Gibeonites Trick Joshua
When the Israelites were conquering Canaan under Joshua’s leadership, the Gibeonites became afraid. They heard how the Israelites had destroyed Jericho and Ai, so the Gibeonites devised a plan to make peace with Israel.
They put on worn-out clothes, grabbed old dry and moldy bread, and approached Joshua at the camp in Gilgal pretending to be from a distant land. They claimed they wanted to make a treaty with Israel. Deceived by their appearance and story, Joshua made peace with them and agreed not to destroy them.
Three days later, Joshua found out the Gibeonites were really neighbors dwelling nearby in Canaan. But since the leaders of Israel had sworn an oath not to kill them, the treaty remained binding. Still, Joshua condemned them and made the Gibeonites woodcutters and water carriers for the tabernacle of the Lord. (Joshua 9:3-27)
The Sun Stands Still for Joshua
Soon after making peace with Gibeon, the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon formed an alliance to attack Gibeon for betraying them and making peace with Israel. The Gibeonites appealed to Joshua for help.
Joshua came up from Gilgal with the Israelite army and routed the attacking kings and their armies. As they were fleeing, God caused large hailstones to rain down on them. More died from the hailstones than the Israelites killed with swords.
Then Joshua prayed for the sun and moon to stand still so they could have prolonged daylight to complete the victory. The sun stopped over Gibeon and the moon over the Valley of Aijalon until the Israelites triumphed. This miraculous event is recorded in Joshua 10:1-15.
Saul Breaks the Treaty and David Avenges
Over 400 years later, during the time of King Saul, the Israelites broke their treaty with the Gibeonites by killing some of them. As punishment from God, Saul and his family line experienced famine.
When David became king, he inquired of the Gibeonites what could be done to restore relations again. They requested seven of Saul’s male descendants be handed over to them to be killed and exposed before the Lord at Gibeon. David granted their request.
After Saul’s seven sons were killed by the Gibeonites, God was moved by entreaty for the land and ended the famine. This story is recounted in 2 Samuel 21:1-14.
The Gibeonites Become Temple Servants
Although Joshua had made them woodcutters and water carriers, later in Israel’s history the Gibeonites continued their role as servants by assisting at the temple.
When rebuilding the temple after the Babylonian exile, Ezra refers to the Nethinim and children of Solomon’s servants laboring on the house of God. These refer to the Gibeonites given their temple service roles generations earlier under Joshua. (Ezra 2:43-58; Ezra 8:20; Nehemiah 3:26, 7:46-56, 10:28, 11:3,21)
Where Did the Gibeonites Live?
The Gibeonites were Hivites and described as Amorites in the Bible. They lived in four cities: Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth and Kiriath Jearim. These cities were located in the territory of Benjamin about 3-7 miles northwest and northeast of Jerusalem. (Joshua 9:17, 18:25-28)
Gibeon was the largest city and considered part of the royal cities of the Canaanites. Excavations of the ancient site reveal it was continuously inhabited from the Early Bronze Age until destroyed by Babylon in the 6th century BC. Remains include a large reservoir, wine presses, storage jars and numerous inscriptions.
Why Did Joshua Spare the Gibeonites?
There are a few reasons why Joshua agreed not to destroy the Gibeonites after discovering their deceit:
1. Joshua and the leaders had already sworn an oath before God to let them live. They felt bound to honor their word even though it was given under false pretenses. “We have sworn to them by the Lord, the God of Israel, and we cannot touch them now.” (Joshua 9:19)
2. The covenant was based on the name of the Lord. They were concerned His name would be blasphemed if they broke their oath. (Joshua 9:20)
3. It was a testimony of Israel’s commitment to honor agreements even when disadvantaged by them. This reflected principles of justice and integrity.
4. Allowing them to live brought them under submission as servants. This could advance God’s purposes.
So Joshua spared them in accordance with the oath, but made them woodcutters and water carriers – continuing roles they filled generations later in service at the temple.
Lessons from the Gibeonites
The story of the Gibeonites provides some valuable lessons:
– God expects His people to seek His guidance and not be deceived by appearances and lies. “But you did not ask counsel from the Lord.” (Joshua 9:14)
– Covenants and promises should be kept – even when made under false pretenses. This demonstrates godly character. “We have given them our oath by the Lord.” (Joshua 9:19)
– Sin often brings consequences, but repentance opens the door for restoration. The Israelites broke their treaty but David sought to make amends.
– God can use unexpected people like the Gibeonites in His plans if they come into alignment with His purposes. The Gibeonites became temple servants.
– We must be wise in discerning the motives of others, but balance that with graciousness in evaluating their place in God’s kingdom.
– God ultimately brings good from difficult situations when we trust in His sovereign control. The treaty led to the miraculous sun standing still.
The story of the Gibeonites spans centuries but gives us a glimpse into God’s justice, faithfulness and redemptive power.