The conquest and the judges · Joshua 9–10
The Gibeonites and the Sun Standing Still
When the kings of Canaan unite against Israel, the people of Gibeon resort to a trick. With old sacks, patched wineskins, worn-out sandals, and dry, crumbly bread, they appear at Gilgal: “We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us.” The men of Israel take some of their provisions and do not ask counsel of the LORD. Joshua makes peace with them, and the leaders swear an oath. Three days later, they discover that these are neighbors; but the oath stands, and the Gibeonites are made woodcutters and water carriers. Then five Amorite kings attack Gibeon. Joshua marches all night from Gilgal; the LORD throws the enemy into confusion and hurls great stones from heaven. Joshua cries out, “Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon!” The sun stands still for almost a whole day.
What happens
- The Gibeonites devise a trick: old sacks, dry and moldy bread Joshua 9:3–5
- The men of Israel do not ask counsel of the LORD Joshua 9:14–15
- The trick is discovered, but the oath is kept Joshua 9:16–19
- Five Amorite kings attack Gibeon, which calls on Joshua for help Joshua 10:5–6
- Joshua marches all night; great stones fall from heaven Joshua 10:9–11
- “Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon!” Joshua 10:12–14
Who is in this story
The lesson
Israel let itself be deceived because it judged by appearances without consulting the LORD (9:14): it is better to seek God’s counsel before acting. Yet Joshua keeps the word he gave in the LORD’s name, and the LORD then fights for his people.
And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel.
Quick quiz on this story
What work are the Gibeonites assigned to?
Joshua spares them, but from that day he makes them “hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD.” Joshua 9:27
What do the men of Israel fail to do before making a treaty with the Gibeonites?
They took some of their provisions, “and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD”: this oversight left them open to the Gibeonites’ trick. Joshua 9:14
Which city is the king from who calls on the other four to help against Gibeon?
Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent to the kings of Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon: “Come up unto me, and help me, that we may smite Gibeon.” Joshua 10:3–4
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