A concise reminder of this passage: The Gibeonites disguised themselves and used worn supplies to trick Israel into a covenant.
In Joshua’s account of the deception by the Gibeonites, we encounter a statement that captures their ruse: “These wineskins which we filled were new, and behold, they are torn; and these our clothes and our sandals are worn out because of the very long journey” (v.13). The Gibeonites present themselves as weary travelers who have come from a distant land, cleverly masking the fact that they actually live nearby in the land of Canaan. At this time, around 1400 BC, Joshua had led the Israelites into Canaan after Moses’s death, and they were in the process of claiming the land. The ruse of the Gibeonites hinges on outward appearances—the tattered sandals, worn-out clothes, and torn wineskins—to convince Joshua and the leaders of Israel that they have traveled from far away and thus pose no immediate threat.
The community of Gibeon was located northwest of Jerusalem, in the central hill country of Canaan. By exaggerating the signs of wear and tear, “these our clothes and our sandals are worn out” (v.13), they depict themselves as sojourners in need of a treaty. This deception leads the Israelites to make an alliance without first seeking God’s guidance (Joshua 9:14), illustrating the importance of inquiring of the Lord rather than relying solely on what we see. In the broader biblical story, neglecting to consult God often results in unintended consequences (Proverbs 3:5-6). For Joshua, this momentary lapse brings about a binding covenant that the Israelites will have to honor, as the oath is taken seriously under God’s law (Joshua 9:19-21).
From a spiritual perspective, the Gibeonites’ words can remind us that appearances can be misleading, and without discernment and prayer, even God’s people can be deceived (Matthew 10:16). Though Joshua was a faithful leader used by God in remarkable ways, this verse highlights his humanity and underscores the value of seeking divine wisdom. The cunning strategy of the Gibeonites reflects the broader scriptural theme that warns believers to test what they see or hear by God’s truth, lest they inadvertently stray from the path God intended.
Set to dark mode
Joshua 9:13 meaning
In Joshua’s account of the deception by the Gibeonites, we encounter a statement that captures their ruse: “These wineskins which we filled were new, and behold, they are torn; and these our clothes and our sandals are worn out because of the very long journey” (v.13). The Gibeonites present themselves as weary travelers who have come from a distant land, cleverly masking the fact that they actually live nearby in the land of Canaan. At this time, around 1400 BC, Joshua had led the Israelites into Canaan after Moses’s death, and they were in the process of claiming the land. The ruse of the Gibeonites hinges on outward appearances—the tattered sandals, worn-out clothes, and torn wineskins—to convince Joshua and the leaders of Israel that they have traveled from far away and thus pose no immediate threat.
The community of Gibeon was located northwest of Jerusalem, in the central hill country of Canaan. By exaggerating the signs of wear and tear, “these our clothes and our sandals are worn out” (v.13), they depict themselves as sojourners in need of a treaty. This deception leads the Israelites to make an alliance without first seeking God’s guidance (Joshua 9:14), illustrating the importance of inquiring of the Lord rather than relying solely on what we see. In the broader biblical story, neglecting to consult God often results in unintended consequences (Proverbs 3:5-6). For Joshua, this momentary lapse brings about a binding covenant that the Israelites will have to honor, as the oath is taken seriously under God’s law (Joshua 9:19-21).
From a spiritual perspective, the Gibeonites’ words can remind us that appearances can be misleading, and without discernment and prayer, even God’s people can be deceived (Matthew 10:16). Though Joshua was a faithful leader used by God in remarkable ways, this verse highlights his humanity and underscores the value of seeking divine wisdom. The cunning strategy of the Gibeonites reflects the broader scriptural theme that warns believers to test what they see or hear by God’s truth, lest they inadvertently stray from the path God intended.