They were ultimately spared and given a place in the service of God’s people.
Thus he did to them, and delivered them from the hands of the sons of Israel, and they did not kill them. (v.26) These words describe Joshua’s action toward the Gibeonites after discovering their ruse. Despite the Gibeonites’ deceptive treaty with the Israelites earlier in the chapter, Joshua spares their lives as a direct result of Israel’s sworn promise in the name of the LORD. In doing so, Joshua shows a commitment to honor the oath made before God, even though Israel had been tricked (Joshua 9:14-15). For Joshua—Moses’ chosen successor who led the Israelites after Moses’ death around 1406 BC—maintaining faithfulness to the word sworn in God’s name is vital, reflecting God’s own faithfulness.
In the broader context of Joshua 9, the Gibeonites, who hailed from Gibeon (located northwest of Jerusalem in the hill country of ancient Canaan), feared the military might of Israel and cleverly disguised themselves as weary travelers in order to secure peace. By sparing them, Joshua delivered them from the hands of the sons of Israel (v.26). This act prevented the Israelites from violating their oath and reminded everyone that God’s people must keep their commitments, even when the circumstances turn out differently than expected. Historically, this event fits within the era of Israel’s conquest of Canaan, likely late 15th century BC, allowing the nation to establish itself in the Promised Land.
Yet Joshua also ensures that justice is carried out in a practical sense by assigning the Gibeonites to labor for the congregation, preserving their lives but subtly indicating the consequences of their deceit (Joshua 9:27). Through this, we see God’s mercy in safeguarding the Gibeonites, hinting at a future promise of wider inclusion among God’s people (Galatians 3:28). The narrative demonstrates how human error does not thwart God’s plan and how commitment to one’s word can reflect God’s covenant faithfulness.
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Joshua 9:26 meaning
Thus he did to them, and delivered them from the hands of the sons of Israel, and they did not kill them. (v.26) These words describe Joshua’s action toward the Gibeonites after discovering their ruse. Despite the Gibeonites’ deceptive treaty with the Israelites earlier in the chapter, Joshua spares their lives as a direct result of Israel’s sworn promise in the name of the LORD. In doing so, Joshua shows a commitment to honor the oath made before God, even though Israel had been tricked (Joshua 9:14-15). For Joshua—Moses’ chosen successor who led the Israelites after Moses’ death around 1406 BC—maintaining faithfulness to the word sworn in God’s name is vital, reflecting God’s own faithfulness.
In the broader context of Joshua 9, the Gibeonites, who hailed from Gibeon (located northwest of Jerusalem in the hill country of ancient Canaan), feared the military might of Israel and cleverly disguised themselves as weary travelers in order to secure peace. By sparing them, Joshua delivered them from the hands of the sons of Israel (v.26). This act prevented the Israelites from violating their oath and reminded everyone that God’s people must keep their commitments, even when the circumstances turn out differently than expected. Historically, this event fits within the era of Israel’s conquest of Canaan, likely late 15th century BC, allowing the nation to establish itself in the Promised Land.
Yet Joshua also ensures that justice is carried out in a practical sense by assigning the Gibeonites to labor for the congregation, preserving their lives but subtly indicating the consequences of their deceit (Joshua 9:27). Through this, we see God’s mercy in safeguarding the Gibeonites, hinting at a future promise of wider inclusion among God’s people (Galatians 3:28). The narrative demonstrates how human error does not thwart God’s plan and how commitment to one’s word can reflect God’s covenant faithfulness.