This verse underscores how Joshua balanced caution with leadership.
“But they said to Joshua, ‘We are your servants.’ Then Joshua said to them, ‘Who are you and where do you come from?’” (v.8)
Here, Joshua is confronted by a group of people who claim to be his loyal subjects. The phrase “We are your servants” (v.8) indicates a humble approach, suggesting they are placing themselves under his authority to gain his favor. At this point in Israel’s history, Joshua is the national leader who assumed command after Moses (circa 1406 BC), guiding the Israelites into the Land of Canaan. His question, “Who are you and where do you come from?” (v.8) shows a desire for clarity and authenticity. He needs to verify the legitimacy of their claim, which reaffirms Joshua’s leadership role: he has both the responsibility and the right to question those who step into his sphere of influence.
In the broader context of the Book of Joshua, these visitors are identified as part of a people inhabiting the region around Gibeon—an area roughly five to six miles northwest of Jerusalem in the central hill country of Israel. They craft a story that they came from a distant region, out of fear of Joshua’s God, who delivered Israel through many remarkable events. Joshua’s challenge, “where do you come from?” (v.8), hints at his desire to protect the Israelites from being entangled with neighboring nations that worship false gods Deuteronomy 7:1-2). His leadership in 1400 BC aligns with the period during which Israel was conquering Canaan according to God’s promise and command Deuteronomy 31:23).
The verse also reflects the repeated biblical theme of outsiders seeking help from the God of Israel, which parallels the New Testament call for people from every nation to come to Christ Matthew 28:19). By saying “We are your servants” (v.8), these strangers position themselves with a humility that will later reveal more about their motives and the nature of God’s relationship with non-Israelites.
Set to dark mode
Joshua 9:8 meaning
“But they said to Joshua, ‘We are your servants.’ Then Joshua said to them, ‘Who are you and where do you come from?’” (v.8)
Here, Joshua is confronted by a group of people who claim to be his loyal subjects. The phrase “We are your servants” (v.8) indicates a humble approach, suggesting they are placing themselves under his authority to gain his favor. At this point in Israel’s history, Joshua is the national leader who assumed command after Moses (circa 1406 BC), guiding the Israelites into the Land of Canaan. His question, “Who are you and where do you come from?” (v.8) shows a desire for clarity and authenticity. He needs to verify the legitimacy of their claim, which reaffirms Joshua’s leadership role: he has both the responsibility and the right to question those who step into his sphere of influence.
In the broader context of the Book of Joshua, these visitors are identified as part of a people inhabiting the region around Gibeon—an area roughly five to six miles northwest of Jerusalem in the central hill country of Israel. They craft a story that they came from a distant region, out of fear of Joshua’s God, who delivered Israel through many remarkable events. Joshua’s challenge, “where do you come from?” (v.8), hints at his desire to protect the Israelites from being entangled with neighboring nations that worship false gods Deuteronomy 7:1-2). His leadership in 1400 BC aligns with the period during which Israel was conquering Canaan according to God’s promise and command Deuteronomy 31:23).
The verse also reflects the repeated biblical theme of outsiders seeking help from the God of Israel, which parallels the New Testament call for people from every nation to come to Christ Matthew 28:19). By saying “We are your servants” (v.8), these strangers position themselves with a humility that will later reveal more about their motives and the nature of God’s relationship with non-Israelites.