BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

With defeated Jericho and Ai behind them, Israel’s soldiers turn their sights to the rest of the promised land. Immediately, they make a mistake. The people of Gibeon trick Israel into making an alliance with them. Instead of consulting Yahweh, Israel’s leaders do what’s right in their own eyes. The Gibeonites’ frayed clothes and stale bread fool them into swearing an oath of peace, exactly what Yahweh commanded Israel not to do with Canaanites.

After this temporary lapse in judgment, the Israelites learn a lesson and walk in step with Yahweh. Their obedience to Yahweh’s commands allows them to enjoy his intervention on their behalf.

Just as God rained hailstones upon Pharaoh and Egypt (Exod. 9:18-35), God now brings hailstones upon Israel’s oppressor in their battle against the Amorites. By Yahweh’s power, the sun “stands” in the sky, just like the waters of the Jordan “stood” to let the Israelites pass through as they entered Canaan (Josh. 3:16).

Here we see God as infinitely powerful over all creation. Israel’s victory over the Amorites illustrates the deeper idea that Yahweh will intervene in powerful ways when Israel is willing to trust him for deliverance. The power, life, and victory belong to Yahweh.

Reflection Questions

• Where else in the biblical story have you seen deceptions involving food or clothing? How do these incidents shape your understanding of the Gibeonites’ ruse in Joshua 9?
• In Genesis 15:16, God tells Abraham, “the fourth generation of your descendants will come back here [the promised land], for the sin of the Amorites [a Canaanite people group] has not yet reached its full measure.” What does this statement suggest about Israel’s conquest of Canaan? How does this help you understand the nature of God’s patience and justice?