The Wise Gibeonites

MANY of the cities in Ca'naan get ready to fight against Israel. They think that they can win. But the people in the nearby city of Gib'eon do think so. They believe that God is helping the Israelites, and they do not want to fight against God. So do you know what the Gib'e-on-ites do?

They decide to make it look as if they live somewhere very far away.  So some of the men put on ragged clothes and worn-out sandals.  They load their donkeys with worn-out sacks, and take some old dry bread.  Then they go to Joshua and say: 'We have come from a very distant land, because we heard about your great God, Jehovah. We heard all the things he did for you in Egypt. So our leaders told us to get some food ready for a trip to go and say to you:  "We are your servants. Promise that you will not make war with us."  You can see  that our clothes are worn out from the long trip and that our bread had become old and dry .'

Joshua and the other leaders believe the Gib'e-on-ites. So they promise not to fight against them. But three days later they learn that the Gib'e-on-ites  really live nearby. 

Next time: Conclusion of The Wise Gibeonites

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