Joshua 9:11 - Our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, ‘Take supplies in your hand for the journey, and go to meet them. Tell them, “We are your servants. Now make a covenant with us.”’
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What does "Joshua 9:11" mean?
This verse (Joshua 9:11) is part of the story of the Gibeonites tricking Joshua and the Israelites into making a treaty with them. Let's break down the meaning:
"Our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us...": This indicates that the request to seek a covenant came from the entire community, not just a single individual. It emphasizes the unified desire of the Gibeonites to avoid destruction.
"...saying, ‘Take supplies in your hand for the journey, and go to meet them...’": The elders instructed their representatives (the ones speaking to Joshua) to pack provisions for a long journey. This was part of their deception - they wanted to appear as if they were coming from a far-off land, which was not true. This detail adds to the elaborate nature of their ruse.
"Tell them, “We are your servants. Now make a covenant with us.”’": This is the core of their plea. They are offering to become servants of the Israelites in exchange for peace and protection. A "covenant" in this context is a formal agreement or treaty, often involving oaths and commitments from both parties. Their specific request is for the Israelites to promise not to destroy them.
In Summary:
The Gibeonites, knowing the Israelites' reputation for conquering Canaanite cities, realized they were in danger. To avoid being wiped out, they devised a plan to deceive Joshua into making a covenant of peace with them. This verse reveals the elders of the Gibeonites advising their envoys on how to present themselves as foreigners seeking a treaty of servitude with the Israelites.
This verse is important because:
It highlights the Gibeonites' desperation: They were willing to become servants to avoid being killed.
It sets the stage for the deception: The verse explains how they were coached to lie about their origin.
It reveals the importance of covenants: The Gibeonites knew that if they could get Joshua to enter into a covenant, they would be safe, at least temporarily.
Contextual Significance:
Understanding this verse is crucial for interpreting the larger narrative in Joshua 9. Joshua and the Israelites, trusting the Gibeonites' false claims and without consulting God, made a covenant with them. This decision had significant consequences for the Israelites, as they were bound by their oath and had to protect the Gibeonites, even after discovering the deception. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking God's guidance before making important decisions and the importance of honesty.
Joshua 9:11 - Our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, ‘Take supplies in your hand for the journey, and go to meet them. Tell them, “We are your servants. Now make a covenant with us.”’
What does "Joshua 9:11" mean?
This verse (Joshua 9:11) is part of the story of the Gibeonites tricking Joshua and the Israelites into making a treaty with them. Let's break down the meaning:
"Our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us...": This indicates that the request to seek a covenant came from the entire community, not just a single individual. It emphasizes the unified desire of the Gibeonites to avoid destruction.
"...saying, ‘Take supplies in your hand for the journey, and go to meet them...’": The elders instructed their representatives (the ones speaking to Joshua) to pack provisions for a long journey. This was part of their deception - they wanted to appear as if they were coming from a far-off land, which was not true. This detail adds to the elaborate nature of their ruse.
"Tell them, “We are your servants. Now make a covenant with us.”’": This is the core of their plea. They are offering to become servants of the Israelites in exchange for peace and protection. A "covenant" in this context is a formal agreement or treaty, often involving oaths and commitments from both parties. Their specific request is for the Israelites to promise not to destroy them.
In Summary:
The Gibeonites, knowing the Israelites' reputation for conquering Canaanite cities, realized they were in danger. To avoid being wiped out, they devised a plan to deceive Joshua into making a covenant of peace with them. This verse reveals the elders of the Gibeonites advising their envoys on how to present themselves as foreigners seeking a treaty of servitude with the Israelites.
This verse is important because:
It highlights the Gibeonites' desperation: They were willing to become servants to avoid being killed.
It sets the stage for the deception: The verse explains how they were coached to lie about their origin.
It reveals the importance of covenants: The Gibeonites knew that if they could get Joshua to enter into a covenant, they would be safe, at least temporarily.
Contextual Significance:
Understanding this verse is crucial for interpreting the larger narrative in Joshua 9. Joshua and the Israelites, trusting the Gibeonites' false claims and without consulting God, made a covenant with them. This decision had significant consequences for the Israelites, as they were bound by their oath and had to protect the Gibeonites, even after discovering the deception. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking God's guidance before making important decisions and the importance of honesty.