Joshua 9:8 - They said to Joshua, “We are your servants.” Joshua said to them, “Who are you? Where do you come from?”
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What does "Joshua 9:8" mean?
This verse from Joshua 9:8 is the beginning of a deceptive encounter. It's crucial to understand the context:
Background: Joshua and the Israelites have been conquering Canaan, and the inhabitants are terrified. God has promised the Israelites this land.
The Gibeonites' Strategy: The Gibeonites, realizing they are at risk, decide to trick the Israelites into making a treaty with them.
The Deception: The Gibeonites present themselves as travelers from a far-off land. They dress in worn-out clothes and carry old provisions to reinforce this lie.
Meaning of the Verse:
"They said to Joshua, 'We are your servants.'" This is the Gibeonites' initial attempt to flatter Joshua and show submission. Their intention is to avoid being attacked and possibly even be spared if they appear to be willing to serve the Israelites.
"Joshua said to them, 'Who are you? Where do you come from?'" Joshua's response shows that he is cautious and questioning their claims. He needs to know their identity and origin to assess whether they are a threat or whether they are a group he's allowed to make a treaty with. According to God's command, Israel was not supposed to make treaties with the people of Canaan.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for the Gibeonites' elaborate deception and Joshua's attempt to verify their story. The irony is that Joshua and the elders of Israel will eventually fall for their trickery, leading to a treaty that they cannot break. This incident highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance and thorough investigation before making important decisions.
Joshua 9:8 - They said to Joshua, “We are your servants.” Joshua said to them, “Who are you? Where do you come from?”
What does "Joshua 9:8" mean?
This verse from Joshua 9:8 is the beginning of a deceptive encounter. It's crucial to understand the context:
Background: Joshua and the Israelites have been conquering Canaan, and the inhabitants are terrified. God has promised the Israelites this land.
The Gibeonites' Strategy: The Gibeonites, realizing they are at risk, decide to trick the Israelites into making a treaty with them.
The Deception: The Gibeonites present themselves as travelers from a far-off land. They dress in worn-out clothes and carry old provisions to reinforce this lie.
Meaning of the Verse:
"They said to Joshua, 'We are your servants.'" This is the Gibeonites' initial attempt to flatter Joshua and show submission. Their intention is to avoid being attacked and possibly even be spared if they appear to be willing to serve the Israelites.
"Joshua said to them, 'Who are you? Where do you come from?'" Joshua's response shows that he is cautious and questioning their claims. He needs to know their identity and origin to assess whether they are a threat or whether they are a group he's allowed to make a treaty with. According to God's command, Israel was not supposed to make treaties with the people of Canaan.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for the Gibeonites' elaborate deception and Joshua's attempt to verify their story. The irony is that Joshua and the elders of Israel will eventually fall for their trickery, leading to a treaty that they cannot break. This incident highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance and thorough investigation before making important decisions.