The ruse of the Gibeonites
1The kings who lived west of the Jordan, on the mountain, on the plain and on the seacoast heard of these events. The Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites 2made a pact and came to an agreement to fight as one against Joshua and Israel.
3The inhabitants of Gibeon came to know what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, 4and decided to deceive the Israelites. They prepared provisions for themselves, loaded some worn-out, torn and mended sacks and wineskins on their asses, 5put on worn-out and patched sandals and clothes. For their journey, they brought some dry bread, broken into pieces. 6Then they went to Joshua, to the camp at Gilgal, and said to him: “We come from a far land to make a pact with you.”
7The Israelites answered: “Do you live near us? If so, then we cannot make a pact with you.” 8They answered Joshua: “We are your servants.” And Joshua asked them: “Who are you? Where do you come from?” 9They answered: “Your servants come from a very far country and through the greatness of Yahweh, your God, we came to know of his power and all that he did in Egypt 10and with the two kings of the Amorites who reigned in the eastern part of the Jordan — Sihon, the king of Heshbon, and Og, the king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth. 11The leaders and the rest of the inhabitants of our country told us: ‘Take provisions for a long journey, go out to meet them and say to them: We are your servants; may you make a covenant with us.’ 12Look at our bread which was warm when we took it from our houses to come and meet you, but see how dry it has become and how it has broken into pieces. 13These wineskins that we filled up with wine were new, now they are ripped and worn-out. The clothes and sandals that we use have worn out because of the very long journey.” 14The Israelites shared their food with them without having asked Yahweh what must be done. 15Joshua made a covenant with them without waiting for any answer from Yahweh. So he as well as the leaders of the community promised to let them live.
16Three days later, the Israelites learned that these people lived near their own territory. 17On hearing this, the Israelites set out and entered their cities: Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth and Kiriath-jearim. 18They spared their lives because of what the leaders of the people had sworn to them by the name of Yahweh. 19But all the people criticized their leaders. Then all the leaders said to them: “We have sworn by the name of Yahweh, therefore, we cannot kill them. 20But this we can do: we shall let them live so that the anger of Yahweh may not be upon us, 21but they shall serve by cutting firewood and fetching water for the community of Israel.”
22Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and told them about the decision of the leaders: “Why did you deceive us and say to us that you come from very far when in fact, you live right in our midst? 23Henceforth, you are cursed and shall always cut wood and fetch water for the House of my God.” 24The Gibeonites answered: “We came to know that Yahweh had commanded Moses to destroy all the inhabitants of the land he gave you. We were afraid so we opted for this measure. 25And now, we are in your hands: do with us whatever seems good and just to you.”
26Joshua fulfilled his promise and did not let the Israelites kill them. 27But from that day on, they cut firewood and fetched water for the whole community and for the altar of Yahweh in the place he would choose.
