Joshua 9:6-15

God had not forbidden the Israelites from making peace treaties with non-Canaanite peoples (Deuteronomy 20:11), but He had expressly commanded them not to make treaties with the native Canaanite tribes (Exodus 23:32; Exodus 34:12; Numbers 33:55; Deuteronomy 7:2).

The Gibeonites deceived the Israelites with their diffident spirit (Joshua 9:8), as well as with their food and clothing (Joshua 9:12-13). They pretended to fear Yahweh, too, the highest motive for allying with Israel (Joshua 9:9-10), but their objective was to save their own lives.

On the surface, granting the Gibeonites’ request seemed within the Mosaic Law. Consequently the Israelites took some of their food, possibly to inspect it at least (Joshua 9:14). If they ate it with them, this eating may have been part of a covenantal agreement. This custom was common in the ancient Near East (Joshua 9:15; cf. Genesis 31:54). [Note: Livingston, p. 157.] The Israelites sealed the treaty with a solemn promise to preserve the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:15). The writer clearly identified the reason the Gibeonites were successful in deceiving Israel. The Israelites "did not ask for the counsel of the Lord" (Joshua 9:14; Numbers 27:21; cf. James 4:2). Though they had learned that obedience was necessary for victory at Jericho and Ai, they had not yet learned that they needed divine guidance at every step (cf. John 15:5).

"Ironically, of all people, Joshua failed to inquire of the Lord. Joshua had gone up the mountain of revelation with Moses (Exodus 24:13-14); and in his preparation for leadership, he had been trained in the use of the Urim and Thummim for determining the will of God (Numbers 27:18-21). How easy it is even in the service of the Lord to take God’s guidance and blessing for granted!" [Note: Madvig, p. 297.]

". . . no proposed course of conduct can be so clear to a Christian as to excuse him from the duty of seeking direction from above." [Note: Bush, p. 105. Italics eliminated.]