King James Version
Joshua 9
27 verses with commentary
The Gibeonite Deception
And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof;
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KJV Study Commentary
The coalition forming against Israel shows how God's people's victories provoke opposition. 'All the kings...on this side Jordan' represents unified Canaanite response to Israel's threat. The geographic catalog (hills, valleys, coasts, Lebanon) indicates comprehensive alliance across diverse terrain and peoples. The list 'Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites' represen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**IX.**
PREPARATIONS OF THE CANAANITES FOR WAR.
(1, 2) These verses record the general preparation of the natives of Canaan for the last struggle with Joshua.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. Moses ... died--**After having governed the Israelites forty years.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The kings combine against Israel.(1-2)
The Gibeonites apply for peace.(3-13)
They obtain peace, but are soon detected.(14-21)
The Gibeonites are to be bondmen.(22-27)
**Verses 1-2**
Hitherto the Canaanites had defended themselves, but here they consult to attack Israel. Their minds were blinded, and their hearts hardened to their destruction. Tho...
Read full commentary →That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord. accord: Heb. mouth
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KJV Study Commentary
The kings gather 'to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord.' The phrase 'one accord' (<em>peh echad</em>, פֶּה אֶחָד—literally 'one mouth') indicates complete unity of purpose. These normally competitive city-states present a united front. Their identification of both Joshua (leader) and Israel (nation) as targets shows they recognized the threat's dual nature: human leadership and di...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. he buried him--**or, "he was buried in a valley," that is, a ravine or gorge of the Pisgah. Some think that he entered a cave and there died, being, according to an ancient tradition of Jews and Christians, buried by angels (Jude 9; Nu 21:20).
**no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day--**This concealment seems to have been owing to a special and wise arrangement of Providence, to prev...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The kings combine against Israel.(1-2)
The Gibeonites apply for peace.(3-13)
They obtain peace, but are soon detected.(14-21)
The Gibeonites are to be bondmen.(22-27)
**Verses 1-2**
Hitherto the Canaanites had defended themselves, but here they consult to attack Israel. Their minds were blinded, and their hearts hardened to their destruction. Tho...
Read full commentary →And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up;</strong><br><br>The Gibeonite deception introduces a complex ethical situation testing Israel's discernment and covenant faithfulness. The phrase "di...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
THE GIBEONITES MAKE PEACE WITH JOSHUA (Joshua 9:3-27).
(3) **The inhabitants of Gibeon.**—Hivites, as appears by Joshua 9:7. Gibeon was one member of a tetrapolis, or community of four cities, as is seen in Joshua 9:17. Their deception of Joshua and the Israelites on this occasion is a curious compensation for what was done by Simeon and Levi to the Hivites long before, when Jacob first came to Sh...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-13**
Other people heard these tidings, and were driven thereby to make war upon Israel; but the Gibeonites were led to make peace with them. Thus the discovery of the glory and the grace of God in the gospel, is to some a savour of life unto life, but to others a savour of death unto death, 2Co 2:16. The same sun softens wax and hardens clay. The falsehood of the Gibeonites cannot b...
Read full commentary →They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up;
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KJV Study Commentary
The Gibeonites, hearing of Israel's victories, employ deception: 'they did work wilily.' The Hebrew עָרְמָה (ormah) means craftiness, shrewdness—the same word describing the serpent in Eden (Genesis 3:1). This linguistic connection hints at deception's sinful nature. Their strategy: 'made as if they had been ambassadors'—elaborate disguise creating false narrative. The phrase suggests they not onl...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **They did work wilily.**—Literally, *and they *also *dealt with subtilty. *The stratagem does not seem a very profound one, or one that would have been difficult to detect. But we may remember a fact of Israel’s experience which puts it in a somewhat different light. The Israelites themselves had come from a far country, but their raiment had not “waxed old upon them,” nor did “their feet swe...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. wept for Moses ... thirty days--**Seven days was the usual period of mourning, but for persons in high rank or official eminence, it was extended to thirty (Ge 50:3-10; Nu 20:29).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-13**
Other people heard these tidings, and were driven thereby to make war upon Israel; but the Gibeonites were led to make peace with them. Thus the discovery of the glory and the grace of God in the gospel, is to some a savour of life unto life, but to others a savour of death unto death, 2Co 2:16. The same sun softens wax and hardens clay. The falsehood of the Gibeonites cannot b...
Read full commentary →And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy.
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KJV Study Commentary
The Gibeonites' props: 'old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy.' Every detail designed to suggest long travel from distant lands. The Hebrew נָקוּד (naqud—moldy, crumbled) describes bread's deteriorated state. The comprehensive nature (shoes, garments, bread) shows thoroughness in deception—no detail overlooked. Th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Clouted**—*i.e.,* patched.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. Joshua ... was full of the spirit of wisdom--**He was appointed to a peculiar and extraordinary office. He was not the successor of Moses, for he was not a prophet or civil ruler, but the general or leader, called to head the people in the war of invasion and the subsequent allocation of the tribes.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-13**
Other people heard these tidings, and were driven thereby to make war upon Israel; but the Gibeonites were led to make peace with them. Thus the discovery of the glory and the grace of God in the gospel, is to some a savour of life unto life, but to others a savour of death unto death, 2Co 2:16. The same sun softens wax and hardens clay. The falsehood of the Gibeonites cannot b...
Read full commentary →And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us.
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KJV Study Commentary
The Gibeonites approach Israel's camp at Gilgal and petition Joshua: 'We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us.' Their opening claim—distance of origin—is the crucial lie on which the entire deception depends. The Hebrew מֵאֶרֶץ רְחוֹקָה (me'eretz rechoqah—from a far land) repeats the distance emphasis. The request for a league (בְּרִית, berit—covenant, treaty) invokes...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-12. there arose not a prophet since--**In whatever light we view this extraordinary man, the eulogy pronounced in these inspired words will appear just. No Hebrew prophet or ruler equalled him in character or official dignity, or in knowledge of God's will and opportunities of announcing it.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-13**
Other people heard these tidings, and were driven thereby to make war upon Israel; but the Gibeonites were led to make peace with them. Thus the discovery of the glory and the grace of God in the gospel, is to some a savour of life unto life, but to others a savour of death unto death, 2Co 2:16. The same sun softens wax and hardens clay. The falsehood of the Gibeonites cannot b...
Read full commentary →And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?
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KJV Study Commentary
Israel's initial skepticism: 'Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?' The men of Israel demonstrate caution, questioning whether the Gibeonites are actually near neighbors—which would disqualify them from treaties (Deuteronomy 20:16-17). The Hebrew אוּלַי (ulai—perhaps, peradventure) expresses uncertainty requiring clarification. This initial suspicion shows Israe...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?**—Literally, *Peradventure thou art a dweller in the midst of me; and how shall I make a covenant with thee? *The Israelites assume the ownership of Canaan as already theirs.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-12. there arose not a prophet since--**In whatever light we view this extraordinary man, the eulogy pronounced in these inspired words will appear just. No Hebrew prophet or ruler equalled him in character or official dignity, or in knowledge of God's will and opportunities of announcing it.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-13**
Other people heard these tidings, and were driven thereby to make war upon Israel; but the Gibeonites were led to make peace with them. Thus the discovery of the glory and the grace of God in the gospel, is to some a savour of life unto life, but to others a savour of death unto death, 2Co 2:16. The same sun softens wax and hardens clay. The falsehood of the Gibeonites cannot b...
Read full commentary →And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye?
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KJV Study Commentary
The Gibeonites' response: 'Thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt.' This answer brilliantly deflects the question while appearing pious. Notice: they don't directly answer 'where are you from?'—the crucial question. Instead, they testify about Yahweh's reputation and works, establishing theological common groun...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-12. there arose not a prophet since--**In whatever light we view this extraordinary man, the eulogy pronounced in these inspired words will appear just. No Hebrew prophet or ruler equalled him in character or official dignity, or in knowledge of God's will and opportunities of announcing it.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-13**
Other people heard these tidings, and were driven thereby to make war upon Israel; but the Gibeonites were led to make peace with them. Thus the discovery of the glory and the grace of God in the gospel, is to some a savour of life unto life, but to others a savour of death unto death, 2Co 2:16. The same sun softens wax and hardens clay. The falsehood of the Gibeonites cannot b...
Read full commentary →And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Gibeonites catalog God's works: 'And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth.' The specific naming of Sihon and Og with their cities shows detailed intelligence. These were recent victories (Numbers 21), making the knowledge current. The phrase 'beyond Jordan' (Transjordan) correctly locat...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9, 10) **All that he did in Egypt, and . . . to the two kings of the Amorites.**—The Gibeonites carefully abstain from referring to more recent exploits, as the passage of Jordan, the taking of Jericho and Ai; they mention only those which might have had time to reach them in the “far country” from which they asserted that they came.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-13**
Other people heard these tidings, and were driven thereby to make war upon Israel; but the Gibeonites were led to make peace with them. Thus the discovery of the glory and the grace of God in the gospel, is to some a savour of life unto life, but to others a savour of death unto death, 2Co 2:16. The same sun softens wax and hardens clay. The falsehood of the Gibeonites cannot b...
Read full commentary →And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth.
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KJV Study Commentary
The Gibeonites continue: 'Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us.' The fabricated narrative includes elders' counsel and communal decision—adding layers of fictitious detail that sound authentic. The instruction to 't...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-13**
Other people heard these tidings, and were driven thereby to make war upon Israel; but the Gibeonites were led to make peace with them. Thus the discovery of the glory and the grace of God in the gospel, is to some a savour of life unto life, but to others a savour of death unto death, 2Co 2:16. The same sun softens wax and hardens clay. The falsehood of the Gibeonites cannot b...
Read full commentary →Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us. with you: Heb. in your hand
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KJV Study Commentary
The Gibeonites present evidence: 'This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy.' The staged evidence—'hot' bread now moldy—provides timeline suggesting long journey. The Hebrew קָלוּי (qalui—hot, roasted) indicates fresh-baked bread, implying departure timing. The comparison 'then versus now' in...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
THE BOOK OF JOSHUA.
Commentary by Robert Jamieson
CHAPTER 1 Jos 1:1-18. The Lord Appoints Joshua to Succeed Moses.
**1. Now after the death of Moses--**Joshua, having been already appointed and designated leader of Israel (Nu 27:18-23), in all probability assumed the reins of government immediately "after the death of Moses."
**the servant of the Lord--**This was the official title of Moses ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-13**
Other people heard these tidings, and were driven thereby to make war upon Israel; but the Gibeonites were led to make peace with them. Thus the discovery of the glory and the grace of God in the gospel, is to some a savour of life unto life, but to others a savour of death unto death, 2Co 2:16. The same sun softens wax and hardens clay. The falsehood of the Gibeonites cannot b...
Read full commentary →This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
More evidence: 'And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.' The wineskins (<em>oboth</em>, אֹבוֹת—leather containers) were 'new' when filled but now 'rent' (torn, split). Old wineskins became brittle and split (Jesus later uses this imagery, Matthew 9:17). The garments and ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-9. now therefore arise, go over this Jordan--**Joshua's mission was that of a military leader. This passage records his call to begin the work, and the address contains a literal repetition of the promise made to Moses (De 11:24, 25; 31:6-8, 23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-13**
Other people heard these tidings, and were driven thereby to make war upon Israel; but the Gibeonites were led to make peace with them. Thus the discovery of the glory and the grace of God in the gospel, is to some a savour of life unto life, but to others a savour of death unto death, 2Co 2:16. The same sun softens wax and hardens clay. The falsehood of the Gibeonites cannot b...
Read full commentary →And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>These bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent</strong>—The Gibeonites' deception included <strong>wine bottles</strong> (נֹאדוֹת, <em>no'dot</em>)—goatskin containers that crack and tear with age and use. The word <strong>rent</strong> (בָּקַע, <em>baqa'</em>, torn/split) added visual proof to their false claim of a distant origin. Their <strong>garments and s...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-9. now therefore arise, go over this Jordan--**Joshua's mission was that of a military leader. This passage records his call to begin the work, and the address contains a literal repetition of the promise made to Moses (De 11:24, 25; 31:6-8, 23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-13**
Other people heard these tidings, and were driven thereby to make war upon Israel; but the Gibeonites were led to make peace with them. Thus the discovery of the glory and the grace of God in the gospel, is to some a savour of life unto life, but to others a savour of death unto death, 2Co 2:16. The same sun softens wax and hardens clay. The falsehood of the Gibeonites cannot b...
Read full commentary →And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD. the men: or, they received the men by reason of their victuals
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD. And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.</strong><br><br>This verse identifies the critical failure that led to covenant compromise: "asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD." The Hebrew phrase <em>lo sha'alu befi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **And the men took of their victuals.**—*And they accepted the men from *(the appearance of) *their provisions. *This, which is the view taken in our marginal reading, seems to be the more probable interpretation, and follows the Targum. “The men” can hardly refer to any one but the ambassadors of the Gibeonites.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-9. now therefore arise, go over this Jordan--**Joshua's mission was that of a military leader. This passage records his call to begin the work, and the address contains a literal repetition of the promise made to Moses (De 11:24, 25; 31:6-8, 23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
The Israelites, having examined the provisions of the Gibeonites, hastily concluded that they confirmed their account. We make more haste than good speed, when we stay not to take God with us, and do not consult him by the word and prayer. The fraud was soon found out. A lying tongue is but for a moment. Had the oath been in itself unlawful, it would not have been binding; for...
Read full commentary →And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.
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KJV Study Commentary
Israel's fateful decision: 'Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.' The phrase 'made peace' (<em>asah shalom</em>, עָשָׂה שָׁלוֹם) establishes formal treaty. The 'league' (<em>berit</em>, בְּרִית—covenant) invokes sacred oath. The commitment 'to let them live' specifically grants protection from the <em>chere...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-9. now therefore arise, go over this Jordan--**Joshua's mission was that of a military leader. This passage records his call to begin the work, and the address contains a literal repetition of the promise made to Moses (De 11:24, 25; 31:6-8, 23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
The Israelites, having examined the provisions of the Gibeonites, hastily concluded that they confirmed their account. We make more haste than good speed, when we stay not to take God with us, and do not consult him by the word and prayer. The fraud was soon found out. A lying tongue is but for a moment. Had the oath been in itself unlawful, it would not have been binding; for...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them.
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KJV Study Commentary
Discovery: 'at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them.' The timing 'three days' suggests the deception lasted only briefly before discovery. The verb 'heard' (<em>shama</em>, שָׁמַע) indicates report or intelligence reaching Joshua—perhaps from scouts or Israelites who recognized the Gibeonites. The r...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Their neighbours, and they that dwelt among them.**—Literally, *and that they *(the Gibeonites) *were dwellers in the midst of him *(Israel). (So Joshua 9:7.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-9. now therefore arise, go over this Jordan--**Joshua's mission was that of a military leader. This passage records his call to begin the work, and the address contains a literal repetition of the promise made to Moses (De 11:24, 25; 31:6-8, 23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
The Israelites, having examined the provisions of the Gibeonites, hastily concluded that they confirmed their account. We make more haste than good speed, when we stay not to take God with us, and do not consult him by the word and prayer. The fraud was soon found out. A lying tongue is but for a moment. Had the oath been in itself unlawful, it would not have been binding; for...
Read full commentary →And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Investigation: 'the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjath-jearim.' The verb 'journeyed' (<em>nasa</em>, נָסַע) indicates Israel actively investigated, traveling to verify the report. The 'third day' creates timeline—hear report, travel to cities, confirm proximity all within three days of tre...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjath-jearim.**—The first three of these were assigned to Benjamin (Joshua 18:25-26), the last to Judah (15:60), in the division of the land. The fact that the larger portion of the territory of the Gibeonites was in the tribe of Benjamin explains how Saul was tempted to confiscate their possessions for the purpose of supplying his followers with fi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-9. now therefore arise, go over this Jordan--**Joshua's mission was that of a military leader. This passage records his call to begin the work, and the address contains a literal repetition of the promise made to Moses (De 11:24, 25; 31:6-8, 23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
The Israelites, having examined the provisions of the Gibeonites, hastily concluded that they confirmed their account. We make more haste than good speed, when we stay not to take God with us, and do not consult him by the word and prayer. The fraud was soon found out. A lying tongue is but for a moment. Had the oath been in itself unlawful, it would not have been binding; for...
Read full commentary →And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes. But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.</strong><br><br>Despite discovering the deception, Israel honored t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-9. now therefore arise, go over this Jordan--**Joshua's mission was that of a military leader. This passage records his call to begin the work, and the address contains a literal repetition of the promise made to Moses (De 11:24, 25; 31:6-8, 23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
The Israelites, having examined the provisions of the Gibeonites, hastily concluded that they confirmed their account. We make more haste than good speed, when we stay not to take God with us, and do not consult him by the word and prayer. The fraud was soon found out. A lying tongue is but for a moment. Had the oath been in itself unlawful, it would not have been binding; for...
Read full commentary →But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>All the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel</strong>—The verb <strong>sworn</strong> (נִשְׁבַּעְנוּ, <em>nishba'nu</em>) invokes God's name in oath-making, creating a binding covenant. The phrase <strong>by the LORD God of Israel</strong> (בַּיהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, <em>ba-YHWH Elohei Yisra'el</em>) emphasizes that the oath's authorit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **We have sworn unto them . . . therefore we may not touch them.**—Although the covenant was obtained from the Israelites by false pretences, yet, being made in the name of Jehovah, it could not be broken; it was His covenant. “He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not,” is commended in Psalm 15:4. We should notice that the law of Jehovah had raised the tone of morality in this parti...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-9. now therefore arise, go over this Jordan--**Joshua's mission was that of a military leader. This passage records his call to begin the work, and the address contains a literal repetition of the promise made to Moses (De 11:24, 25; 31:6-8, 23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
The Israelites, having examined the provisions of the Gibeonites, hastily concluded that they confirmed their account. We make more haste than good speed, when we stay not to take God with us, and do not consult him by the word and prayer. The fraud was soon found out. A lying tongue is but for a moment. Had the oath been in itself unlawful, it would not have been binding; for...
Read full commentary →This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them</strong>—The phrase <strong>lest wrath be upon us</strong> (וְלֹא־יִהְיֶה עָלֵינוּ קֶצֶף, <em>v'lo-yihyeh aleinu qetzef</em>) reveals Israel's fear of divine judgment for oath-breaking. The word <strong>wrath</strong> (<em>qetzef</em>) describes God's fierce anger agains...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-18. Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people--**These were the Shoterim (see on Ex 5:6; De 20:5).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
The Israelites, having examined the provisions of the Gibeonites, hastily concluded that they confirmed their account. We make more haste than good speed, when we stay not to take God with us, and do not consult him by the word and prayer. The fraud was soon found out. A lying tongue is but for a moment. Had the oath been in itself unlawful, it would not have been binding; for...
Read full commentary →And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.</strong> This verse records the resolution of the Gibeonite deception (Joshua 9:3-27). The Hebrew phrase <em>chotvei etzim</em> (חֹטְבֵי עֵצִים, "hewers of wood") and <em>sho'avei mayim</em> (שֹׁאֲבֵי מַיִם, "drawers of water") desc...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-18. Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people--**These were the Shoterim (see on Ex 5:6; De 20:5).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
The Israelites, having examined the provisions of the Gibeonites, hastily concluded that they confirmed their account. We make more haste than good speed, when we stay not to take God with us, and do not consult him by the word and prayer. The fraud was soon found out. A lying tongue is but for a moment. Had the oath been in itself unlawful, it would not have been binding; for...
Read full commentary →And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you; when ye dwell among us?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Wherefore have ye beguiled us</strong> (לָמָּה רִמִּיתֶם, lamah rimitem)—the verb רָמָה (ramah) means to deceive or betray, the same word used of Jacob's deception of Isaac (Genesis 27:35). Joshua's confrontation exposed the Gibeonites' elaborate ruse: worn-out provisions, patched wineskins, and false claims of distant origins (vv. 4-13). Their deception succeeded because Israel 'asked not...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-18. Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people--**These were the Shoterim (see on Ex 5:6; De 20:5).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-27**
The Gibeonites do not justify their lie, but plead that they did it to save their lives. And the fear was not merely of the power of man; one might flee from that to the Divine protection; but of the power of God himself, which they saw engaged against them. Joshua sentences them to perpetual bondage. They must be servants, but any work becomes honourable, when it is done for ...
Read full commentary →Now therefore ye are cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God. none: Heb. not be cut off from you
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now therefore ye are cursed</strong> (וְעַתָּה אֲרוּרִים אַתֶּם, ve'atah arurim atem)—Joshua pronounced a perpetual curse making the Gibeonites temple servants. The specific tasks—<strong>hewers of wood and drawers of water</strong> (חֹטְבֵי עֵצִים וְשֹׁאֲבֵי מַיִם, chotevei etzim vesho'avei mayim)—were menial labors supporting tabernacle worship. This curse paradoxically became blessing: ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.**—The precedent established in regard to the Gibeonites appears to have been followed by Solomon in his dealings with all the remnant of the doomed nations of Canaan who were not destroyed. (See 1Kings 9:20-21; 2Chronicles 8:7-8.) It is thought that they are to be recognised in the Nethinim of Ezra and Nehemiah, who c...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-18. Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people--**These were the Shoterim (see on Ex 5:6; De 20:5).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-27**
The Gibeonites do not justify their lie, but plead that they did it to save their lives. And the fear was not merely of the power of man; one might flee from that to the Divine protection; but of the power of God himself, which they saw engaged against them. Joshua sentences them to perpetual bondage. They must be servants, but any work becomes honourable, when it is done for ...
Read full commentary →And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded... to destroy all the inhabitants</strong>—the Gibeonites' theological awareness is remarkable. They knew not merely Israel's military prowess but the divine mandate behind the conquest (הִשָּׁמֵד, hisshamed—to utterly destroy). Their phrase <strong>we were sore afraid of our lives</strong> (וַנִּירָא מְאֹד לְנ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-18. Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people--**These were the Shoterim (see on Ex 5:6; De 20:5).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-27**
The Gibeonites do not justify their lie, but plead that they did it to save their lives. And the fear was not merely of the power of man; one might flee from that to the Divine protection; but of the power of God himself, which they saw engaged against them. Joshua sentences them to perpetual bondage. They must be servants, but any work becomes honourable, when it is done for ...
Read full commentary →And now, behold, we are in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>We are in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do</strong> (הִנֵּנוּ בְיָדֶךָ כַּטּוֹב וְכַיָּשָׁר בְּעֵינֶיךָ, hinenu veyadecha katov vekhayashar be'einecha)—complete surrender to Joshua's judgment. The phrase 'in thine hand' (בְיָדֶךָ, veyadecha) appears frequently in Scripture as submission to authority (Genesis 16:6, 1 Samuel 24:4). The doubled expression '...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-18. Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people--**These were the Shoterim (see on Ex 5:6; De 20:5).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-27**
The Gibeonites do not justify their lie, but plead that they did it to save their lives. And the fear was not merely of the power of man; one might flee from that to the Divine protection; but of the power of God himself, which they saw engaged against them. Joshua sentences them to perpetual bondage. They must be servants, but any work becomes honourable, when it is done for ...
Read full commentary →And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel</strong>—Joshua's protection of the Gibeonites upheld covenant integrity despite their deception. The verb נָצַל (natsal, 'delivered') often describes divine rescue from enemies. Joshua's intervention prevented mob justice, establishing rule of law over vengeful impulses. The Israelites wanted to attack t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-18. Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people--**These were the Shoterim (see on Ex 5:6; De 20:5).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-27**
The Gibeonites do not justify their lie, but plead that they did it to save their lives. And the fear was not merely of the power of man; one might flee from that to the Divine protection; but of the power of God himself, which they saw engaged against them. Joshua sentences them to perpetual bondage. They must be servants, but any work becomes honourable, when it is done for ...
Read full commentary →And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose. made: Heb. gave, or, delivered to be
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.</strong><br><br>Joshua's assignment of the Gibeonites to menial service created a lasting memorial to both God's judgment on Canaanite deception and His providential redemption of those who sought refuge with Israel....
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-18. Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people--**These were the Shoterim (see on Ex 5:6; De 20:5).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-27**
The Gibeonites do not justify their lie, but plead that they did it to save their lives. And the fear was not merely of the power of man; one might flee from that to the Divine protection; but of the power of God himself, which they saw engaged against them. Joshua sentences them to perpetual bondage. They must be servants, but any work becomes honourable, when it is done for ...
Read full commentary →