King James Version

What Does Joshua 9:7 Mean?

Joshua 9:7 in the King James Version says “And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?”

Joshua 9:7 · KJV

Context

5

And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy.

6

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.

7

And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?

8

And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye?

9

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,

Read Joshua 9 full chapter

Commentary

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 Israel wasn't entirely gullible; they recognized the deception's possibility. Their question 'how shall we make a league' invokes legal reasoning: if you're near neighbors, covenant law forbids treaty. This shows Israel understood their own legal obligations regarding Canaanite cities. Yet tragically, they didn't pursue this legitimate suspicion adequately. Instead of investigating thoroughly or consulting God, they relied on visual evidence and Gibeonites' testimony. The passage teaches that initial discernment, even when accurate, proves worthless without follow-through. Suspecting deception isn't enough; one must act on suspicion through investigation and prayer.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The specific concern about dwelling 'among us' reflects Deuteronomy 20:16-18's command regarding near Canaanite cities: 'thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth...that they teach you not to do after all their abominations.' The rationale was theological, not merely political or military—preventing idolatrous influence on Israel. The Israelites' question shows awareness of this law and its implications. Ancient Near Eastern treaties distinguished between near and far relationships, often with different terms based on proximity. Israel's legal framework made this distinction absolute: near Canaanites must be destroyed; distant peoples could be offered peace. The Gibeonites' deception specifically targeted this legal loophole. The phrase 'how shall we make a league' indicates awareness that covenant oaths were binding—once sworn, they couldn't be violated without serious consequences. This theological seriousness about oath-keeping would later protect Gibeonites even after the deception was exposed. The passage thus teaches both the dangers of inadequate discernment and the importance of covenant faithfulness even when inconvenient.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you had legitimate suspicions but failed to investigate adequately?
  2. What is the relationship between discernment (recognizing potential deception) and wisdom (acting on discernment)?
  3. How do you balance suspicion that could become uncharitable cynicism with wisdom that protects against deception?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרוּ1 of 13

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אִֽישׁ2 of 13

“And the men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל3 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶל4 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַֽחִוִּ֑י5 of 13

“unto the Hivites”

H2340

a chivvite, one of the indigenous tribes of palestine

אוּלַ֗י6 of 13

“Peradventure”

H194

if not; hence perhaps

בְּקִרְבִּי֙7 of 13

“among”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

אַתָּ֣ה8 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יוֹשֵׁ֔ב9 of 13

“ye dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וְאֵ֖יךְ10 of 13
H349

how? or how!; also where

לְךָ֥11 of 13

“us and how shall we make”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לְךָ֥12 of 13

“us and how shall we make”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

בְרִֽית׃13 of 13

“a league”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 9:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 9:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 11:19Judges 2:2Genesis 10:17Exodus 23:31-33Joshua 9:1Genesis 34:2

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