What does the Bible say about gibeonites?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents the Gibeonites as Canaanites who secured Israel’s protection by deception, yet were spared because Israel’s leaders swore an oath in the Lord’s name. In Joshua 9:3-15, they pretended to come from a distant land, and Joshua made peace with them without seeking the Lord’s counsel. When their deception was discovered in Joshua 9:17-27, Israel honored its covenant rather than break a solemn oath, assigning the Gibeonites service at the sanctuary. Joshua 10:2 shows their alliance with Israel provoked neighboring kings. Later, 2 Samuel 21:2 teaches that Saul’s violence against them violated this covenant, bringing guilt upon Israel. God therefore commends truth, prayerful dependence, and covenant faithfulness.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Descended from the Hivites and Amorites Joshua 9:3; Joshua 9:7; 2 Samuel 21:2
- A mighty and warlike people Joshua 10:2
- Cities of Joshua 9:17
- Israel
- Deceived by Joshua 9:4-13
- Made a league with Joshua 9:15
- Spared on account of their oath Joshua 9:18; Joshua 9:19
- Appointed, hewers of wood, &c Joshua 9:20-27
- Attacked by the kings of Canaan Joshua 10:1-5
- Delivered by Israel Joshua 10:6-10
- Saul sought to destroy 2 Samuel 21:2
- Israel plagued for Saul’s cruelty to 2 Samuel 21:1
- Effected the destruction of the remnant of Saul’s house 2 Samuel 21:4-9
- The office of the Nethinim probably originated in 1 Chronicles 9:2
- Part of, returned from the captivity Nehemiah 7:25
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