1 The 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
2 made a pact and came to an agreement to fight as one against Joshua and Israel.
3 The inhabitants of Gibeon came to know what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai,
4 and decided to deceive the Israelites. They prepared provisions for themselves, loaded some worn-out, torn and mended sacks and wineskins on their asses,
5 put on worn-out and patched sandals and clothes. For their journey, they brought some dry bread, broken into pieces.
6 Then 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."
7 The Israelites answered: "Do you live near us? If so, then we cannot make a pact with you."
8 They answered Joshua: "We are your servants." And Joshua asked them: "Who are you? Where do you come from?"
9 They 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
10 and 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.
11 The 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.'
12 Look 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.
13 These 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."
14 The Israelites shared their food with them without having asked Yahweh what must be done.
15 Joshua 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.
16 Three days later, the Israelites learned that these people lived near their own territory.
17 On hearing this, the Israelites set out and entered their cities: Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth and Kiriath-jearim.
18 They spared their lives because of what the leaders of the people had sworn to them by the name of Yahweh.
19 But 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.
20 But this we can do: we shall let them live so that the anger of Yahweh may not be upon us,
21 but they shall serve by cutting firewood and fetching water for the community of Israel."
22 Then 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?
23 Henceforth, you are cursed and shall always cut wood and fetch water for the House of my God."
24 The 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.
25 And now, we are in your hands: do with us whatever seems good and just to you."
26 Joshua fulfilled his promise and did not let the Israelites kill them.
27 But 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.
Versículos relacionados com Joshua, 9:
Joshua 9 reports the episode in which the inhabitants of Gibeom, concerned about the threat of being attacked by Israel, deceive Israeli leaders by passing a distant people who want to make a peace treaty. Israel's leaders fall into deceit and make a pact with the Gibeonites without consulting God. Below are five verses related to the topics covered in Joshua 9.
Proverbs 14:15: "The fool believes in everything, but the wise man knows how to discern." This verse speaks of the importance of not believing everything that is heard, and seeking wisdom and discernment before making decisions. Israel's leaders were deceived by the inhabitants of Gibeom because they were foolish in believing in their lies.
Proverbs 21:30: "There is no wisdom, no intelligence, no advice against the Lord." This verse speaks of God's sovereignty about all things. Israel's leaders did not consult God before they make a pact with the Gibeonites, and paid the price for this lack of wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 5:4: "When you make a vote to God, be sure to fulfill Him; for not being pleased with fools. What you vote for, pays it." This verse speaks of the importance of fulfilling the vows made to God. The leaders of Israel had made a pact with the Gibeonites, but they could not undo it, for they had taken an oath to God.
Matthew 10:16: "Behold, send you like sheep in the midst of wolves; thirst, prudent like snakes and simple as doves." This verse speaks of the need to stay vigilant and prudent in all situations. Israel's leaders were deceived by the inhabitants of Gibeom because they were not prudent.
Ephesians 5:15: "Therefore, wisely see how you walk, not foolish, but as wise." This verse speaks of the importance of living wise and prudently. Israel's leaders were foolish to believe the lies of Gibeom's inhabitants, and paid the price for this lack of wisdom.
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