Joshua 9 22

Joshua 9:22 kjv

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?

Joshua 9:22 nkjv

Then Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, "Why have you deceived us, saying, 'We are very far from you,' when you dwell near us?

Joshua 9:22 niv

Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, "Why did you deceive us by saying, 'We live a long way from you,' while actually you live near us?

Joshua 9:22 esv

Joshua summoned them, and he said to them, "Why did you deceive us, saying, 'We are very far from you,' when you dwell among us?

Joshua 9:22 nlt

Joshua called together the Gibeonites and said, "Why did you lie to us? Why did you say that you live in a distant land when you live right here among us?

Joshua 9 verses

Joshua 9 22 Meaning

Joshua chapter 9 verse 22 reveals Joshua's direct confrontation of the Gibeonites upon discovering their deceptive plot. He challenges them regarding their false claim of originating from a very distant land, which they used to trick Israel into a peace covenant, when in reality they resided among the very people Israel was commanded to utterly displace. This verse underscores the exposed deceit and the Israelites' realization of having been outmaneuvered due to their failure to consult the Most High.

Joshua 9 22 Context

Joshua chapter 9 describes the deceptive stratagem employed by the Gibeonites, inhabitants of a prominent city among the Hivites. Having heard of Israel's decisive victories over Jericho and Ai, and fearing the divine decree of complete annihilation for the Canaanite inhabitants, they concocted an elaborate ruse. They dispatched envoys presenting themselves as ambassadors from a far-off land, dressing in worn-out clothes, carrying moldy bread, and displaying old wineskins. They then sought a peace treaty with Israel. Despite their outward appearance, the Israelite leaders failed to seek guidance from the Most High (Joshua 9:14), instead relying on their own judgment, and consequently entered into a covenant with the Gibeonites. Three days later, upon resuming their march, the Israelites discovered that the Gibeonites lived nearby, within the very territory designated for destruction. Joshua 9:22 captures the moment of this direct confrontation, where Joshua vehemently calls out the Gibeonites for their calculated falsehood about their origins, exposing the core of their deception: their physical proximity to Israel.

Joshua 9 22 Word analysis

• "Then Joshua called for them": Joshua's action signifies a formal, authoritative summoning. As the leader of Israel, he takes the initiative to address the revelation, demonstrating leadership and direct engagement with the newfound problem. It implies a demand for an account.
• "and spoke to them, saying,": This indicates a direct, verbal confrontation. Joshua doesn't send a messenger but personally confronts the Gibeonites, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the sincerity of his indignation. The use of "saying" introduces the direct speech.
• "‘Why have you deceived us,": The Hebrew word for "deceived" is rimmītem (from רמה - rāmāh), which carries the strong connotation of treachery, fraud, or trickery. It implies a deliberate, calculated act to mislead for self-gain. Joshua's question is rhetorical, expressing condemnation and an expectation of explanation for their blatant falsehood, exposing their manipulation.
• "saying, ‘We are very far from you,’": This directly quotes the core of the Gibeonites' deceit (cf. Josh 9:6, 9:9). Their entire strategy hinged on convincing Israel that they were beyond the scope of the Most High's command to utterly destroy local inhabitants. The phrase "very far from you" (raḥōq mikkem) was designed to appeal to a loophole in Israel's warfare law, which allowed treaties with distant cities (Dt 20:10-18), but not those within Canaan.
• "when you dwell among us?”": The phrase "among us" translates the Hebrew bəqirbēnū (בְּקִרְבֵּנוּ), which literally means "in our midst" or "in our inward part." This vividly contrasts their lie with the shocking reality of their proximity. It exposes the Gibeonites as a local, Canaanite people, thereby subject to the cherem (divine command for utter destruction) which Israel had been strictly instructed to execute. The bluntness of this observation underscores the complete disregard for truthfulness by the Gibeonites and the embarrassing realization for Israel of how thoroughly they had been fooled. This immediate proximity made their previous claims not just a lie but a daring, audacious deception.

Joshua 9 22 Bonus section

The binding nature of the oath made to the Gibeonites, despite the deceit, is critically demonstrated much later in Israelite history. In 2 Samuel chapter 21, a severe famine afflicts Israel during the reign of King David. When David inquires of the Most High, he learns the famine is a direct consequence of King Saul's attempt to utterly destroy the Gibeonites, violating the covenant Joshua had made. This incident underscores the profound sanctity of oaths within the covenant theology of Israel, where breaking such a solemn pledge, even generations later and made under deception, brought divine judgment upon the nation. It illustrates that fidelity to one's word, particularly a vow made before the Most High, carried immense weight and lasting repercussions. This Gibeonite covenant eventually led to their status as Nethinim (temple servants), contributing to the sacrificial system in a way they wouldn't have had they been annihilated, ultimately reflecting the Most High's overarching purpose and surprising mercy, even amidst human failure.

Joshua 9 22 Commentary

Joshua 9:22 is a pivotal verse exposing the elaborate deception by the Gibeonites and initiating the resolution of Israel's ethical dilemma. It reveals Joshua's astonishment and stern rebuke at discovering the audacious lie regarding the Gibeonites' true geographical location. The verse underscores the Gibeonites' cleverness in using falsehood as a means of survival, preying on Israel's failure to seek divine counsel before making a covenant. For Israel, this served as a costly lesson in spiritual discernment and the binding nature of an oath, even if made under fraudulent circumstances. This moment highlights the Most High's demand for truth and exposes human fallibility when self-reliance replaces dependence on divine guidance. Ultimately, the outcome of this deception demonstrates the intricate workings of divine sovereignty, even in flawed human choices, as the Gibeonites were integrated into Israelite society as "woodcutters and water carriers" for the congregation and for the altar of the Most High (Josh 9:23, 27).