I.  The cunning scheme of the Gibeonites to make peace (chapter 9).

1.       The kings came together to form an alliance to attack Israel.

 a.      After the Israelites’ victory at Ai, the Canaanites became frightened and wanted to form an alliance to fight the Israelites.

 b.      After enjoying several victories, we need to guard against the repeated attack of Satan.

2.       The scheme of the Gibeonites.

 a.      Feared the Israelites, so they designed a scheme to make peace and preserve their lives.

 b.      Pretended to be ambassadors to make peace. They loaded old sacks on their donkeys, had old wineskins that were torn and mended, put old and patched sandals on their feet, and old garments on themselves; all the bread of their provision was dry and moldy.

 c.      Claimed that they were from a faraway land, saying they had been commanded to welcome the Israelites and requested that covenant be established (9-13).

3.       The leaders of Israel were deceived and fell into the trap.

 d.      Based on sight; believed what they saw.

 e.      Because of the food.

 f.       Did not seek the counsel of the Lord.

 g.      Made peace with them, and established a covenant with them to let them live; the rulers of the congregation swore to them.

4.       Gibeonites the slaves.

 h.      On the third day discovered that they were actually neighbors residing in the midst of the Israelites.

 i.        Because they had sworn not to kill them, the congregation murmured against the leaders.

 j.        Became woodcutters and water carriers for the entire congregation.

 k.      To be slaves generation after generation.

(a)     *The desire of the Gibeonites to live, willing to be in the congregation of the Israelites and in the temple of God, even as just woodcutters and water carriers, but with opportunities to draw near to God.

(b)     Saul wanted to exterminate the Gibeonites; his descendants were punished (2 Sam 21:1-14).

(c)     Their descendants could be the Nethinim (temple slaves, Ezra 2:43).