# Day 70

# Gibeon Lies to Israel

Joshua 9:1–27

The tribes in Canaan heard about Israel at Jericho. They prepared to fight the invaders. Not far from Israel’s camp lived the Gibeonites. They knew they couldn’t fight Israel, so they decided to make peace.

The men of Gibeon came to Joshua wearing worn and ragged clothes. “We have come from a far country. The things you did at Jericho are well known. We want to be your friends and make peace.”

Joshua and the elders of Israel didn’t ask God what to do. They agreed not to destroy the Gibeonites. Later, Joshua learned that their cities were very near. At first, the leaders of Israel were angry. They wanted to break the agreement with Gibeon.

Joshua called them back to Israel’s camp. “Why did you lie to us?” he asked. The Gibeonites answered, “We heard God had promised Moses this land. We were afraid for our lives. But now we are in your hands. Do what you like with us.”

That day Joshua made them woodcutters and water carriers for Israel. From that time the people of Gibeon served the camp of Israel.

Questions: What mistake did Joshua make when the Gibeonites came to him? What happened to the Gibeonites?