When Joshua led the Nation of Israel to the Promised Land, they first defeated Jericho. Ai was the next, though there were hiccups due to the sin of Achan. Third were Gibeonites who surrendered, rather cunningly. (Joshua 9) They came to the camp of Gilgal and told Joshua that they came from a faraway country, heard the name of the Lord, and wanted to make a covenant with Israel. The leaders checked the material evidence of worn-out shoes, moldy food…etc. However, they did not take counsel from the Lord and made a covenant that they would not be killed or destroyed.
Journey to Gibeon: Then they took a three-day journey and arrived at their cities: Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. The people murmured, probably they could not get the spoil because of the covenant. Joshua said to the Gibeonites, that because they deceived, they would be cursed. All would be servants of the Lord, more specifically as woodcutters and water-bearers for the Tabernacle.
A priestly city: The Ark of the Covenant rested at Gibeon in the days of David and Solomon. (I Chronicles 16:39-40; 21:29)
Mighty man: Ishmaiah of Gibeon was a mighty man who served King David. (I Chronicles 12:4)
Solomon’s prayer: God appeared and spoke to Solomon at Gibeon. (I Kings 3:4-5)
Prophets: The city of Gibeon also produced prophets like Hananiah the son of Azur, who later became a false prophet. (Jeremiah 28:1)
Story of redemption: The Gibeonites are a great example of God’s grace, mercy, and love. The Gibeonites heard about the God of Israel. They understood His greatness and came to His people Israel seeking protection and covenant. Though it was a deception from a human perspective, God saw a trace or mustard seed of faith. Though Israel murmured and Joshua cursed them to slavery, God forgave them, and transformed them and that city was a great contributor in the history of Israel. King Saul killed a few Gibeonites, and the Nation of Israel experienced famine for violating the covenant after about 400 years. (II Samuel 21:1)
Do I appreciate God’s love, grace, blessings, and protection in my life?