Joshua 9:26
And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
And so did
H6213
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
And so did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֵּ֑ן
H3651
כֵּ֑ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
וַיַּצֵּ֥ל
he unto them and delivered
H5337
וַיַּצֵּ֥ל
he unto them and delivered
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
4 of 10
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
אוֹתָ֛ם
H853
אוֹתָ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִיַּ֥ד
them out of the hand
H3027
מִיַּ֥ד
them out of the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
6 of 10
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Historical Context
Joshua's decision carried long-term implications for Israel's political landscape. Gibeon became a Levitical city (Joshua 21:17) and remained important through Israel's monarchy—the tabernacle resided there during David's reign (1 Chronicles 16:39, 21:29). Saul's later massacre of Gibeonites violated this sacred oath, requiring David to make atonement through executing Saul's descendants (2 Samuel 21:1-9), demonstrating that God held Israel accountable for covenant promises even those made under deception.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Joshua's protection of the deceptive Gibeonites challenge our tendency to withhold mercy from those who wronged us?
- What does God's later judgment on Israel for violating this treaty teach about the seriousness of covenant promises?
- In what ways does this narrative illustrate that God's grace often operates through imperfect human decisions within His sovereign plan?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel—Joshua's protection of the Gibeonites upheld covenant integrity despite their deception. The verb נָצַל (natsal, 'delivered') often describes divine rescue from enemies. Joshua's intervention prevented mob justice, establishing rule of law over vengeful impulses. The Israelites wanted to attack them (v. 18), but Joshua's leadership restrained the assembly.
This protection foreshadows Christ as covenant mediator, who delivers believers from deserved wrath. The Gibeonites obtained through treaty deception what they could never earn—safety within Israel's camp and service in God's presence. Similarly, believers receive through Christ's righteousness what deception could never secure: reconciliation with God. Later history vindicated Joshua's protection; when Saul violated this treaty, divine judgment fell on Israel (2 Samuel 21:1).