Joshua Chapter 9 Summary - Key Points & Themes

Read Joshua Chapter 9 Summary

The Gibeonites deceive Joshua and the leaders by pretending to be ambassadors from a far country, wearing worn clothes and carrying dry, moldy bread, claiming they came because of the LORD's fame in Egypt and against the Amorite kings. Without inquiring of the LORD, the leaders swear a covenant of peace with them; three days later Israel discovers they are actually neighbors from nearby cities—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. Though the congregation grumbles, the oath must be honored; the Gibeonites become woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and the LORD's altar.

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Characters in This Chapter

Joshua

Successor of Moses who led Israel in conquering and settling the Promised Land

Caleb

Faithful spy who received Hebron as his inheritance at age 85

Rahab

Canaanite woman who hid the spies and was saved with her family

Achan

Israelite who sinned by taking devoted things from Jericho, causing Israel's defeat at Ai

Joshua the High Priest

First High Priest of the Second Temple

Moses

Prophet and Lawgiver

Places in This Chapter

Jericho

First city conquered, whose walls fell miraculously after Israel marched around them

Jordan River

Miraculously crossed on dry ground, marking Israel's entry into the Promised Land

Gilgal

First camp in Canaan where Israel was circumcised and celebrated Passover

Shechem

Site of covenant renewal and Joshua's final address to the tribes

Gibeon

Gibeon was a Canaanite city whose inhabitants tricked Joshua into making a peace treaty. God made the sun stand still here during Joshua's battle. Solomon offered sacrifices at the great high place in Gibeon, where God appeared to him in a dream offering him anything he asked.

Egypt

Egypt plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the flight of the Holy Family. Joseph was sold into slavery there and rose to become second to Pharaoh, saving his family during famine. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus. Jesus' family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."

Position in Book

Entering the LandChapters 1-5

Conquering the LandChapters 6-12

Fall of Jericho, Achan's sin, conquest of Ai, the Gibeonite deception, southern and northern campaigns, list of defeated kings.

Dividing the LandChapters 13-21

Serving the LordChapters 22-24