Joshua 9:11

Joshua 9:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So the elders and inhabitants of our land told us, ‘Take provisions for your journey; go to meet them and say to them: We are your servants. Please make a treaty with us.’

King James Version KJV

Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us.

American Standard Version ASV

And our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take provision in your hand for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: and now make ye a covenant with us.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So the responsible men and all the people of our country said to us, Take food with you for the journey and go to them, and say to them, We are your servants: so now make an agreement with us.

Free Bible Version FBV

So our leaders and everyone who lives in our land told us: Take what you need with you for the journey. Go and meet with them, and tell them, ‘We are your servants. Please make a treaty with us.’

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Wherefore our elders, and all the inhabitants of our countrey spake to vs, saying, Take vitailes with you for the iourney, and go to meete them, and say vnto them, Wee are your seruants: now therefore make ye a league with vs.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And our elders, and all the inhabitants of our land speak unto us, saying, Take in your hand provision for the way, and go to meet them, and ye have said unto them, Your servants we [are], and now, make with us a covenant;

World English Bible WEB

Our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, ‘Take supplies in your hand for the journey, and go to meet them. Tell them, “We are your servants. Now make a covenant with us.”’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Wherefore our elders, and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, Take provisions with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say to them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And our ancients, and all the inhabitants of our country said to us: Take with you victuals for a long way, and go meet them, and say: We are your servants, make ye a league with us.

Translation for Translators T4T

So our leaders and the rest of our people said to us, ‘Take some food and go to talk with the Israelis. Tell them, “We want to be your servants. So make a peace agreement with us.”’

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 9:11

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 9:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלֵ֡י/נוּ זְֽקֵינֵי/נוּ֩ וְ/כָל יֹשְׁבֵ֨י אַרְצֵ֜/נוּ לֵ/אמֹ֗ר קְח֨וּ בְ/יֶדְ/כֶ֤ם צֵידָה֙ לַ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ וּ/לְכ֖וּ לִ/קְרָאתָ֑/ם וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּ֤ם אֲלֵי/הֶם֙ עַבְדֵי/כֶ֣ם אֲנַ֔חְנוּ וְ/עַתָּ֖ה כִּרְתוּ לָ֥/נוּ בְרִֽית

וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אֵלֵ֡י/נוּ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

זְֽקֵינֵי/נוּ֩ zâqên H2205 old Adj | Suff

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms

יֹשְׁבֵ֨י yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal

אַרְצֵ֜/נוּ ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff

לֵ/אמֹ֗ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

קְח֨וּ lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Impv-2mp

בְ/יֶדְ/כֶ֤ם yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff

צֵידָה֙ tsêydâh H6720 provision N-cs

לַ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs

וּ/לְכ֖וּ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp

לִ/קְרָאתָ֑/ם qirʼâh H7125 befall Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּ֤ם ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-2mp

אֲלֵי/הֶם֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

עַבְדֵי/כֶ֣ם ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff

אֲנַ֔חְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 we Pron

וְ/עַתָּ֖ה ʻattâh H6258 now Conj | Adv

כִּרְתוּ kârath H3772 to cut V-Qal-Impv-2mp

לָ֥/נוּ Prep | Suff

בְרִֽית bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 9:11

וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֵלֵ֡י/נוּ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

זְֽקֵינֵי/נוּ֩ zâqên H2205 "old" Adj | Suff

This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.

Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

יֹשְׁבֵ֨י yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

אַרְצֵ֜/נוּ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

לֵ/אמֹ֗ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

קְח֨וּ lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

בְ/יֶדְ/כֶ֤ם yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

צֵידָה֙ tsêydâh H6720 "provision" N-cs

This Hebrew word means food or provision, like the meat or victuals needed for a journey, as seen in biblical stories of travel and survival.

Definition: provision, food

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: meat, provision, venison, victuals. See also: Genesis 27:3; Joshua 9:5; Psalms 78:25.

לַ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

וּ/לְכ֖וּ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

לִ/קְרָאתָ֑/ם qirʼâh H7125 "befall" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.

Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.

וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּ֤ם ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-2mp

אֲלֵי/הֶם֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

עַבְדֵי/כֶ֣ם ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

אֲנַ֔חְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 "we" Pron

A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.

Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.

וְ/עַתָּ֖ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Conj | Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

כִּרְתוּ kârath H3772 "to cut" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.

Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off

Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.

לָ֥/נוּ "" Prep | Suff

בְרִֽית bᵉrîyth H1285 "covenant" N-fs

A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.

Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation

Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.

Study Notes — Joshua 9:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Joshua 9:11 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 9:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 9:11
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 9:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 9:11
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 9:11
Sermons on Joshua 9:11

Context — The Deceit of the Gibeonites

9“Your servants have come from a very distant land,” they replied, “because of the fame of the LORD your God. For we have heard the reports about Him: all that He did in Egypt, 10and all that He did to the two kings of the Amorites beyond the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth.

11So the elders and inhabitants of our land told us, ‘Take provisions for your journey; go to meet them and say to them: We are your servants. Please make a treaty with us.’

12This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But look, it is now dry and moldy. 13These wineskins were new when we filled them, but look, they are cracked. And these clothes and sandals are worn out from our very long journey.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Joshua 9:8	“We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. Then Joshua asked them, “Who are you and where have you come from?”
2	Esther 8:17	In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.
3	Joshua 1:11	“Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you will cross the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’”
4	Luke 9:3	“Take nothing for the journey,” He told them, “no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no second tunic.
5	Matthew 10:9–10	Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts. Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.
6	Genesis 43:12	Take double the silver with you so that you may return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake.

Joshua 9:11 Summary

In Joshua 9:11, the Gibeonites are trying to make a treaty with the Israelites because they are afraid of their powerful God. They offer to be servants of the Israelites, which means they want to submit to their authority and will. This reminds us that, as Christians, we are called to be servants of God and to submit to His will, as seen in Romans 12:1-2. By doing so, we can experience peace and freedom, as promised in John 8:31-32 and Galatians 5:1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Gibeonites decide to make a treaty with the Israelites?

The Gibeonites were motivated by fear of the Israelites' powerful God, as seen in Joshua 9:9-10, where they acknowledge the fame of the LORD and the reports of His mighty deeds in Egypt and against the Amorite kings, as described in Exodus 14:31 and Numbers 21:21-35.

What does it mean to be a servant of someone in the biblical sense?

In the biblical sense, being a servant means submitting to someone's authority and will, as seen in Romans 6:16, where it says we are slaves to the one we obey, and in Matthew 20:26-28, where Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from serving others.

Is making a treaty with unbelievers always a bad idea?

Not necessarily, as seen in Joshua 9:11, the Gibeonites' request for a treaty was driven by their recognition of God's power and their desire for peace, but it's essential to approach such agreements with discernment and a commitment to one's faith, as warned in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16.

How can we apply the concept of making treaties or agreements with others in our daily lives?

We can apply this concept by being wise and discerning in our relationships, as advised in Proverbs 22:24-25, and by prioritizing our commitment to God and His will, as taught in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13.

Reflection Questions

What are some times in my life when I have sought to make peace with others, and what were the outcomes?
How can I balance the desire for peace and cooperation with the need to stand firm in my faith and values, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18?
What does it mean to be a servant of God, and how can I demonstrate this in my daily life, as taught in Galatians 5:13-14 and Philippians 2:5-8?
In what ways can I be a peacemaker, as encouraged in Matthew 5:9, and what role does humility and a willingness to serve play in this process?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 9:11

Wherefore our elders, and all the inhabitants of our country, spake unto us,.... They suggest, that their senate, or the states of their country, their principal men were convened, and that it was

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 9:11

And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 9:11

Joshua 9:11 Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We [are] your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us.Ver. 11. And go to meet them, and say.] Seeing we are not able to match them, it is good policy to meet them with entreaties of peace. Let us do the like by Almighty God. Mittamus preces et lachrymas cordis legatos, saith Cyprian; Currat paenitentia ne praecurrat sententia, saith Chrysologus.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 9:11

Verse 11. Wherefore our elders, c.] All this, and what follows to the end of verse 13, was false, contrived merely for the purpose of deceiving the Israelites, and this they did to save their own lives as they expected all the inhabitants of Canaan to be put to the sword.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 9:11

11. Our elders — The popular character of their government, with a senate of elders at its head, appears quite distinctly in this verse.

Sermons on Joshua 9:11

	Sermon	Description
	Perfect Faith, 1980 by Norman Grubb	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of total commitment to God. He shares his personal experience of committing himself to God three years ago and witnessing the
	A Big Neighbourhood by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a good neighbor and following the example of Jesus. He shares a personal story about encountering someone in need an
	Great Commission by John Stott	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Great Commission as recorded by Matthew, Luke, and John. The five aspects of the Great Commission, as summarized by Luke, are: proclamatio
	Money and Power by Oscar Muriu	This sermon challenges the conventional views of how Jesus should have come to save humanity, emphasizing the importance of humility, powerlessness, poverty, and embracing brokenne
	Mark - Mobilizing for Mission by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage in Mark where Jesus sends out his disciples two by two. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and filling in
	What Does God Want From Me? - Part 3 by Shane Idleman	This sermon delves into the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 10, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to God and relying on Him for provision and guidance. It highlights the nee
	Certain of Things Not Seen by Richard E. Bieber	Richard E. Bieber preaches on the importance of faith, using the examples of Jesus and the disciples to illustrate being sure of God while uncertain of everything else. He emphasiz