Joshua 9:7-15

The men of Israel asked the Hivites, “Perhaps you live nearby. Why should we make a treaty with you?” “We are willing to be your servants,” they answered Joshua. Joshua questioned them further, “Who are you and where are you from?” The Gibeonites replied: “Your servants come from a very distant land because we’ve heard of the fame of your God, YAHWEH. We’ve heard of his wonders and all that he did in Egypt. We’ve also heard of all he did to help you defeat the two Amorite kings on the other side of the Jordan—King Sihon of Heshbon and King Og of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth. Therefore, our leaders and all the inhabitants of our land sent us to find you with these instructions: ‘Get food ready for your long trip, and go to the Israelites and say to them, “Make a treaty with us. We’re willing to be your servants.” ’ Look at our bread! It was still warm when we left home with it. See how dry and moldy it’s become! These wineskins were new when we filled them. See how they’ve dried up and burst! And look, our clothes and sandals are worn out from our long journey.” The leaders of Israel ratified a peace treaty with the Gibeonites by sharing a meal together, but they failed to consult with YAHWEH. Joshua agreed to let them live. He made a peace treaty with them, and the leaders of the assembly sealed it with an oath.