Joshua 9:11

“Wherefore our elders, and all the inhabitants of our country, spake unto us, etc.] They suggest, that their senate, or the states of their country, their principal men were convened, and that it was the unanimous voice of them, and of the people, that they should go on this embassy: saying, take victuals with you for the journey; sufficient for so long a journey; for, in those times and countries, inns on the road were not frequent as now: and go to meet them; to prevent their coming in an hostile manner unto them, and make peace, and enter into an alliance with them: and say unto them, we [are] your servants; ready to come into any terms with them, just and reasonable: therefore now make ye…”

“9:11-13 Distracted by the flattering words about God and the notion that a foreign people wanted to make a treaty with them, none of Israel’s leaders noticed that the Gibeonites had failed to answer Joshua’s questions. • If the Israelites spared their lives, the Gibeonites were willing to be Israel’s servants and swear to a treaty with Israel. This request should have raised suspicions among Israel’s leaders: Why would people from a distant land be concerned about a treaty of protection?”

“our elders: Est 8:17 Take: Jos 1:11; Mat 10:9, Mat 10:10; Luk 9:3 with you: Heb. in your hand, Gen 43:12 We are your: Jos 9:8; Est 8:17 Joshua 9:12”

“When these tidings reached them, they were sent off by the elders (the leaders of the republic) and the inhabitants of the land to meet the Israelites, that they might offer them their service, and form an alliance with them. In confirmation of this, they point to their dried provisions, and their torn and mended skins and clothes. Joshua 9:14”