Joshua 9:3-13

GOD’S WORD Translation

³ When the people living in Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, ⁴ they devised a scheme. They posed as messengers. They took worn-out sacks on their donkeys. Their wineskins were old, split, and patched. ⁵ Their sandals were worn-out and repaired, and their clothes were tattered. All their bread was dried out and crumbling. ⁶ They came to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal. They told Joshua and the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant country. Make a treaty with us right now.”

⁷ The men of Israel said to the Hivites, “What if you’re living in this area? We wouldn’t be able to make a treaty with you.”

⁸ They responded to Joshua, “We’re at your mercy.”

Joshua asked them, “Who are you, and where did you come from?”

⁹ They answered him, “We came from a country very far away because the Lord your God has become famous. We heard stories about him and everything he did in Egypt. ¹⁰ We also heard everything he did to the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, King Sihon of Heshbon and King Og of Bashan in Ashtaroth. ¹¹ Our leaders and everyone who lives in our country told us, ‘Take what you need for the trip, and go meet them. Tell them, “We’re at your mercy. Make a treaty with us right now.” ’ ¹² Our bread was warm when we left home to meet with you. Look at it now! It’s dry and crumbling. ¹³ These were new wineskins when we filled them. Look at them now! See how they are splitting! Our clothes and sandals are also worn-out because we have come such a long way.”