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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joshua 9:4 acted deceptively and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/9-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/06_Jos_09_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 9:4 - The Deceit of the Gibeonites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="acted deceptively and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/joshua/9-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/joshua/9-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/joshua/">Joshua</a> > <a href="/joshua/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/joshua/9-3.htm" title="Joshua 9:3">◄</a> Joshua 9:4 <a href="/joshua/9-5.htm" title="Joshua 9:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/joshua/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/joshua/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />they resorted to a ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were loaded with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/joshua/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />they resorted to deception to save themselves. They sent ambassadors to Joshua, loading their donkeys with weathered saddlebags and old, patched wineskins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/joshua/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />they on their part acted with cunning and went and made ready provisions and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/joshua/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />acted deceptively and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/joshua/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />they worked craftily, and went and pretended to be ambassadors. And they took old sacks on their donkeys, old wineskins torn and mended,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />but they on their part acted craftily and went and took provisions for a journey, and took worn-out sacks on their donkeys, and wineskins <i>that were</i> worn out, split open, and patched,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />they also acted craftily and set out as envoys, and took worn-out sacks on their donkeys, and wineskins worn-out and torn and mended,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />they also acted craftily and set out as envoys, and took worn-out sacks on their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So they also acted craftily and went and traveled as envoys and took worn-out sacks on their donkeys, and wineskins worn-out and torn and mended,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />they too acted craftily <i>and</i> cunningly, and set out and took along provisions, but took worn-out sacks on their donkeys, and wineskins (leather bottles) that were worn out and split open and patched together,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />they acted deceptively. They gathered provisions and took worn-out sacks on their donkeys and old wineskins, cracked and mended.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />they acted deceptively. They gathered provisions and took worn-out sacks on their donkeys and old wineskins, cracked and mended. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />they also did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine-skins, old and rent and bound up,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/joshua/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So they decided that some of their men should pretend to be messengers to Israel from a faraway country. The men put worn-out bags on their donkeys and found some old wineskins that had cracked and had been sewn back together. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />they also did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wineskins, old and rent and bound up;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />they devised a scheme. They posed as messengers. They took worn-out sacks on their donkeys. Their wineskins were old, split, and patched.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and they decided to deceive him. They went and got some food and loaded their donkeys with worn-out sacks and patched-up wineskins. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />they took the initiative by preparing their provisions shrewdly: they took tattered sacks for their donkeys, worn-out, torn, and mended wineskins, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />acted deceptively and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />they did something clever. They collected some provisions and put worn-out sacks on their donkeys, along with worn-out wineskins that were ripped and patched.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />they also resorted to a ruse, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks on their donkeys, and wineskins, old and torn and bound up,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They did work craftily, and went and made as if they had been embassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine-bottles, old, and rent, and bound up;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />they also resorted to a ruse, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks on their donkeys, and old, torn-up and bound up wine skins, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they work, even they, with subtlety, and go, and feign to be ambassadors, and take old sacks for their donkeys, and wine-bottles, old, and split, and bound up,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they work, even they, with subtilty, and go, and feign to be ambassadors, and take old sacks for their asses, and wine-bottles, old, and rent, and bound up,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will do in guile, and will go and will lay snares, and will take sacking worn out, for their asses, and leather sacks of wine worn out, and being rent and bound up;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Cunningly devising took for themselves provisions, laying old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles rent and sewed up again, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />planning cleverly, took for themselves provisions, placing old sacks upon their donkeys, and wineskins that had torn and been sewed up,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />formed their own scheme. They chose provisions for a journey, making use of old sacks for their donkeys, and old wineskins, torn and mended.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />they on their part acted with cunning: they went and prepared provisions, and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They worked subtly, and prepared provisions, and laid old sacks upon their asses, and wine skins, old, torn, and patched;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they also worked with subtlety and they went, they traveled as Ambassadors and they cast old sackcloth on their donkeys and wineskins of wine that were worn out and torn and sewn up<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />they also did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine skins, worn and rent and patched up;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they also wrought craftily, and they went and made provision and prepared themselves; and having taken old sacks on their shoulders, and old and rent and patched bottles of wine,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/9-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=2140" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/joshua/9.htm">The Deceit of the Gibeonites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>But the people of Gibeon, having heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: way·ya·‘ă·śū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">acted deceptively</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm·māh (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6195.htm" title="6195: bə·‘ā·rə·māh (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- Craftiness, prudence. Feminine of orem; trickery; or discretion."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·lə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and set out</a> <a href="/hebrew/6737.htm" title="6737: way·yiṣ·ṭay·yā·rū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To act as envoy. A denominative from tsiyr in the sense of ambassador; to make an errand, i.e. Betake oneself.">as envoys,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">carrying</a> <a href="/hebrew/2543.htm" title="2543: la·ḥă·mō·w·rê·hem (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- A male ass. Or chamor; from chamar; a male ass.">on their donkeys</a> <a href="/hebrew/1087.htm" title="1087: bā·lîm (Adj-mp) -- Worn-out. From balah; worn out.">worn-out</a> <a href="/hebrew/8242.htm" title="8242: śaq·qîm (N-mp) -- Sack, sackcloth. From shaqaq; properly, a mesh, i.e. Coarse loose cloth or sacking; hence, a bag.">sacks</a> <a href="/hebrew/1087.htm" title="1087: bā·lîm (Adj-mp) -- Worn-out. From balah; worn out.">and old</a> <a href="/hebrew/4997.htm" title="4997: wə·nō·ḏō·wṯ (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Or noywd; also no)dah; from an unused root of uncertain signification; a (skin or leather) bag (for fluids).">wineskins,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3196.htm" title="3196: ya·yin (N-ms) -- Wine. From an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine; by implication, intoxication."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1234.htm" title="1234: ū·mə·ḇuq·qā·‘îm (Conj-w:: V-Pual-Prtcpl-mp) -- To cleave, break open or through. A primitive root; to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open.">cracked</a> <a href="/hebrew/6887.htm" title="6887: ū·mə·ṣō·rā·rîm (Conj-w:: V-Pual-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive.">and mended.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>They put worn, patched sandals on their feet and threadbare clothing on their bodies, and their whole supply of bread was dry and moldy.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Deuteronomy 20:10-11</a></span><br />When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace. / If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">1 Samuel 21:2</a></span><br />“The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission on which I am sending you. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/20-31.htm">1 Kings 20:31-34</a></span><br />Then the servants of Ben-hadad said to him, “Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful. Let us go out to the king of Israel with sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps he will spare your life.” / So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” / Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/34-13.htm">Genesis 34:13</a></span><br />But because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah, Jacob’s sons answered him and his father Hamor deceitfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-2.htm">2 Samuel 21:2</a></span><br />At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/10-19.htm">2 Kings 10:19</a></span><br />Now, therefore, summon to me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests. See that no one is missing, for I have a great sacrifice for Baal. Whoever is missing will not live.” But Jehu was acting deceptively in order to destroy the servants of Baal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/18-19.htm">2 Chronicles 18:19-22</a></span><br />And the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab king of Israel to march up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one suggested this, and another that. / Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD. / And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-8.htm">Jeremiah 9:8</a></span><br />Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21</a></span><br />His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm">Proverbs 26:24-26</a></span><br />A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. / When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. / Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-28.htm">Matthew 23:28</a></span><br />In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-23.htm">Luke 20:23</a></span><br />But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-24.htm">John 7:24</a></span><br />Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-3.htm">Acts 5:3-4</a></span><br />Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? / Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks on their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up;</p><p class="hdg">work wilily</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/34-13.htm">Genesis 34:13</a></b></br> And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/20-31.htm">1 Kings 20:31-33</a></b></br> And his servants said unto him, Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel <i>are</i> merciful kings: let us, I pray thee, put sackcloth on our loins, and ropes upon our heads, and go out to the king of Israel: peradventure he will save thy life… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></b></br> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-83.htm">Psalm 119:83</a></b></br> For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; <i>yet</i> do I not forget thy statutes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/9-17.htm">Matthew 9:17</a></b></br> Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/2-22.htm">Mark 2:22</a></b></br> And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/7-1.htm">Acted</a> <a href="/joshua/8-15.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-20.htm">Ambassadors</a> <a href="/joshua/7-24.htm">Asses</a> <a href="/luke/5-38.htm">Bottles</a> <a href="/joshua/2-21.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/joshua/2-21.htm">Cord</a> <a href="/exodus/21-14.htm">Craftily</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-4.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/luke/19-14.htm">Delegation</a> <a href="/joshua/7-24.htm">Donkeys</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-20.htm">Embassadors</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-15.htm">Envoys</a> <a href="/joshua/5-7.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/joshua/8-9.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/genesis/45-23.htm">Loaded</a> <a href="/joshua/9-5.htm">Patched</a> <a href="/joshua/8-4.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/joshua/8-4.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/joshua/7-6.htm">Rent</a> <a href="/acts/16-13.htm">Resorted</a> <a href="/genesis/44-8.htm">Sacks</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-9.htm">Skins</a> <a href="/joshua/9-2.htm">Together</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-63.htm">Torn</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-28.htm">Wine</a> <a href="/joshua/9-13.htm">Wine-Bottles</a> <a href="/luke/5-39.htm">Wineskins</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-25.htm">Work</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-5.htm">Worn</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-43.htm">Worn-Out</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/22-20.htm">Acted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-8.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-31.htm">Ambassadors</a> <a href="/judges/5-10.htm">Asses</a> <a href="/joshua/9-13.htm">Bottles</a> <a href="/judges/3-16.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-28.htm">Cord</a> <a href="/judges/9-31.htm">Craftily</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-22.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/luke/14-32.htm">Delegation</a> <a href="/judges/5-10.htm">Donkeys</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-31.htm">Embassadors</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-1.htm">Envoys</a> <a href="/joshua/9-11.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/joshua/9-20.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-20.htm">Loaded</a> <a href="/joshua/9-5.htm">Patched</a> <a href="/joshua/17-18.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/joshua/22-26.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/joshua/9-13.htm">Rent</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-2.htm">Resorted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-7.htm">Sacks</a> <a href="/job/32-19.htm">Skins</a> <a href="/joshua/10-5.htm">Together</a> <a href="/joshua/9-13.htm">Torn</a> <a href="/joshua/9-13.htm">Wine</a> <a href="/joshua/9-13.htm">Wine-Bottles</a> <a href="/joshua/9-13.htm">Wineskins</a> <a href="/joshua/16-10.htm">Work</a> <a href="/joshua/9-5.htm">Worn</a> <a href="/joshua/9-5.htm">Worn-Out</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/9-1.htm">The kings combine against Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/9-3.htm">The Gibeonites by craft obtain a league</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/9-22.htm">They are condemned to perpetual bondage</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>acted deceptively</b><br>The Gibeonites' deception is a key theme in this passage, highlighting the cunning and craftiness they employed to protect themselves from the Israelites. This act of deception can be seen as a reflection of the broader spiritual battle between truth and falsehood. In the biblical narrative, deception often leads to significant consequences, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 27) and the serpent's deception of Eve (Genesis 3). The Gibeonites' actions also underscore the importance of discernment and seeking God's guidance, as Joshua and the Israelites failed to consult the Lord before making a treaty with them.<p><b>and set out as envoys</b><br>The Gibeonites presented themselves as ambassadors, a role that typically involved diplomacy and negotiation. In the ancient Near East, envoys were often sent to establish peace treaties or alliances. This action by the Gibeonites was strategic, as they sought to secure a covenant with Israel to avoid destruction. The use of envoys in this context emphasizes the importance of appearances and the role of diplomacy in ancient times. It also serves as a reminder of the need for wisdom and discernment in dealing with others, as appearances can be deceiving.<p><b>carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks</b><br>The mention of donkeys and worn-out sacks adds a layer of authenticity to the Gibeonites' ruse. Donkeys were common pack animals in the ancient world, used for transporting goods over long distances. The worn-out sacks suggest a long journey, reinforcing the Gibeonites' claim of coming from a distant land. This detail highlights the lengths to which the Gibeonites went to make their deception believable. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of the outward appearance versus inward reality, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>, where God reminds Samuel that He looks at the heart, not the outward appearance.<p><b>and old wineskins, cracked and mended</b><br>Wineskins were used to store and transport wine, and over time, they would become brittle and crack. The Gibeonites' use of old, mended wineskins was another element of their deception, suggesting that they had traveled a great distance. This imagery of old wineskins is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus uses the metaphor of new wine in old wineskins (<a href="/matthew/9-17.htm">Matthew 9:17</a>) to illustrate the incompatibility of the new covenant with old religious practices. The cracked and mended wineskins in <a href="/joshua/9-4.htm">Joshua 9:4</a> serve as a physical representation of the Gibeonites' attempt to manipulate appearances to achieve their goals.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/gibeonites.htm">Gibeonites</a></b><br>A group of people from the city of Gibeon who, fearing the Israelites, resorted to deception to secure a peace treaty.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land and conquering its inhabitants.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, who were commanded to take possession of the Promised Land and eliminate its idolatrous inhabitants.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a></b><br>The land promised to the Israelites, inhabited by various groups, including the Gibeonites.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/deception.htm">Deception</a></b><br>The act carried out by the Gibeonites to protect themselves from destruction by the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_leadership.htm">Discernment in Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders must seek God's guidance in decision-making to avoid being deceived by appearances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_deception.htm">Consequences of Deception</a></b><br>Deception can lead to unintended long-term consequences, as seen in the covenant with the Gibeonites.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite human deception, God's plans and purposes prevail, as He used the Gibeonites for His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/importance_of_seeking_god.htm">Importance of Seeking God</a></b><br>The Israelites' failure to consult God before making a treaty with the Gibeonites serves as a reminder to seek divine guidance in all decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_relationships.htm">Integrity in Relationships</a></b><br>The account encourages believers to maintain integrity and honesty in their dealings with others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_were_israelites_deceived_by_appearances.htm">How could the Israelites be so easily deceived by mere outward appearances (Joshua 9:4–5)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_prophecy_have_dual_fulfillment.htm">What is Gibeon's significance in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_gibeon's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What is Gibeon's significance in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/jacob's_blessings_for_his_sons.htm">What are Jacob's prophetic blessings for his sons?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">They did work wilily.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">and they </span>also <span class= "ital">dealt with subtilty. </span>The stratagem does not seem a very profound one, or one that would have been difficult to detect. But we may remember a fact of Israel's experience which puts it in a somewhat different light. The Israelites themselves had come from a far country, but their raiment had not "waxed old upon them," nor did "their feet swell," these forty years. Of bread they had no need, when there was manna, and God gave them water for their thirst. Of worn garments and stale provisions they had no experience, and therefore, when the Gibeonites presented themselves in this extraordinary garb and guise, it is not unnatural that they were not detected by the eyes of Israel.<p><span class= "bld">They . . . made as if they had been ambassadors.</span>--The verb thus translated does not occur elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible. By the alteration of a letter, the Targum, LXX., and some other versions make it mean, "they gat them provision."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They did work wilily.</span> Rather, <span class="accented">and they worked - they also - with craft.</span> The reference, no doubt, is to the confederacy of the other kings. The Gibeonites also acted upon what they had heard, but they preferred an accommodation to war. So Calvin and Rosenmuller; also Drusius. And they felt that they could only effect their purpose by craft. Other explanations are given, such as that a reference is made to Joshua's stratagem at Ai. Keil rejects both, and proposes an explanation of his own, which is unintelligible. Origen's interpretation here is interesting as a specimen of the theology of the third century. He regards the Gibeonites as the type of men who, though they are enrolled in the Church as believers and have faith in God, and acquiesce in all the Divine precepts, and are ready enough to take part in all the external duties of religion, are yet involved in vices and foulnesses, like the Gibeonites in their old garments and clouted shoes. They display no signs of improvement or alteration, yet Jesus our Lord concedes to them salvation, even though that salvation does not escape a certain stigma of disgrace. That there may be some persons in a condition somewhat resembling this described by Origen may be admitted, but it is difficult to see how any one in a state of salvation can display no signs of improvement whatever. There are many who do not improve as they might, whom we should yet hesitate to pronounce altogether reprobate from God. But surely the entire absence of all improvement is a manifest sign of reprobation. This passage is one of many among the voluminous works of Origen in which that holy and learned man has not sufficiently weighed what he was saying (see below, ver. 23). <span class="cmt_word">Made as if they had been ambassadors.</span> "Sent an embassy" (Luther). If we take this reading, we must suppose, with Grotius and others, the word to be the Hithpahel of <span class="hebrew">צִיר</span> to go, to revolve. But the form is rare, and the word is elsewhere unknown, at least in Hebrew, though an Arabic form of it is found. It is therefore better to read <span class="hebrew">יֹצְטַיָּדוּ</span> "they prepared themselves provisions." This is the reading of the LXX., the Vulgate, the Chaldee, the Syriac, and of most modern editors. It is rendered still more probable by the occurrence of the same word in ver. 12. <span class="cmt_word">Old sacks</span>. Rather, <span class="accented">worn out</span>, and so throughout the passage. The usual mode of conveyance still in the East is in sackcloth bags on the backs of horses, mules, camels, and asses. Such bags are apt to meet with rough usage in a long journey. <span class="cmt_word">Wine bottles.</span> Rather, <span class="accented">wine skins</span>, the wine then being kept in skins, not in vessels of glass. This explains how they could be burst open (<span class="hebrew">מְבֻקָּעִים</span>) and tied up. These skins were hung up frequently in the smoke (<a href="/psalms/119-83.htm">Psalm 119:83</a>), which gave them a shrivelled appearance. The first bottles were made of such skins, as Herodotus tells us. The Egyptian monuments confirm his statements, displaying as they do skins of animals so used, with the legs or the neck forming what we still term the "neck" of the bottle (cf. Homer, Iliad, 4:247, <span class="greek">ἀσκῷ</span> <span class="greek">ἐν αἰγείῳ</span>). Similar bottles are depicted on the walls of Herculaneum and Pompeii, and the like may be seen still in Italian villages. They were pitched over at the seams to prevent leakage (cf. <a href="/job/32-19.htm">Job 32:19</a>; <a href="/matthew/9-17.htm">Matthew 9:17</a>; <a href="/mark/2-22.htm">Mark 2:22</a>; <a href="/luke/5-37.htm">Luke 5:37, 38</a>. See also Kitto's 'Cyclopaedia of Biblical Literature '). <span class="cmt_word">Bound up.</span> The usual mode of mending in the East, except when a patch is inserted, is to tie or sew up the hole. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/9-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">acted deceptively</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּעֲשׂ֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·śū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and set out</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·lə·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as envoys,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּצְטַיָּ֑רוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiṣ·ṭay·yā·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6737.htm">Strong's 6737: </a> </span><span class="str2">To make an errand, betake oneself</span><br /><br /><span class="word">carrying</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְח֞וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on their donkeys</span><br /><span class="heb">לַחֲמ֣וֹרֵיהֶ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(la·ḥă·mō·w·rê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2543.htm">Strong's 2543: </a> </span><span class="str2">A male ass</span><br /><br /><span class="word">worn-out</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּלִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(bā·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1087.htm">Strong's 1087: </a> </span><span class="str2">Worn out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sacks</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׂקִּ֤ים</span> <span class="translit">(śaq·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8242.htm">Strong's 8242: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mesh, coarse loose cloth, sacking, a bag</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and old</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּלִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(bā·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1087.htm">Strong's 1087: </a> </span><span class="str2">Worn out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wineskins,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנֹאד֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nō·ḏō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4997.htm">Strong's 4997: </a> </span><span class="str2">A skin bottle, skin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cracked</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמְבֻקָּעִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·ḇuq·qā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1234.htm">Strong's 1234: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cleave, to rend, break, rip, open</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and mended.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמְצֹרָרִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·ṣō·rā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6887.htm">Strong's 6887: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, or cramped</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/9-4.htm">Joshua 9:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/9-4.htm">Joshua 9:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/9-4.htm">Joshua 9:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/9-4.htm">Joshua 9:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/9-4.htm">Joshua 9:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/9-4.htm">Joshua 9:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/9-4.htm">Joshua 9:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/9-4.htm">Joshua 9:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/9-4.htm">Joshua 9:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/9-4.htm">Joshua 9:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/9-4.htm">OT History: Joshua 9:4 They also resorted to a ruse (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/9-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 9:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 9:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/9-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 9:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 9:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>