9:7,8
We get a sudden mention of Hivites, who were included in the list of nations who were going to wage war against Israel. It may be that the Gibeonites were a sub-section of the Hivites. The Israelites start out by being cautious. Joshua then questions them. Again I have to disagree with Hess. He seems to think that Joshua is somehow being absolved of full responsibility, but that is not the way the text presents it. Israel is involved in the decision, Joshua is involved in the decision.
9:9-13
The Gibeonites then use flattery, recalling Israel’s victories. They wanted the Israelites to think that the Gibeonites were in fear of Israel,which was indeed true. They also highlight how their bread and other goods demonstrate that they must have travelled from a distant land (which was not true).
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