The, deceit which the Gibeonites made use of, blinded the eyes of Israel. And it is astonishing it should, so: for in the close of the defeat of Ai, Joshua caused Israel to hear the command of God, that no covenant of peace was to be made with the inhabitants of Canaan, on any consideration whatever. See Deuteronomy 7:1-2. Yet it is worth our observation at the same time, that certain provision for peace, the gracious Lord had made, concerning those nations, like Gibeon, who accepted overtures of peace. I beg the Reader particularly to consult on this point, Deuteronomy 20:10-11. And is there not much of gospel here? Is it not thus, that our Almighty Joshua sends out his ambassadors to propound pardon, mercy, and peace, in the blood of his cross, and prays sinners in Christ's stead, to be reconciled to God? 2 Corinthians 5:20.
Joshua 9:7-14
7 And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?
8 And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye?
9 And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt,
10 And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth.
11 Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with youb for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us.
12 This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy:
13 And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.
14 And the menc took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.