Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us.
So our leaders and all the people of our country told us, 'Take food with you for the trip, and go meet them. Tell them, "We are your servants; please make a treaty with us."'
The Gibeonites are telling Joshua that their leaders sent them with provisions to make a peace treaty, claiming to be willing servants.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Joshua, the Israelites were in the midst of conquering the Promised Land under God's command, having recently defeated Jericho and Ai. The Gibeonites, who were actually nearby inhabitants of Canaan, feared for their lives and plotted to deceive Joshua by pretending to be ambassadors from a distant nation. They prepared old provisions and clothing to make their story convincing, leading to the events described in this verse where they urged their people to seek a treaty.
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