And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you; when ye dwell among us?

JOSHUA 9:22KJV
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Joshua 9:22 (KJV)

What does Joshua 9:22 mean?

Joshua 9:22 describes Joshua confronting the Gibeonites after discovering their deception. Joshua asks why they lied to the Israelites by claiming to be from a distant land when, in fact, they lived nearby.

In this scene, Joshua is speaking directly to the Gibeonites, who had tricked the Israelites into making a peace treaty by pretending to come from far away. The verse highlights Joshua's frustration and the seriousness of the Gibeonites' actions, as their deceit had real consequences for the Israelites' mission in Canaan.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 9:22

  • The word "beguiled" comes from the Hebrew נָשָׁא (nasha, H7411), which often means to deceive or mislead. This word emphasizes the intentional trickery used by the Gibeonites.
  • The phrase "dwell among us" uses יָשַׁב (yashav, H3427) for "dwell" and קֶרֶב (qerev, H7130) for "among," making it clear that the Gibeonites were not outsiders but actually lived within the Israelites' territory.

Why Joshua 9:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Gibeonites' deception was not just a minor lie but a calculated act that affected the Israelites' plans and agreements.
  • Joshua's direct questioning shows the importance of honesty and the consequences of deceit in relationships between groups.
  • The verse connects to the broader story of Joshua 9, where the Israelites must deal with the aftermath of being tricked, showing the challenges of leadership and decision-making in unfamiliar situations.

Where else these words appear

“beguiled” Hebrew H7411 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 29:25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?
  • 1 Samuel 19:17 And Saul said unto Michal, Why hast thou deceived me so, and sent away mine enemy, that he is escaped? And Michal answered Saul, He said unto me, Let me go; why should I kill thee?
  • Psalms 78:9 The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.

“far” Hebrew H7350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 22:4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:15 And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
  • Isaiah 37:26 Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps.