Meaning
A Gibeonite was a person belonging to the people of Gibeon, an ancient city in Canaan.
Biblical Usage
In Scripture, the Gibeonites were inhabitants of Gibeon and are identified as Hivites.
After hearing what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they obtained a covenant of peace with Israel through deception. After their deception was discovered, Israel honored the covenant because it had been confirmed by oath.
The Gibeonites were assigned to serve as hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and the altar of the LORD.
The Gibeonites are also mentioned later during the reign of David.
Key References
- Joshua 9:3-27
- Joshua 10:1-14
- 2 Samuel 21:1-6
Related Terms
- Gibeon
- Hivite
- Covenant
- Hewer