And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?
The men of Israel voiced suspicion that the visitors might dwell among them as Hivites and asked how a league could then be made with them. The question reflected the prohibition against making a treaty with the idolaters of Canaan. Despite that suspicion, Israel's leaders entered an unwise treaty without seeking the counsel of the Lord.
That neglect to ask counsel of God brought punishment upon Israel. The Gibeonites afterward renounced their heathenism, united with Israel, and shared in the blessings of God's covenant.
The men of Israel voiced suspicion that the visitors might dwell among them as Hivites and asked how a league could then be made with them. The question reflected the prohibition against making a treaty with the idolaters of Canaan. Despite that suspicion, Israel's leaders entered an unwise treaty without seeking the counsel of the Lord.
That neglect to ask counsel of God brought punishment upon Israel. The Gibeonites afterward renounced their heathenism, united with Israel, and shared in the blessings of God's covenant.