Bible Dictionary
Gibeonites, The
The Gibeonites were the people of Gibeon and its allied cities who obtained protection from Israel through a covenant with Joshua. They were assigned permanent service at the sanctuary, and their covenant was later violated by Saul.
Biblical Usage
By disguising themselves as travelers from a distant country, the Gibeonites induced Joshua and Israel’s leaders to make a covenant with them. Although their deception was discovered, the oath preserved their lives and made them perpetual servants at the sanctuary. Saul later violated the covenant by attacking them, and the matter was expiated during David’s reign.
Scripture References