Joshua — Chapter 9

Lapide: The Gibeonites deceived Joshua with old bread, worn shoes, and dusty sacks — Joshua and the princes did not consult the Lord (oracle of the High Priest Eleazar); they were deceived because they relied on their own judgment rather than divine guidance. Lesson for governors: in major decisions, always consult God.

Lapide: \"Joshua made peace with them and entered a covenant to let them live\" — even though won by fraud, the oath of the princes of Israel was binding and must be kept. Joshua later fulfilled it at risk of conflict with his own people. Fidelity to oaths even given to enemies is binding.