יהושע, פרק ט׳, פסוק כ״ד

The Gibeonites find themselves forced to explain the elaborate deception they orchestrated against the Israelites. They reveal that their actions were driven entirely by a deep fear for their very existence. Having heard the clear command given to Moses, they understood that the Israelites were instructed to wipe out all the inhabitants of the land without a single exception. In their minds, there was absolutely no possibility of simply surrendering or being accepted in any peaceful way [מלבי״ם].

Fully aware that they lacked the strength to face the Israelites in battle, a profound fear for their survival took hold of them [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The trick they played was never an attempt to dodge taxes or avoid a life of servitude. Instead, it was a desperate, calculated move aimed at one single goal: saving their own lives from guaranteed destruction [מלבי״ם].