יהושע, פרק ט׳, פסוק כ״ז

Joshua's decision permanently defined the fate of the Gibeonites, assigning them a lifelong role as laborers for both the public and the sacred spaces of the Israelites. This new status was not static; rather, it adapted to the changing circumstances of the nation as they settled in their new land.

There was a clear shift over time in the duties of the Gibeonites. In the early stages, before a permanent Tabernacle was established and while the Israelites were deeply engaged in the wars of conquest and the subsequent division of the land, the Gibeonites worked directly for the people, providing essential support to the warriors. Only later, once the nation was settled, did their responsibilities transition specifically to serving the holy altar [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. This sacred duty became their permanent role, continuing through the era when the historical account of these events was recorded [מלבי״ם].

Rather than being assigned to a specific city or a fixed plot of land, the Gibeonites lived a life entirely tied to the sacred altar, accompanying it wherever it was moved [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Their service depended entirely on wherever God chose to rest His presence. Whether the altar was stationed at the Tabernacle in Shiloh or eventually brought to the permanent Temple in Jerusalem, the Gibeonites were there, serving as dedicated caretakers of the holy complex [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].