יהושע, פרק ט׳, פסוק ט׳

The arrival of unexpected visitors prompts a careful evaluation of their origins and motives. In a calculated effort to secure an alliance, the Gibeonites employ a sophisticated deception, presenting themselves not as local inhabitants, but as distant foreigners drawn by a new faith.

They declare that they have traveled from an extremely distant land, emphasizing that their home is a completely unknown region [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. By doing so, they provide a logical explanation for why Joshua does not recognize their people or their nation [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. To justify such a long journey, they claim their arrival is entirely motivated by a desire to seek God. They present their goal as a sincere wish to accept faith in God and His teachings, recognizing Him as the creator and guide of the world following the widespread fame of His great name [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

They explain that news of everything God did in Egypt had reached them, as the miracles and plagues created such a massive impact that the reports echoed even in the most remote corners of the world [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. There is a brilliant tactical maneuver hidden within this part of their story [רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. The Gibeonites intentionally mention older historical events, such as the Exodus from Egypt and past wars, while carefully avoiding any mention of the recent miracle of the splitting of the Jordan River. This deliberate omission is meant to strengthen the credibility of their tale. By leaving out recent events, they aim to prove to Joshua that their land is genuinely so far away that fresh news simply has not had enough time to reach them.