2. They all came together and joined forces to fight against Joshua and the Israelites.
3. But the people of Gibeon, who were Hivites, heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai,
4. and they decided to deceive him. They went and got some food and loaded their donkeys with worn-out sacks and patched-up wineskins.
5. They put on ragged clothes and worn-out sandals that had been mended. The bread they took with them was dry and mouldy.
6. Then they went to the camp at Gilgal and said to Joshua and the Israelites, “We have come from a distant land. We want you to make a treaty with us.”
7. But the Israelites said, “Why should we make a treaty with you? Maybe you live nearby.”
8. They said to Joshua, “We are at your service.”Joshua asked them, “Who are you? Where do you come from?”