“And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?”
Israel suspects deception — Joshua answers, 'Perhaps you live among us; how then can we make a covenant with you?' Israel's initial response shows prudent skepticism. However, the Gibeonites' deception succeeds not because Israel is gullible but because they do not pray—they rely on what their eyes see rather than seeking the LORD's counsel. The word 'perhaps' (אוּלַי) suggests awareness of risk, yet this awareness is insufficient without divine inquiry.
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