they also resorted to a ruse, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks on their donkeys, and old, torn-up and bound up wineskins,
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 4. Provisions. By the alteration of a single letter, Hebrew means, “they feigned themselves to be ambassadors.” But the Chal. Syr. and Septuagint agree with the Vulgate. Calmet.—The Gabaonites were Hevites, though they are called by the more general name of Amhorrites, 2 Kennicott. 21:2. S. Jerom says that their city stood in the tribe of Benjamin; according to Josephus, 40 or 50 stadia north of Jerusalem. Menochius.—They alone had the prudence to submit, ( Calmet.) being terrified and converted by the miracles of God. Bible.—Again. In the East, goat skins with the hair inwards, are used to carry wine.