Josue 9 - A Total Destruction?

The story of the Gabaonites (or Gibeonites) in Josue 9 is an interesting one.  Much is made of the polarizing account of the Israelites' destruction of Canaan by divine command.  It is by all accounts a unique event in Biblical history in terms of the ruthlessness and harshness by which the Israelites are instructed to deal with Canaan.  There is no denying that.  Some see it as necessary for God's promise to be fulfilled and to set an example of the sinfulness of idol worship.  Some see it as unnecessarily cruel.  But upon closer inspection, the "destruction" of Canaan is not so total and absolute.  It is a more nuanced thing.  Certain key victories, such as that at Jericho, were necessary for Israel to be in a secure position and to begin to accumulate power in the region (thus fulfilling Moses' prophecy).  But even though they are instructed to destroy all inhabitants of Canaan, the reality is different.  We've already seen the salvation of Rahab (and others, it is implied as well) because of her help and submission to the One True God.  And now in Josue 9 we see the salvation of the Gabaonites because of their submission to the One God.  And even though the Gabaonites secured their safety through deception, and the Israelites didn't follow exactly God's commands in this matter, the fact remains that God allowed this to happen and saw fit a purpose in it. 

The lesson is that mercy is shown upon those who find the humility to submit.  The other pagan people of Canaan do not wish to submit and do not believe in the omnipotence of the One True God, and therefore their destruction is effected.  They've essentially chosen their own fate, as we all must do.  Amidst the violence and massacre of the Canaanites, God still shows us that a simple act of faith can save the smallest soul.