Lexical Summary
tsayar: Potter, artist, or one who forms
Original Word:צָיַר
Part of Speech:Verb
Transliteration:tsayar
Pronunciation:tsah-YAHR
Phonetic Spelling:(tsaw-yar')
KJV: make as ifhad been ambassador
NASB:envoys
Word Origin:[a denominative fromH6735 (צִּיר - Messenger) in the sense of ambassador]
1. to make an errand, i.e. betake oneself
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
make as if
A denominative fromtsiyr in the sense of ambassador; to make an errand, i.e. Betake oneself -- make as if...had been ambassador.
see HEBREWtsiyr
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origindenominative verb from
tsirDefinitionto act as envoy
NASB Translationenvoys (1).
Topical Lexicon
Biblical SettingThe term appears once, inJoshua 9:4, within the account of the Gibeonites who “acted deceptively and set out as envoys” (Berean Standard Bible). The single usage is embedded in a strategic episode that follows Israel’s victories at Jericho and Ai. The word is therefore tied to the idea of an envoy or ambassador, but in a context of calculated disguise.
Historical Background
Gibeon belonged to a confederation of Canaanite city-states threatened by Israel’s advance (Joshua 9:1–2). Rather than engage in open war, its leaders crafted a ruse: emissaries clothed in worn garments and carrying cracked wineskins presented themselves as travelers from a distant country. Ancient Near Eastern diplomacy tolerated subterfuge, yet covenant oaths carried binding force. This tension lies at the heart of the narrative.
Narrative Significance
1. Human initiative versus divine guidance:Joshua 9:14 records that Israel’s leaders “did not seek the counsel of the LORD.” The envoy scene thus becomes a cautionary mirror for leadership that relies on sight rather than revelation.
2. Irrevocable covenant: Once the treaty was sworn “by the LORD, the God of Israel” (Joshua 9:19), the deception could not annul it. The envoy’s role, though fraudulent, resulted in a binding promise that shaped Israel’s later history (cf.2 Samuel 21:1–2).
3. Mercy within judgment: While the Gibeonites were consigned to servile roles (Joshua 9:27), they also found refuge under Israel’s God. Centuries later Gibeon became a Levitical city (Joshua 21:17) and a site of worship (1 Kings 3:4–5), demonstrating that grace can arise from unexpected quarters.
Theological Reflections
• Integrity in representation. Ambassadors speak for another. The misuse of the role inJoshua 9 contrasts with the ideal expressed inProverbs 13:17—“A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.”
• Covenant faithfulness. Israel’s obligation to honor a vow—even one obtained deceitfully—underscores the inviolability of oaths sworn in God’s name (Deuteronomy 23:21–23;Psalm 15:4).
• Divine sovereignty. God incorporates even human deception into His redemptive plan, preserving Israel’s testimony while extending unexpected mercy.
Intertextual Echoes
The concept of an envoy sets a pattern fulfilled in the New Testament. Paul writes, “Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Where the Gibeonite envoys misrepresented themselves, Christ’s ambassadors are called to truthful representation of the gospel. The single Old Testament occurrence therefore becomes a foil that highlights the authenticity demanded of New Covenant ministry.
Practical Ministry Implications
• Discernment before decision: Leaders today must resist the temptation to evaluate solely by appearance or urgency. Prayerful inquiry remains essential.
• Honoring commitments: Churches and believers should model covenant loyalty, reflecting the character of the God who keeps His promises.
• Authentic representation: Those who carry the message of reconciliation must avoid manipulative tactics; the credibility of the envoy reflects on the Sender (1 Thessalonians 2:3–5).
Summary of Key Themes
An envoy arrived in tattered garb, wielding deception, yet secured mercy through covenant. The episode warns against superficial judgment, affirms the sanctity of vows, and anticipates the high calling of Christian ambassadorship—a calling that demands truth, integrity, and dependence on the Lord’s counsel.
Forms and Transliterations
וַיִּצְטַיָּ֑רוּ ויצטירו vaiyitztaiYaru way·yiṣ·ṭay·yā·rū wayyiṣṭayyārū
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