Joshua 9:4 (KJV) states, "They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up;"

This verse is from the book of Joshua in the Old Testament, and it describes a deceptive act that the inhabitants of Gibeon, a nearby city, performed in order to trick the Israelites. The Israelites had been commanded by God to conquer the land of Canaan, but they were not to make any treaties with its inhabitants. Gibeon knew that they were at risk of being defeated by the Israelites, so they used deception to try and save themselves.

The use of the word "wilily" in this verse indicates that the Gibeonites were cunning and sly in their approach. They pretended to be ambassadors from a distant land, and they went to great lengths to appear convincing. They put old, worn-out sacks on their donkeys, and carried old, cracked wine bottles. These items were meant to give the appearance of a long journey, and to make it seem as though they were in desperate need of assistance.

The key theme in this verse is deception. The Gibeonites were not being honest in their dealings with the Israelites. They were trying to trick them into making a treaty that would protect them from harm. However, their actions were not in line with God's commandments, and they were ultimately punished for their deceit.

Another important theme in this verse is the idea of trust. The Israelites were deceived because they were too trusting. They did not seek guidance from God before making a decision, and they relied on their own judgment. This shows the danger of placing too much trust in human understanding, rather than seeking divine wisdom.

The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. The Israelites were in the process of claiming the Promised Land that God had given them. They were facing many challenges and obstacles along the way, including opposition from the inhabitants of the land. In this case, the Gibeonites sought to avoid destruction by using trickery, rather than facing the Israelites in battle.

Symbolism in this verse can also be found in the old, worn-out items that the Gibeonites used to deceive the Israelites. These items symbolize the deceit and dishonesty of the Gibeonites. They presented themselves as something they were not, using objects that were not what they appeared to be. This serves as a warning about the dangers of being deceived by outward appearances, rather than seeking the truth.

In conclusion, Joshua 9:4 (KJV) reveals a story of deceit and trickery, as the Gibeonites tried to save themselves from the impending conquest of the Israelites. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deception and the importance of seeking God's guidance in all decisions. The consequences of the Israelites' lack of discernment in this situation remind us to be diligent in seeking the truth and relying on God's wisdom.