Why is it written va'Yomeru, and we pronounce it va'Yomer (singular)? Who said this?
Radak: It is written based on the individuals (everyone said so). It is pronounced based on the Klal (the nation said so).
Malbim (21): The Nesi'im said this.
Why are they called "Chivi"?
Radak #1: The Giv'onim and the surrounding cities, who were part of this strategy, were from Bnei Chivi.
Radak #2: They acted like the Chiviya (snake). They deceived Yisrael, like the snake deceived Chavah.
Why did they say "Ulai"?
Malbim: Ulai implies that this probably is the case.
Divrei Eliyahu, Kol Eliyahu (Bereishis 24:39): "Ulai" implies that he wants it to be so 1 ; one says "Pen" if he does not want it.
What is the meaning of "b'Kirbi Atah Yoshev"?
Rashi: You are residents of the land (Eretz Kena'an).
The Yerushalmi (Shevi'is 6:1) says that Yehoshua sent three letters to the Kena'anim, offering that they may make peace, fight, or leave the land. If so, why did the Giv'onim need to deceive us?
Radak: The letters were sent to the residents in general. The Giv'onim thought that Yehoshua sent to Yericho and Ai, and even so he struck them! He does not honor his word; he schemes to offer Shalom so they will not guard themselves. They [correctly] thought that if Yisrael make a Bris with them, they will honor it.
QUESTIONS ON RASHI
Rashi writes that "b'Kirbi Atah Yoshev" means that you are residents of the land. Why does that matter?
Radak: Also for other nations, they can make Shalom with us if they accept to destroy their idolatry and guard their seven Mitzvos, pay taxes and serve us. However, if they fight us, for other nations we may kill the men and keep the women and children for slaves. For the seven Kena'ani nations, we must kill everyone. 1
How did he answer the question? The terms of Shalom are the same for all nations! (PF)
