The answer is: Woodcutters and water-carriers

Josh 9:27

In an interesting twist of fate, the Gibeonites cleverly deceived Joshua and the Israelites by pretending to be from a distant land. They tricked Joshua into making a covenant to spare their lives, which led to their unique servitude. Instead of ending up as captives, the Gibeonites found themselves serving the Israelites as woodcutters and water-carriers—tasks critical for survival and daily life among the Israelites.

Did you know that in ancient Israel, wood was vital not just for cooking and warmth but also for constructing homes and crafting items? Having reliable woodcutters among them would have significantly aided the Israelites in establishing their community in the Promised Land. Similarly, water was a precious resource, especially in arid regions where wandering tribes faced the challenge of finding sufficient fluids to sustain them.

Joshua's alliance with the Gibeonites offers a lesson in humility and the consequences of rash decisions. Gibeon eventually became a fortress city and a central figure in the dynamics of Israelite politics. It's a rich reminder that even trickery can have surprising and far-reaching consequences. The Gibeonites’ fate parallels other Biblical figures who, despite unsavory beginnings or methods, found themselves woven into the broader tapestry of God's unfolding plan—like Rahab the harlot, who helped hide Israelite spies and secured her family's safety during Jericho's fall. This adds a layer of fallen grace, revealing the multifaceted intricacies of destiny among the chosen people.