I just listened to his message. I hold Jim Cymballa in honor and I believe he is a true servant of God. I agree with the conclusion of the message but do not think the Gibeonite story was interpreted properly. Granted, the Gibeonites have cheated the Israelites and should not have entered a covenant with them. From Israel's viewpoint, they deceived the Israelites. From the Gibeonites point of view, I commend them because they completely surrendered and were willing to serve the Israelites as water bearers and wood choppers. Their service became essential for the tabernacle. It is interesting to note that there was actually no suggestion in the Mosaic law who should bring in all the wood and water that was needed in great quantity.
Their habitation actually became the location for Solomons temple. A Gibeonite was among Davids mighty men.
As Gentiles we follow the Gibeonites example. We are bound for destruction yes, even anihilation because of our iniquity. The worn clothes and mouldy bread and wine speak of repentance. They had greater faith and knowledge of God than the Israelites. We are not meant to be in the covenant but by Israels rejection to listen to God's command this heathen tribe "sneaked" into the commonwealth of Israel and came under their protection. Immediately the other nations who where once friendly with them turned against them. This speaks of the normal Christian experience! If God wanted to help Israel to get out of the illegitimate covenant, he could have allowed their enemies to kill them, but on God stopped sun and moon in the battle of Gibeon until their enemies where routed. God kept his promise and covenant. When Saul in his fleshly zeal killed the Gibeonites, God sent a famine because of his bloodguilt which was lifted after 7 descendants of Saul were punished.
I see the story of the Gibeonites as a striking example how God turns something bad and wrong for to fulfill his divine purposes. It is an illustration of his purposes for Jews and gentiles.