Commentators explain that the Gibeonites' primary motive was not a pure desire for God, but a desperate fear for their lives. They had heard and believed God's specific command to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan. Albert Barnes contrasts their fear-based approach with Rahab's higher faith, explaining why they were made servants rather than being fully integrated into Israel like she was. This shows that while God is merciful, our motives in approaching Him matter.