READ JOSHUA 9
GO DEEPER
This story starts with deceit and culminates in the revelation that the Gibeonites were not truthful about their identity. News of the events at Jericho and Ai spread, justifying the fear of other kings and kingdoms. The Gibeonites, on the other hand, employed a cunning strategy with Joshua by pretending to be allies. It is worth noting their ingenuity in this regard! Despite initially seeming like a lighthearted narrative within a historical account, there are valuable lessons that can be gleaned from the interactions between Joshua and the Gibeonites.
Initially, the Israelites faced trouble for not seeking the guidance of the Lord. Upon the arrival of the Gibeonites with their deceptive presentation, Joshua hastily made a pact with them without consulting God first. How often do we rely on our instincts or act impulsively without praying about our decisions? We may neglect seeking God's counsel as we believe we have everything under control and deserve independence in our decision-making. The issue lies in our tendency to separate our lives into spiritual and non-spiritual aspects when, in reality, everything should be viewed as spiritual if we truly believe in our faith. It is clear that Joshua should have sought God's guidance before agreeing to the Gibeonites' terms, but he failed to do so, causing the Israelites to face the consequences of his impulsive choice.
One important lesson from this passage is that God can utilize anyone for His purposes. Joshua assigned the Gibeonites tasks in the temple despite their deceitful actions. While Joshua was unable to kill them, he was able to assign them tasks of lesser importance. Given the tasks assigned in the temple, the Gibeonites had firsthand experience of God's interactions with Israel. They understood what it meant to be part of God's chosen people and desired to be included in that community; hence, they were willing to undertake any necessary responsibilities. It is evident that God has the capability to employ individuals to carry out His plans on earth. It is not uncommon for Him to utilize unexpected individuals for His purposes. Therefore, it serves as a valuable reminder that any of us, no matter how improbable it may seem presently, can be chosen by God in the future.
QUESTIONS
1. What was the reason behind the Gibeonites' strategy and their decision to trick the Israelites with their disguises?
2. Do you sometimes depend on your judgment instead of seeking guidance from God? If so, why?
3. Have you witnessed God using unexpected individuals in your life? What lessons did you take away from those instances?