Tricked Into Believing The Enemy
April 9, 2019
Commentary
As we begin chapter nine the people had just returned to their headquarters in Gilgal after hearing the Word of God read to them from Mount Ebal. It was a time of real spiritual victory, but as is often the case it was also a time for a subtle attack from Satan. When we think we have it made it is then we are the most vulnerable to the enemy’s attack.
Located in the hill country six miles northwest of Jerusalem was Gibeon. They, along with three other neighboring towns, were convinced they could never defeat Israel in battle, so they formed an alliance. After consultation they came up with an ingenious plan to send emissaries to Joshua, disguised as weary and worn travelers from a far country. They put on garments that were dirty and torn, their food was dry and moldy, and their sandals were worn thin (vv. 4-6).
When they arrived at Gilgal, they told Joshua that they had come from a far country and wanted to make a peace treaty. Evidently, they were aware of the provisions in the Mosaic Law that permitted Israel to make peace with distant cities but requiring them to destroy cities of the nearby Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 20:10-15). Caught off guard by the cunning strategy of these Gibeonites, the leaders of Israel signed a treaty with them. In doing so, Joshua and the Israelites made two tragic mistakes. First, they accepted for evidence things that were highly questionable. Second, their biggest mistake was their failure to seek direction from God (vv. 15-16).
Application
I need to always seek the Lord before entering into any type of agreement on my own. People may try to get me to do things that only benefit them. To guard against these pressures, I must rely on God and communicate daily with Him. I need His strength to endure the pressures of life.
Joshua 9:1– 15 (NET)
1 When the news reached all the kings on the west side of the Jordan —in the hill country, the foothills, and all along the Mediterranean coast as far as Lebanon (including the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites)— 2 they formed an alliance to fight against Joshua and Israel.
3 When the residents of Gibeon heard what Joshua did to Jericho and Ai, 4 they did something clever. They collected some provisions and put worn-out sacks on their donkeys, along with worn-out wineskins that were ripped and patched. 5 They had worn-out, patched sandals on their feet and dressed in worn-out clothes. All their bread was dry and hard. 6 They came to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal and said to him and the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant land. Make a treaty with us.” 7 The men of Israel said to the Hivites, “Perhaps you live near us. So how can we make a treaty with you?” 8 But they said to Joshua, “We are willing to be your subjects.” So Joshua said to them, “Who are you and where do you come from?” 9 They told him, “Your subjects have come from a very distant land because of the reputation of the Lord your God, for we have heard the news about all he did in Egypt 10 and all he did to the two Amorite kings on the other side of the Jordan—King Sihon of Heshbon and King Og of Bashan in Ashtaroth. 11 Our leaders and all who live in our land told us, ‘Take provisions for your journey and go meet them. Tell them, “We are willing to be your subjects. Make a treaty with us.”’ 12 This bread of ours was warm when we packed it in our homes the day we started out to meet you, but now it is dry and hard. 13 These wineskins we filled were brand new, but look how they have ripped. Our clothes and sandals have worn out because it has been a very long journey.” 14 The men examined some of their provisions, but they failed to ask the Lord’s advice. 15 Joshua made a peace treaty with them and agreed to let them live. The leaders of the community sealed it with an oath.