“And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors,…….. And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us.” Joshua 9:3-6
Joshua and the Israelite army had won great victories at Jericho and Ai. This caused fear in the other cities in the area. Gibeon was only a few miles away, but their leaders conspired to save their city from destruction. Can’t you just imagine them almost crawling into the Israelite camp, tired and weary looking in their ragged clothes, carrying their mouldy bread, and appearing to have been traveling for days?
Joshua had served under Moses for over 40 years in the wilderness. He knew that whenever Moses was faced with any decisions, his first step was to talk to God about it and let the Lord tell him how to handle it. Joshua neglected to do this but accepted what the men of Gibeon told him. Verse 14 tells us: “And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.”
Joshua made a pact with them that they would spare their city from destruction. Three days later, after going with these men, he found out the truth. Since an agreement had already been made, Joshua could not go back on his word.
Satan is our enemy and he will use his wiles to deceive us. We must always be alert and watchful, not looking just at how things appear. When we are faced with decisions, our first step should be to seek counsel from the Lord. He sees things that we do not see and He knows what is best for us. He knows the consequences that will result if we make a wrong decision. Listening to His voice and obeying Him brings peace to our hearts.
James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Prayer: Jesus, thank you, that we can come boldly before your throne, seeking your counsel in every aspect of our lives. Grant us the wisdom and direction that we need each day.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
