“The Gibeonites Ruse”
“They asked
not counsel at the mouth at the Lord.” (v.14)
Joshua had
just won two astounding victories, destroying both Jericho and Ai through the
power of the Lord. The Gibeonites knew they would be next, so in fear they
resorted to trickery to save their lives. They put on old clothes, took moldy
bread with them, and made their way to the camp of Israel.
Joshua and
the elders were completely taken in by the ruse. Without consulting the Lord,
they entered into a covenant with the enemies of Israel whom God had told them
to destroy.
The
agreement Israel made with the Gibeonites exposed Israel to a long-term
relationship with people who had done deplorable acts for other gods—without
any true repentance. Such deception from wolves in sheep's clothing still
endangers us today. But, wisdom from above will help us decide who to trust.
The Truth
“But if any
of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and
without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
