Joshua 9 -- Using Mistakes

Today, contracts which come about with fraud involved can be undone, but the Israelites weren’t equipped with lawyers.  The people of Gibeon misrepresented themselves as people living outside of the Promised Land.  They apparently somehow knew that Israelites were sworn to destroy all inhabitants of the Promised Land but were allowed to offer peace to those outside that land.

 

The “delegation” from Gibeon told four lies which the Israelites believed:

1)      That they resided outside the land (they lived 25 miles away)

2)      That their clothing and food reflected the length of the trip (selected as a ruse)

3)      That they were important diplomats on a peace mission (ever seen diplomats eating moldy food and not adequately provisioned?)

4)      That they were Israel’s servants (they were the enemy God had told them to destroy)

 

Then they compounded their lies by saying that they had come “because of the name of the Lord.”  There’s just something really wrong with people who do that!

 

“Joshua and the leaders were impetuous and didn’t take time to consult the Lord.  They walked by sight and not faith,” my commentary said.  “They hadn’t yet learned to wait on the Lord.”

 

I also read, “The will of God comes from the heart of God, and He delights to make known to His children when He knows they are humble and willing to obey.  We don’t seek God’s will like customers who look at options, but like servants who listen for orders.”  We can’t afford to lean on our own understanding.  Satan is just too wily.

 

Unfortunately, since they’d made an oath sworn in the name of the Lord, they couldn’t break it, even though God had commanded they to destroy all the people in the land.

 

My commentary noted that Joshua did learn an important lesson:  If you make a mistake, admit it, and then make your mistake work for you.”  He required the people of Gibeon to cut wood and haul water for the Tabernacle, and they became known later as the Nethinim, and over 500 of them returned with the Israelites from the Babylonian captivity!  They must have become devoted to the service of the Lord in the intervening years.  My commentary said there is no biblical record of them ever becoming a hindrance to the Israelites’ faith.

 

Father, You give me such timely advice.  It’s exactly what I needed to hear today.  I rely on You and Your wisdom not just for everyday life, but for business as well, and You are faithful!  Please continue to give me such guidance, and help me to have a heart that is humble and willing to obey.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford