RPG Adults
ISRAEL’S FAILURE WITH THE GIBEONITES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Joshua 9
Titus 3:1-5
“For we ourselves also
were sometimes foolish,
disobedient, deceived…”
ISRAEL’S FAILURE WITH THE GIBEONITES
In the aftermath of Israel’s victory at Ai, the whole of Canaan was shaken. The kings of different cities came together and were set to fight with Israel. There was great fear among them because of Israel. One city that would have been the next target of Israel was Gibeon.
The king and the princes of Gibeon came up with a different response to the imminent attack. They decided on a diplomatic, yet deceptive, approach rather than war. They used deception and succeeded in getting the elders of Israel to make a league with them, to not harm them. They offered to serve Israel. It is evident that God had a purpose in this turn of events. It was also a warning to Joshua not to do anything without proper consultation with God. The events unfolded as follows.
The Canaanites had all heard of Israel’s victory at Ai, and the kings of Canaan were set to confront Joshua. They gathered themselves together to fight Joshua and Israel in one accord. They were resolved to organise a joint army against Israel. This was of course the natural thing for them to do since they had to fight for their survival. They knew all that God had done for Israel since Israel left Egypt. However, they thought that their combined forces would prevail. The initial victory in Ai encouraged them and they were ready to hold their ground to the end. However, the king of one of their cities had a different idea.
The Gibeonites had a different idea. They saw the peaceful approach as a better alternative. They knew what Joshua had done to the cities of Jericho and Ai. They chose the peaceful means but sent ambassadors to Israel wilily. In other words, they used deception to gain acceptance. They disguised themselves, pretending to be from a far country, and wanting to make a league with Israel. They came to Joshua in Gilgal and offered to serve Israel in return for peace. They convinced Joshua and the elders to make a league with them.
THOUGHT: An important decision cannot be made lightly.
PRAYER: Father, may I know Thy will when making all decisions.