Joshua 9
Pastor Mark Hudson
In Joshua 9, the Gibeonites, part of the Hivite tribe, deceive Joshua to stay alive. They execute a deceptive story quite well. Well enough to fool Joshua which keeps the Gibeonites alive. For Joshua’s part, he should have called for the priests to hear from God. So, let’s look at what the Gibeonites did and why.
In Deut 20:10ff, Moses records the terms of peace Israel offered to some people. But the Hivites were not included in the terms of peace offer. So, in the minds of the Gibeonites, they had no option apart from joining forces with the kings mentioned in verse 1. So like Rahab, they heard about Yahweh, they believed the report and they appealed to Israel, and they used deception but the Gibeonites deceived Israel not their own people like Rahab deceived the people of Jericha. It may have seemed like the only card they could play.
From Israel’s part, they did seem to do a preliminary background check but not a thorough one. And they one option that was foolproof, they passed over for some reason. Joshua should have consulted the priest to inquire of God. Was Israel overconfident? Did they trust in their own wisdom? We are not told but making a covenant with their neighbors (as Joshua soon found out) was unwise. But breaking that covenant was even worse as David discovered in 2 Samuel 21:1ff.
The narrator simply conveys the mistake with a brief phrase, “but did not ask counsel from the Lord” in v. 14. But they did ask questions, look at the evidence the Gibeonites displayed, and Israel appeared to be skeptical. In verse 7, Israel asks, “Perhaps you live among us; then how can we make a covenant with you” In the next verse Joshua asks, “who are you? And where do you come from?” But they answered the questions the way they wanted to. Joshua should have followed up with, “You didn’t tell us where you are from. Nor did you tell us who you are. We need direct answers to our questions.”
This was not rebellion or rampant sin. It was more an oversight, an omission, and poor leadership. This should serve as a caution for our leaders and each one of us. Maybe you are not seeking God as you used to. You might be nursing a grudge, growing bitter, and letting anger smolder. You might be reading, looking, or listening to things you know you shouldn’t be. You are excusing attitudes and actions you know are wrong. Beware. We are in a spiritual battle. If a little pride, growing bitterness or greed gets you off your focus on Christ, the devil does not need egregious public sin. If he can’t take your foot off the pedal, he will tempt you to press it down, so you are too busy. Work, children, sports, and other good things is enough to distract you without resorting to cocaine, theft, or murder. Watch over your hear with all diligence, for from it flows the issues of life. Pr. 4:23.
Jesus spoke about the most important and smallest battlefield: your heart. In His teaching, He shows concern appropriate concern for what we can see, or others can see in us. But He knows that outwards expressions can deceive. For example, Matt. 15:8. “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from me . . . .” He was always talking about the heart, as the prophet did. Eat what you want; it is the heart that matters most (Matt 15:15ff). Jesus warns us about the things of this life that are gifts of His grace that can easily turn into idols, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Matt. 6:21.
Your heart always goes with you. A newcomer to a city asked a long-time resident how they people are here. The response was, “How were the people in the town you left.” The newcomer said, “Oh, they were great. We loved them.” The other person said, “You will find those same people here.” If we are unforgiving in this church, critical, wanting more from others and you leave, you will be the same in the next church. For those of us getting older, have you observed how some older people get crankier and some get sweeter? Which one will you be?
For those who are younger, you will notice younger people who show respect and interest in God but give them 3-5 years, and they will adopt a totally secular worldview. It has happened in this small church. It has happened in every church and many families. It happens with pastors, missionaries, elders, etc.
Also notice the response of the leaders once they find out how close the Gibeonites are. While the people grumble in v. 18 (when don’t they grumble?), the leaders understand they need to abide by the covenant (see the next chapter). This is a reminder to us that sometimes, we make bad mistakes, decisions, or choices. And some of those we cannot reverse. What do you do? You do the next thing. You do what is right. There are some personal, business, financial decisions you cannot reverse. So, if you did not seek counsel, you keep your word, act with integrity, and honor the Lord even if you don’t like the bed you made. That is what the leaders said in 19ff.
In verses 24-25, the Gibeonites accepted the offer to well, . . . live. They are happy with whatever terms they are given. This covenant was a win for them. Far from complaining about being servants, they accept without condition.
Dear Lord, help us to not be proud but humble. Remind us to keep seeking You. We too easily rely on our own instincts and insights. But we need to rely on You so give us direction, protection, and wisdom. We pray in the powerful name of Jesus.