In Joshua 9, we are faced with a situation that tests our ability to discern and remain faithful to God’s guidance. After the overwhelming victory at Jericho and the success at Ai, our reputation has spread, and the surrounding nations are beginning to take notice. The Gibeonites, a neighboring group, hear of our victories and, rather than face us in battle, decide to use a different strategy—they resort to deception. They come to us pretending to be from a distant land, worn and tired from a long journey, seeking a treaty of peace. They know that we, as God's chosen people, have been commanded to take the land and destroy the inhabitants, but they hope to trick us into making an alliance by disguising themselves as travelers from afar. This chapter calls us to reflect on how easily we can be misled if we are not diligent in seeking God’s will in our decisions.
We, as the Israelites, are initially deceived. We look at the provisions the Gibeonites bring—old sacks, worn-out wineskins, and dry bread—and believe their story without consulting God. They tell us that they have heard of our great victories, and this is why they have come to make peace with us. On the surface, it seems like a reasonable offer. But there’s a lesson here for us: appearances can be deceiving. Our reliance on what we see with our eyes can sometimes lead us astray. In this moment, we fail to ask God for guidance, and as a result, we make a pact with the Gibeonites, believing them to be truthful. How often do we make decisions based on assumptions or appearances, only to later realize we should have sought God’s direction more thoroughly? The chapter challenges us to be more deliberate in inviting God into our decision-making process, no matter how simple or straightforward the choice may seem.
Three days later, we learn the truth—the Gibeonites are not from a distant land but are neighbors whom we were commanded to destroy. The realization hits us hard, and the leaders of Israel are faced with the consequences of their hasty decision. We are angry and frustrated, and we could easily have retaliated, breaking the treaty that was made under false pretenses. But God’s instruction to us, as revealed through Joshua, is not to break the covenant. Even though the Gibeonites deceived us, the peace treaty we made with them must be upheld. This moment teaches us about the seriousness of our words and promises. Even when we make mistakes, and even when we fail to live up to the standards God sets for us, He calls us to remain faithful to our commitments. It’s a powerful reminder that integrity and honor matter in every aspect of our lives, and even our mistakes can be used by God to teach us valuable lessons.
The Gibeonites, knowing they have been caught in their deception, explain themselves to Joshua. They confess that they were afraid of us because of the stories they had heard about God’s power, and they knew that they had no chance of surviving if they opposed us. In their fear, they chose deceit as a way to secure their lives, hoping that if they could make peace with us, they would be spared. This moment provides an opportunity for us to consider the complexity of human motivations. The Gibeonites’ actions are born out of fear, and while their method was wrong, their desire to survive is understandable. We might be tempted to judge their actions harshly, but we are also reminded of our own moments when fear or desperation led us to make choices we regret. God, in His mercy, calls us to recognize that fear often leads to flawed decisions, and He challenges us to trust in Him instead of resorting to deception or manipulation.
In the end, the agreement we made with the Gibeonites stands. We do not destroy them, but instead, we assign them the role of woodcutters and water carriers for the community. They become servants in the tabernacle, a position that ensures their survival but also keeps them in a state of subjugation. This resolution, though not perfect, shows us the importance of reconciliation, even when we are faced with mistakes. The Gibeonites, though spared from destruction, are still held accountable for their actions. For us, this teaches a balance between justice and mercy. It challenges us to consider how we handle the consequences of our own wrongdoings, how we extend grace to others, and how we can seek restorative outcomes rather than retaliatory ones.
Joshua 9 reminds us that decisions made in haste, without seeking God’s guidance, can have long-lasting consequences. It calls us to slow down, to seek God’s direction, and to examine our motives more carefully. It also teaches us about the importance of integrity and keeping our word, even when we realize we’ve made a mistake. And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that God’s grace is bigger than our failures. Even in our mistakes, God can bring about a redemptive solution that serves His greater purpose. As we move forward, we are encouraged to approach every decision with prayer, to honor our commitments, and to trust in God's ability to work through our shortcomings, making a way where we might see none.