Strong and Courageous: A Study in JoshuaSample

What does it say? 

The Gibeonites deceived Joshua into making a peace treaty so they wouldn’t suffer the same fate as cities already conquered by Israel. 

What does it mean?

To save their city, the people of Gibeon used an elaborate ruse to trick Joshua. God’s instructions permitted Israel to make an offer of peace with distant cities, but demanded the conquest of the seven neighboring Canaanite nations. Joshua tried to discern the truth but neglected to ask the Lord’s instructions. Without prayer, he lacked the wisdom to spot the enemy standing right in front of him. When the truth came out, Joshua had no choice but to honor the treaty. The Gibeonites were allowed to live as servants “for the house of God,” where they learned firsthand about the powerful God of Israel. God graciously turned their judgment into a chance to have a relationship with Him. 

How should I respond?

“The men of Israel...did not seek the Lord’s counsel” (vs. 14). How often has that been true in your circumstances? You likely regret the outcome of a decision made without prayer. We usually recognize the obvious enemies of our faith. But without prayer we lack the wisdom to detect the more subtle lies Satan uses to interfere with our spiritual progress. Praise God for His grace! He is able to turn our failures around for His glory – even though He may allow us to live with the consequences of moving ahead without Him. Seek the Lord’s counsel; ask for wisdom about each decision you face throughout the day.