“And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.”
Context: The book of Joshua records the events after the death of Moses when Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land. In Joshua 9, the narrative focuses on the encounter between the Israelites and the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites were inhabitants of the land and heard about the victories of the Israelites. Fearing for their lives, they devised a plan to make a treaty with Israel by pretending to be from a distant land.
The Deceptive Treaty: In verses 3-15 of Joshua 9, the Gibeonites approached Joshua and the Israelite leaders with worn-out clothes, old bread, and patched wineskins, pretending to have traveled from a far-off country. They claimed they wanted to make a covenant with the Israelites, fearing that their lives were at stake. Joshua and the leaders of Israel were deceived and did not seek the Lord’s counsel before making a treaty with them.
Discovering the Deception: After three days, the Israelites discovered that the Gibeonites were actually their neighbors who dwelt in the land. They realized they had been deceived but recognized the importance of keeping their oath before the Lord. They could not harm the Gibeonites since they had sworn by the name of the Lord God of Israel.
Hewers of Wood and Drawers of Water: In verse 27, Joshua, in accordance with the oath, made the Gibeonites “hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.” This punishment served as a reminder of their deceptive actions and the importance of honoring oaths made before God.
Lessons from Joshua 9:27:
- Importance of Seeking God’s Counsel: The incident with the Gibeonites highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom before making decisions. Had Joshua and the Israelite leaders sought the Lord’s counsel, they would not have been deceived.
- Honoring Oaths: The Israelites understood the significance of keeping their word, even when deceived. They recognized the sacredness of the oath made before the Lord and were committed to upholding it.
- Consequences of Deception: The Gibeonites faced lifelong servitude as a consequence of their deceptive actions. This emphasizes the biblical principle that deceitful behavior carries consequences.
Application: In our lives, we should be diligent in seeking God’s guidance and wisdom before making decisions. We should also be people of integrity, honoring our commitments and promises. The story of Joshua 9 reminds us to be cautious of deception and the potential consequences it can bring.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and consult other Bible study resources for a comprehensive understanding of the passage.
