Joshua 9:10

“And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth.”

Context: In Joshua 9, we find the account of the Gibeonite deception. The Israelites had entered the Promised Land, and the surrounding nations were filled with fear and dread. The Gibeonites, a Canaanite tribe, devised a plan to trick the Israelites into making a covenant with them, seeking protection from the impending invasion.

Historical Background: Before we delve into Joshua 9:10, it’s important to understand the historical context. The Israelites, led by Joshua, were commanded by God to conquer the land of Canaan and possess it as their inheritance. God had promised to go before them and deliver the land into their hands. The conquest of Canaan involved battles with various kings and nations, including the Amorites.

Reference to God’s Mighty Works: In Joshua 9:10, the Gibeonites reference the victories the Israelites had achieved over the two Amorite kings, Sihon and Og. These events are recorded in earlier chapters of the book of Joshua. Sihon was the king of Heshbon, and Og was the king of Bashan. They were powerful kings who controlled significant territories beyond the Jordan River.

Significance of the Reference: The Gibeonites mentioned the defeat of Sihon and Og to highlight the power and might of the Israelites, expressing their desire to make a covenant with them. They acknowledged that the Israelites were a force to be reckoned with and sought to secure their safety by forming an alliance, albeit through deception.

Lessons and Application:

• Importance of Seeking God’s Guidance: The incident with the Gibeonites reminds us of the need for seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in our decisions. The Israelites were deceived because they failed to inquire of the Lord before making a covenant. We should always seek God’s guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking wise counsel before making important decisions.
• Consequences of Deception: The Gibeonites resorted to deception to protect themselves. While their motives were understandable, their methods were dishonest. This incident serves as a reminder that deceit often leads to unforeseen consequences. As followers of God, we are called to be people of integrity, always pursuing truth and honesty.
• God’s Sovereignty in All Circumstances: Despite the Israelites being deceived, God’s plan ultimately prevailed. He used the situation to teach the Israelites valuable lessons and work out His purposes. It reminds us that even when we encounter deception or difficult circumstances, God is still in control and can bring about His plans in unexpected ways.
• The Importance of Honoring Commitments: After discovering the deception, Joshua and the leaders of Israel honored the covenant they made with the Gibeonites, even though it was made under false pretenses. This demonstrates the importance of honoring our commitments and being people of integrity, even when the circumstances are challenging or unfavorable.

Overall, Joshua 9:10 and the surrounding verses provide us with valuable insights about seeking God’s guidance, avoiding deception, and the importance of integrity and honoring commitments. It reminds us that even in challenging situations, God remains in control and can work out His plans for our lives.