Joshua 9:15

“And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.”

Context: Joshua 9 recounts the story of the Gibeonite deception. The Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, had been conquering the land of Canaan as God commanded. The Gibeonites, who lived nearby, feared the Israelites and devised a plan to deceive them into making a treaty of peace instead of being destroyed like the other Canaanite nations.

The Gibeonite Deception: The Gibeonites disguised themselves by wearing old clothes and worn-out sandals, carrying moldy bread and patched wineskins. They approached Joshua and the Israelite leaders, claiming to be from a distant land and desiring to make a covenant of peace with them. They convinced Joshua and the leaders that they had traveled a long distance to seek God’s favor.

Failure to Seek God’s Counsel: Joshua and the leaders made a crucial mistake by not seeking God’s counsel before making a decision. They were deceived by the Gibeonites’ appearance and their claim of coming from a distant land. Instead of inquiring of the Lord, they relied solely on their own judgment, resulting in a hasty decision.

The Covenant Made: Joshua and the leaders agreed to make a peace treaty with the Gibeonites. They made a covenant, swearing an oath to let them live and not harm them. The Israelites were unaware that the Gibeonites were actually inhabitants of the land God had commanded them to conquer.

Consequences of the Covenant: After discovering the truth about the Gibeonites, the Israelites were displeased with their leaders for making the covenant without consulting God. However, since they had sworn an oath in the name of the Lord, they honored the treaty and allowed the Gibeonites to live, but they became woodcutters and water carriers for the Israelite community.

Lessons from Joshua 9:15:

• Seeking God’s Counsel: The failure to seek God’s counsel resulted in a wrong decision for Joshua and the Israelite leaders. It serves as a reminder to always seek the guidance of the Lord in making important decisions. God’s wisdom and guidance are essential to avoid deception and make sound choices.
• The Importance of Oaths: Joshua and the leaders took their oaths seriously because they had sworn in the name of the Lord. This emphasizes the significance of keeping one’s word and honoring commitments, even when they were made hastily or under deceptive circumstances. Oaths made in the presence of God should be upheld with integrity.
• God’s Sovereignty: Despite the Israelites’ error in making a covenant with the Gibeonites, God’s sovereignty was not thwarted. He used this situation to teach His people important lessons and to work out His divine plans in the midst of human error. It reminds us that even when we make mistakes, God can still work things out for His glory.
• Grace and Mercy: Despite being deceived, the Israelites showed grace and mercy by keeping their oath to the Gibeonites. Though the consequences of their decision remained, they honored their commitment. This demonstrates the importance of acting with integrity and showing kindness even in difficult circumstances.

In summary, Joshua 9:15 teaches us the importance of seeking God’s counsel, the significance of oaths, God’s sovereignty, and the value of grace and mercy in our interactions with others.