Joshua 9:18

“And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes.”

This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Joshua, where the Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership, were conquering the Promised Land. In this particular passage, the Israelites encounter the Gibeonites, a neighboring Canaanite people.

To understand the significance of Joshua 9:18, we need to examine the preceding verses. In Joshua 9:3-15, the Gibeonites resorted to deception to avoid destruction at the hands of the Israelites. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land, worn-out clothing, and stale provisions to make it seem like they were not inhabitants of the nearby territory destined for conquest.

The Gibeonites approached Joshua and the Israelite leaders, claiming to have come from a far-off region, and requested to make a covenant of peace with them. Without consulting the Lord, Joshua and the leaders entered into a treaty with the Gibeonites, agreeing not to harm them. They made a binding oath before the Lord, not realizing they had been deceived.

In Joshua 9:18, we see the aftermath of the Israelites’ discovery of the deception. The verse states that the children of Israel did not attack the Gibeonites because the leaders had sworn an oath by the Lord God of Israel. The Israelite congregation, however, was displeased with the decision made by their leaders and murmured against them.

This passage raises several important points for consideration:

• Obedience to God: The Israelite leaders made a serious mistake by making a covenant with the Gibeonites without consulting God. They acted on their own understanding and were deceived as a result. It serves as a reminder to seek the Lord’s guidance and wisdom in our decisions, rather than relying solely on our own judgment.
• Honoring Oaths: The Israelite leaders recognized the solemnity of the oath they had made before the Lord, even though it was based on deception. They felt compelled to honor their commitment, even though it had been obtained through deceit. This emphasizes the importance of keeping our word and fulfilling our obligations, even if circumstances change or we later discover that we were misled.
• Accountability and Murmuring: The verse mentions that the congregation murmured against the leaders because of their decision. This highlights the human tendency to question and criticize leadership when their decisions do not align with expectations. It reminds us of the need for humility, understanding that leaders can make mistakes, and the importance of addressing concerns in a respectful and constructive manner.

Ultimately, this passage provides lessons on the importance of seeking God’s guidance, honoring commitments, and navigating the challenges of leadership. It underscores the need for wisdom, discernment, and accountability in our decision-making processes.