Joshua 9:22

“And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you; when ye dwell among us?”

Context: Before diving into Joshua 9:22, it’s important to understand the context of this verse. The book of Joshua records the events that took place after the Israelites entered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. In this particular chapter, Joshua and the Israelites made a covenant with the people of Gibeon, who deceived them by pretending to come from a distant land and seeking peace. However, the Gibeonites were actually neighboring Canaanite inhabitants.

Deception and Its Consequences: In verse 22, Joshua calls the Gibeonites and questions them about their deception. The Israelites had made a covenant with them based on the false information provided by the Gibeonites. Joshua confronts them, asking why they tricked the Israelites by claiming they were from a far-off place when they actually dwelt among them.

Lessons on Trust and Discernment: Joshua’s response to the Gibeonites’ deception teaches us some valuable lessons. First, it highlights the importance of trust and the consequences of breaking trust. The Israelites had made a covenant with God to conquer the Promised Land, and they were specifically instructed not to make treaties or alliances with the inhabitants of the land (Deuteronomy 7:2). The Gibeonites’ deception resulted in the Israelites entering into a covenant they were not supposed to make, leading to future challenges and complications.

Seeking God’s Guidance: Another lesson we can draw from this verse is the importance of seeking God’s guidance and not relying solely on human wisdom. Joshua and the Israelites were deceived because they did not inquire of the Lord before making the covenant (Joshua 9:14). They trusted their own judgment and were deceived as a result. It serves as a reminder for us to seek God’s counsel and wisdom in our decision-making processes, ensuring that we align our choices with His will.

Honoring Commitments: Despite the deceptive actions of the Gibeonites, the Israelites chose to honor the covenant they had made. Although they discovered the truth, they recognized the importance of keeping their word and maintaining the integrity of the agreement. This demonstrates the significance of honoring our commitments, even when circumstances change or when we realize we were deceived. The Israelites accepted the consequences of their actions and chose to act with integrity.

Overall, Joshua 9:22 provides valuable insights into the consequences of deception, the importance of seeking God’s guidance, and the significance of honoring commitments. It serves as a reminder for us to be discerning, rely on God’s wisdom, and act with integrity in our relationships and decision-making processes.