“And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?”
Context:Before we delve into the specific verse, let’s provide some context. The book of Joshua records the events that took place after the Israelites entered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. They were commanded by God to conquer the land and drive out its inhabitants. The Israelites were successful in several battles, and their reputation spread among the surrounding nations.
The Gibeonite Deception:In Joshua 9, we encounter the account of the Gibeonite deception. The Gibeonites were one of the Canaanite tribes living in the land. Upon hearing about the Israelites’ conquests, they devised a plan to save themselves from destruction. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land and approached Joshua and the Israelites.
Israel’s Response:In verse 7, the men of Israel, unaware of the Gibeonites’ true identity, engaged in dialogue with them. They expressed their suspicion and questioned the Gibeonites, saying, “Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?” The Israelites were cautious because God had commanded them not to make covenants with the inhabitants of the land but to drive them out instead.
Lessons from Joshua 9:7:
- Discernment:The Israelites’ response highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom. While they had been commanded not to make treaties with the Canaanites, they recognized the possibility that these people might be living among them. This caution serves as a reminder for us to exercise discernment in our own lives, seeking God’s guidance in our interactions and decisions.
- Trusting God’s Word:Although the Israelites were skeptical, they failed to seek God’s counsel before making a decision. Later in the chapter, they discovered that they had been deceived, but because they had made a covenant with the Gibeonites, they were bound to honor it. This incident emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and following His Word in all aspects of our lives.
- Consequences of Our Actions:The Israelites’ failure to seek God’s guidance had consequences. They had to live with the consequences of their decision to make a covenant with the Gibeonites, even though they had been deceived. Similarly, when we make decisions without seeking God’s wisdom, we may have to face the consequences of our actions. It’s crucial for us to seek God’s guidance and follow His will to avoid unnecessary hardships.
In Joshua 9:7, we see the Israelites’ cautious response to the Gibeonites’ approach. This incident serves as a reminder for us to exercise discernment, trust in God’s Word, and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.
