Day 1 · The Deceit of the Gibeonites
Joshua 9:1–15
1Now when news of this reached all the kings west of the Jordan—those in the hill country, the foothills, and all along the coast of the Great Sea toward Lebanon (the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites)— 2they came together to wage war against Joshua and Israel. 3But the people of Gibeon, having heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, 4acted deceptively and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. 5They put worn, patched sandals on their feet and threadbare clothing on their bodies, and their whole supply of bread was dry and moldy. 6They went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant land; please make a treaty with us.” 7But the men of Israel said to the Hivites, “Perhaps you dwell near us. How can we make a treaty with you?” 8“We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. Then Joshua asked them, “Who are you and where have you come from?” 9“Your servants have come from a very distant land,” they replied, “because of the fame of the LORD your God. For we have heard the reports about Him: all that He did in Egypt, 10and all that He did to the two kings of the Amorites beyond the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth. 11So the elders and inhabitants of our land told us, ‘Take provisions for your journey; go to meet them and say to them: We are your servants. Please make a treaty with us.’ 12This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But take a look, it is now dry and moldy. 13These wineskins were new when we filled them, but look, they are cracked. And these clothes and sandals are worn out from our very long journey.” 14Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the counsel of the LORD. 15And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them.
Berean Standard Bible
Observe
In verse 14, what action did the leaders of Israel take with the Gibeonites' provisions, and what crucial step did they omit?
Apply
When faced with a decision this week that seems obvious on the surface, how can you pause to seek the Lord's guidance first?
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