How does Joshua 9:6 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God? Setting the Scene Israel is fresh off stunning victories at Jericho and Ai. Word of their conquest reaches the Hivite city of Gibeon, whose leaders decide on a ruse: dress like weary travelers, claim to be from afar, and request a treaty. Their opening line is Joshua 9:6. Joshua 9:6—A Snapshot of Misplaced Trust “‘We have come from a distant land. Make a covenant with us.’” • The request itself was not the problem; God had allowed Israel to make peace with distant nations (Deuteronomy 20:10–15). • The problem was how Joshua and the leaders handled it. Verse 14 tells us they “did not seek counsel from the LORD.” They relied on worn sandals, moldy bread, and a convincing story instead of divine guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6—God’s Standing Invitation to Trust “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” • Trust: wholehearted confidence rooted in God’s character. • Lean not: the deliberate choice to distrust our own limited perspective. • Acknowledge: actively involve the Lord in every decision. • Straight paths: God clears away missteps and guides into His will. Where the Two Passages Intersect • Common theme: decision-making. • Joshua 9 shows what happens when leaders lean on their own understanding; Proverbs 3 shows what should guide every choice. • The treaty became a lifelong complication (Joshua 9:22-27; 2 Samuel 21:1-2). A single lapse in trusting God produced ripples for generations. • Proverbs 3:5-6 would have redirected Joshua to pause, pray, and consult the Lord—averting deception and its fallout. Lessons for Our Walk Today • Visible evidence can be persuasive—but still wrong. • Past victories don’t exempt us from present dependence. • Seeking God’s counsel isn’t an add-on; it is the safeguard against being misled. • Trust involves time: pausing long enough to hear from God through prayer and His Word (Psalm 25:4-5). • When we acknowledge Him, He gladly grants wisdom (James 1:5) and straightens our path, even when circumstances look complex. Supporting Scriptures • Numbers 27:21—Joshua was told to consult the LORD through the priest. • Isaiah 55:8-9—God’s thoughts higher than ours. • Psalm 37:5—“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act.” |
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