What does Joshua 9:7 teach about seeking God's guidance before making decisions? Setting the Scene • Israel has just witnessed God’s power at Jericho and Ai. • Word spreads, and the Hivite clan of Gibeon resorts to deception, pretending to be from a distant land to secure a peace treaty. • Joshua 9:7 records Israel’s first reaction—hesitation, yet not full dependence on God for clarity. Reading Joshua 9:7 “The men of Israel said to the Hivites, ‘Perhaps you dwell near us; so how can we make a covenant with you?’” What the Verse Reveals • Initial Discernment: Israel senses something might be wrong—“Perhaps you dwell near us.” • Incomplete Follow-Through: They question the situation but fail to ask the Lord. Verse 14 makes this omission explicit: “But they did not seek the LORD’s counsel.” • Lesson Highlighted by Narrative Flow: Human reasoning alone (v. 7) proves insufficient; divine guidance is essential (v. 14). Biblical Principles on Seeking God’s Guidance • God invites us to consult Him first, not last (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Spiritual vigilance must move from suspicion to supplication (Psalm 32:8; James 1:5). • Even experienced believers can be deceived when relying solely on eyes and logic (1 Samuel 16:7). • Covenant-making decisions carry lasting consequences; God guards His people when they ask (Isaiah 30:21). Practical Takeaways for Today • Pause: an uneasy feeling can be God’s nudge to pray. • Pray: bring every significant choice before the Lord before commitments are made. • Verify: test circumstances against Scripture, not merely appearance. • Wait: when guidance seems unclear, waiting on God is safer than rushing ahead. • Remember: obedience protects; presumption exposes. Conclusion Joshua 9:7 underscores that sensing a potential problem is only the first step; true safety lies in deliberately seeking and obeying God’s counsel before finalizing any decision. |
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