Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the account of Joshua being deceived by the Gibeonites is a poignant example of misplaced confidence and the consequences of failing to seek divine guidance. This episode is recorded in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 9.Context and Background After the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the subsequent victories at Jericho and Ai, the fame of the Israelites under Joshua's leadership spread throughout the land of Canaan. The surrounding Canaanite kings, recognizing the threat posed by the Israelites, began to form alliances to resist them. However, the Gibeonites, a group of Hivites, chose a different approach to ensure their survival. The Deception The Gibeonites, aware of the Israelites' divine mandate to conquer the land, resorted to deception to secure a peace treaty. They disguised themselves as envoys from a distant land, wearing worn-out clothes and carrying moldy bread and cracked wineskins to give the appearance of having traveled a long distance. They approached Joshua and the leaders of Israel at Gilgal, seeking a covenant of peace. Joshua 9:14-15 states, "Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the counsel of the LORD. And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them." The Betrayal of Confidence The Israelites, relying on their own judgment and the evidence presented by the Gibeonites, failed to consult the LORD before making the treaty. This lack of seeking divine guidance led to a binding oath that could not be broken, even after the deception was uncovered. When the truth was revealed, the Israelites were unable to attack the Gibeonites due to the sworn oath, and the Gibeonites were spared from destruction. Joshua 9:18-19 records the reaction of the Israelites: "But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. Then the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders. But all the leaders answered, 'We have given them our oath by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them.'" Consequences and Lessons The Gibeonites were made servants, tasked with being woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:21, 27). This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking God's guidance in all decisions, especially those that appear straightforward or are based on human wisdom alone. The account of Joshua and the Gibeonites underscores the potential for human confidence to be misplaced when it is not anchored in divine counsel. It highlights the necessity of prayer and reliance on God's wisdom to avoid deception and the unintended consequences of hasty decisions. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 9:3-15And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, Nave's Topical Index Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What does the Bible say about confidentiality? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about assertiveness? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about courage? | GotQuestions.org Confidence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Confidence: Betrayed: Abner, by Joab Confidence: Betrayed: Ahimelech, by David Confidence: Betrayed: Amasa, by Joab Confidence: Betrayed: Eglon, by Ehud Confidence: Betrayed: Joshua, by the Gibeonites Confidence: Betrayed: The Worshipers of Baal, by Jehu Select Readings: Confidence in God Related Terms Self-confidence (2 Occurrences) |
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