Joshua 9:1-27 (focus verse 14 – NIV)
So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord (NLT). The men of Israel looked them over and accepted the evidence. But they didn’t ask God about it (The Message).
The Gibeonites deceived Joshua to procure safety and prevent the extermination of their people. “Gibeon was the major city of the Hivites, a minority people in Canaan. The other Canaanites united to resist Israel (vs. 1-2) but the Gibeonites were convinced that resistance was futile.” * So, their delegation, with worn clothing and moldy bread, lied to procure a treaty. Once the deception was discovered, Joshua felt committed by the oath that Israel had sworn in God’s name. Joshua responded by consigning the Gibeonite people to menial work. “The Gibeonites still lived in Canaan some 400 years later, in David’s time.” * Joshua’s big mistake was in not getting counsel from the Lord regarding the strangers. When you “just don’t know” remember we have a divine resource: If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you… (James 1:5 The Message).