14 The Israelites sampled their provisions but DID NOT ENQUIRE OF THE LORD. 15 Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. Joshua 9
BEWARE THE GIBEONITES, modern day deceivers or scammers.
People and things are not always as they seem and the account of the Gibeonites has been recorded for us as A CAUTION AGAINST ENTERING WRONG ALLIANCES!
Israel had crossed the Jordan and taken the city of Jericho and eventually Ai as well, after the hidden sin had been removed. It was another crucial time, THEY WERE ABOUT TO TAKE MUCH OF THEIR GOD GIVEN INHERITANCE in Canaan, after an entire generation had been found unworthy to enter it.
9 Now when all the kings west of the Jordan heard about these things—the kings in the hill country, in the western foothills, and along the entire coast of the Mediterranean Sea as far as Lebanon (the kings of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites)— 2 they came together to wage war against Joshua and Israel. Joshua 9
Their primary opposition was obvious, a large army and many kings coming together to wage war on them. But there were another group of people who decided not to face God’s people head on, but resorted to Subterfuge (an action to hide something from somebody).
3 However, when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, 4 they resorted to a ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were loaded with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. 5 They put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy. Joshua 9
Everything appeared to agree with the ‘story’ of the Gibeonites, but it was all a facade, concocted (literally cooked up) to fool God’s people. God didn’t intervene to stop Israel from entering into the treaty with them, they made the decision alone.
The treaty brought real trouble to Israel in the future, when king Saul put many of them to death, which resulted in a time of famine on the land. 2 Samuel 21:1-11. Even slaves have rights when they have been promised protection and then its taken from them.
I believe many believers have been waiting for their inheritance and we’re almost at a time when we’re going to receive it. If our enemy can send someone(s) alongside us who are not part of God’s plan at this time, they will eventually be a thorn in the flesh, an irritant.
Don’t be hasty to welcome unknown people into our lives, Always seek counsel from God, quietly waiting for His confirmation and direction. The old adage, ‘Look before you leap is still good advice’.
God bless and keep you today.
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