Joshua 9 - Deception Subjection

The hand of God was truly on the nation of Israel. Nations all around began to fear for their safety and began to form alliances. One nearby country decided to assure their security by convincing Israel to sign a peace treaty. In order to convict them they lied to make Israel believe they were not from nearby, but far away. 

A far away nation had nothing to fear from Israel, and hence did not need a treaty. But when the men of Gibeon arrived with moldy bread and dried up wine skins Israel believed their story and agreed to offer peace to the nation. It seemed an act where no harm would come, so they didn't think to pray and ask God. 

Even though Israel was deceived, they were bound to two terms of the agreement. They didn't just fear the nation of Gibeon, but they feared God himself would judge their failure. They had to keep the peace. This subjection no doubt had implications for years to come. In order to honor the terms of the treaty allowing them to live, Joshua subjected them to slavery - bound to manual labor for Israel forever. 

How many times have we ourselves gotten into a mess because everything seemed wonderful at the onset of an arrangement. How many poisoned friendships, marriages, jobs, purchases, investments, etc could have been avoided if God's people had just prayed about the arrangement before engaging in the venture. There is an element of pride in our own wisdom. We like to think we can make good choices for ourselves. But we can't always discern the future and we can't always tell when we are being deceived. 

Rather than learning our lesson first hand, let's take our lesson from Joshua and run quickly to the Lord for all our decisions of life and allow Him to determine the best course for us. 

If we find ourselves in a poisoned situation, God does not immediately exempt us from it because we made choices without all the facts. God may allow that situation to continue for years as with Gibeon. God can however use that poison for His own glory as He teaches us to depend on Him more intently and to honor the terms of our contracts. We answer to a higher authority. 

Even a difficult situation may be the place God can use you best. He uses difficulties to mold His character in us. He teaches us to wait on Him and to trust Him for the outcome. Our responsibility whether our circumstances are easy or difficult is to be obey Him and trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ to assure us of His constant abiding. You are right in the hand of God and if you are His, He will not abandon you. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.