Looking To See God’s Hand II

The Expository Book Study of Joshua

Joshua 10: Verses 1 through 15        XV) Looking To See God’s Hand II

Week # 16 27 October 2010             Week # 40 of this Teaching Ministry

Joshua 10 (King James Version)

1Now it came to pass, when Adonizedec king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them; 2That they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty. 3Wherefore Adonizedec king of Jerusalem, sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying, 4Come up unto me, and help me, that we may smite Gibeon: for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel. 5Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped before Gibeon, and made war against it. 6And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us. 7So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour.

8And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee. 9Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night. 10And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah. 11And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword. 12Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. 13And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. 14And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel. 15And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal.

Let’s take a moment to pray: “Dear Father, thank you for this opportunity to open your word, and tonight see the Awesome Power of YOUR Hand… Father calm my mind and heart, please let Your words flow from my lips as we look at this amazing battle and events at Gibeon. In all things You reveal to us, in all things that You Bless us – we will give you the Honor, the Glory and the Praise, save none Father, In Jesus Name We Pray – Amen!”

Again, tonight the first word that comes to mind is WOW! Did you grasp what just happen here? Did you hear the Spirit of God profess to you this Truth of HIS Word? I don’t have time tonight to dissect every verse, so I want to focus on just a few bullet points and stimulate your thought processes.

1) Who was Adonizedek?

a. He was the King of Jerusalem in the Day of Joshua at the time they encamped near Gibeon…

2) What is the significance of this city (Jerusalem)?

a. It will become God’s city through David

i. Somewhere between 1407 BC and 1400 BC Joshua conquers all of Canaan along with the King of Jerusalem

ii. This occurs nearly 403 years prior to David becoming King over all Israel. And over 441 years prior to Solomon building the original Temple in Jerusalem. Nearly 891 years prior to the Temple completion in Jerusalem.

iii. These facts – show us God’s providence in the events of early Jerusalem. It shows the Strategic Genius God used in providing military victories for Joshua and Israel.

3) Adonizedek heard of the great power of Israel’s army and of the great leader Joshua. He feared that Jerusalem would fall prey to the Israelites and wished to make a pre-emptive strike.

4) He assembled 9 Kings plus himself to conspire and plan a strike to destroy Gibeon. To show their unified power, they planned to move up to Gibeon and destroy the city and its inhabitants because they made peace with Israel.

5) When Gibeon was made aware that this great military force moved and encamped in the mountains close to the city, they sent word to Joshua, pleading for help. “Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us”.

6) The men of Gibeon knew the dire situation they were in. They exercised Faith by going to Joshua.

7) In verse seven we are told that Joshua responded by assembling all the people of war within Israel, and all the mighty men of valor, men of great courage and bravery. Then we see God’s hand and Devine Providence in verse 8.

8) The Lord God spoke to Joshua! He met Joshua on the field of battle, and I am going to paraphrase this conversation. The Lord told Joshua not to fear these humans, because I, the God of Israel have delivered these people into your hands Joshua. Not one of them will stand before you Joshua, because I have this one, these events today will be by my will. God was informing Joshua that this situation was know by God, and He already had a resolution in His hand, and knew the outcome before Joshua had moved up from Gilgal.

9) In verse nine, Joshua marched up to the battle field outside of Gibeon from Gilgal, a march that took all night. Now think about this!!!! Another point that can be overlooked. This all night march would have made these men tired and weary. Once again, shedding light on the power of Almighty God. A heavy battle by Israel alone after an all night march would have presented physical challenges, and may have produced unfavorable results. BUT – God has this one all under control…

10) Verse ten, and the Lord discomfited them! This means HE brought a great unrest to these men. They became uncomfortable, ill at ease, and they began to feel inept in the site of Israel. And the LORD slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them…. He smote them, up to Bethhoron, Azekah and Makkedah.

11) Verse eleven tells us that as these 10 Kings and armies fled to Bethhoron, that the Lord God cast down great stones from heaven all the way to Azekah… AND That MORE died with hailstones than from God than those that were slain by the sword of Israel.

12) Then in verse twelve, thirteen and fourteen – an unbelievable miracle that showed the Faith of Joshua and the Faithful Blessing of GOD. Joshua spoke to the Lord, and said in the sight of Israel – “SUN, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou Moon, in the valley of Ajalon”. AND as this story is told, both the SUN and the MOON stood still. Until the people had completely avenged themselves upon their enemies….. AND THE SUN DID NOT GO DOWN FOR 24 HOURS – a whole day is what 13 tells us. The sun stood still for a whole day…

13) Verse 14 is an awesome statement… And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.

a. I cherish this story…

b. Just as Moses plead with God to spare Israel from destruction at the base of Mount Sinai. God heard the voice of Moses – showing HIS faithfulness to His people and a tenderhearted mercy that He bestowed upon an unworthy murmuring people.

c. Here at Gibeon, GOD heard the voice of His servant, and chose to display HIS Power, Might and Glory by holding the world in HIS hand for a 24 hour period. Providing Israel and the people of Gibeon a Military Victory and a miracle that must have stopped the hearts of men and caused them to fear and tremble.

14) In verse 15, we see Joshua and all of Israel returned to Gilgal, back to base camp; which is where we will pick up next time.

Dear Father in Heaven, Thank You so much Father for revealing Your Love for Israel to us, and then revealing Your Love for all Humanity by providing a perfect lamb to pay our sin debt in full. Father, we see the power YOU display to the people of Faith, Your elect Father, that bear the very Spirit of Christ within them Lord. Help us remain forever mindful of that fact that we carry Your Son with us into this world. Remind us Dear Lord, that when those around us look at us, they should be looking into YOUR Son’s eyes, and see His Compassion and Tender Heart. Help us carry and present the “Good News” to those that wish to hear, planting the seed for YOU to reap and redeem. In all things Dear Lord we will give you the Honor, the Praise and the Glory, in Christ’s name we pray – Amen.

No Commentaries or References for this week – message from Joshua 10 via the Holy Spirit through my pen

Looking To See God’s Hand

The Expository Book Study of Joshua

Joshua 9: Verses 18 through 27        XIV) Looking To See God’s Hand

Week # 15     13 October 2010         Week # 39 of this Teaching Ministry

Joshua 9 (King James Version)

18And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes. 19But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them. 20This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we swore unto them. 21And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them. 22And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you; when ye dwell among us? 23Now therefore ye are cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God. 24And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing. 25And now, behold, we are in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do. 26And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not. 27And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.

Dear Lord, thank You once again for the opportunity to open Your Word... Open our minds Lord that we might partake of this food You have laid before us. Let Joshua's story teach us and feed us once again that we might be full of Your spirit to overflowing. In Christ we Pray.... Amen.

"And the Children of Israel smote them not." This statement in verse 18 shows us that Israel as a people were up in arms about the Gibeonites being in close proximity of them. BUT, even greater than that - look at the strength in obedience Israel showed through their restraint. They honored the "leadership" that was over them. While they were upset, frustrated and mad, they honored the "princes" over them and the treaty or league they had made with the Gibeonites. They acted in one accord, they showed God honor in spite of the poor decisions and choices the nations leadership had shown in this matter. As we saw last week, Joshua and the tribal leadership within the Nation of Israel made poor and uninformed decisions without consulting their King, without considering His direction or knowledge of the situation. Israel knew that God Almighty gave this land to them, and that they were to seek out and destroy the sinful inhabitants.

God, knew the outcome, but we must ponder His Grace here, He held His hand from immediate judgment, unlike the situation with Achan. God allowed this situation or story play out, to teach both Israel and us yet another lesson in obedience. The people "murmured", they complained, they questioned the validity of the pact made with the people of Gibeon. The people saw the error, and spoke their peace - yet Honored God, by not acting on their emotions and frustrations.

Verse 19 shows us that the Leadership of Israel admitted to the "congregation" (the people of Israel) of their ill conceived deal with the people of Gibeon, and that it was sealed by an oath sworn by the Lord God of Israel. When you chase that trail, it also shows you the Faith, Grace and Mercy of God. He withheld His power, and showed tender mercies by not immediately punishing Israel - or Gibeon for that matter. God honored the oath by the Israeli leadership, he allow the people of Gibeon to live.

Verses 20 and 21, the tribe leaders spoke as one voice, one mind, one accord - that "no harm" should fall upon the people of Gibeon. The last part of verse 20 states "lest wrath be upon us". Who's wrath do you suppose they feared? Joshua's? The Gibeonites? No - it was God's wrath they feared. For they made their oath with these unclean people in their God's Most Holy Name... They feared Jehovah. My, my, there's a thought, these people actually had a "healthy fear" of the Lord God. So Israel did learn some things, they have seen the power of God in so many different instances in this new journey with Joshua. His existence and manifestations have left a indelible mark on these peoples minds / memories. This is yielding to the Authority of God. This is the beginning of obedience - BUT it is in no way a trend as of yet, as we will see later on.

In verse 22, 23 and 24; Joshua engages the people of Gibeon as a judge and jury. He declares and denounces their deceit, detailing the statement they made concerning them being people from a far away country. When in reality, they were living in and amongst the area that Israel was now inhabiting. He proceeded to rightfully curse these wicked people, then passed judgment binding the people of Gibeon to work as slaves for Israel. In verse 24, Gibeon responds with their defense for the action they took. Summing it up neatly - they were scared out of their wits of the almighty Jehovah. In their minds, their plight of slavery is better than total destruction and annihilation of their people.

Verse 25, 26 and 27 we see the Gibeonites concede to the judgment passed down by Joshua, and seeing it as fair, good and right. Joshua then follows through on his word, and delivers the people of Gibeon out of the angry hands of Israel, and they were not harmed. As verse 27 states, these people served as the water bearers, loggers / woodsman and servants of Israel and the Alter of God right up to the time this chapter was penned. This shows us that, to the day the story was penned, God honored the oath that Joshua and the Leaders of the Tribes of Israel made. God honored HIS Name, by allowing these people to live and serve the congregation of Israel.

If I were preaching tonight, there would be several points to tie into the framework of the message. Not the least of which would be God's over-abundance of Patience, Mercy and Grace. Not just for HIS people, but the Grace that is common to man that Paul spoke of. God saw the obedience in Israel by not rushing out and destroying Gibeon in spite of Joshua and the Leaders making the pact. God held judgment of Israel... Think about that for a second. Two chapters back, God allowed Israel to be defeated by Ai, because of the sins of One Man - Achan. Here in Chapter 9, JOSHUA and the Tribe Leaders made a significant journey off the approved company line established by God Himself.

BUT HE withheld immediate and decisive judgment, sharp contrast to chapter 7. God shows us His goodness, in dealing with the sin, which indicates “severity” from a human perspective. While sin is sin in God’s eyes, He acted on Achan’s violation of a direct command. While here with the people of Gibeon, they neglected to consult with the Lord God, and He showed them HIS goodness and Grace. God is amazing in how He teaches us the attributes of HIS character. He shows us awesome complete sovereignty in controlling the events on the field of battle in the 1st and 2nd encounter with Ai. Then HE shows us His Holiness in preserving HIS name, and honoring the oath that Israel swore. Finally, HE shows His infinite ability to shower us with Mercy and Grace. We truly worship and serve a HOLY and Mighty God. Let us forever Revere His Name and show Him Honor and Praise. Let this lesson be a reminder to us that if God chose not to show us HIS goodness, we would be consumed by the wrath of HIS judgment. We must work our faith with fear and trembling in the site of who we are without Christ’s blood!

READ MATTHEW HENRY’s COMMENTARY ON THIS PASSAGE.

Dear Lord God, thank you for the opportunity to see YOU tonight in the midst of this story from Your servant Joshua. Father, let the lesson learned tonight be one of Hope and Encouragement. That just as Moses petitioned You to hold Your hand of wrath from Israel; tonight we see where You showed both Israel and Gibeon your Mercy and Grace. Father, forgive us individually and as a congregation for our trespasses. Thank You for the Righteousness we stand in - provided by Your most precious and Holy Son. May we never forget YOU are HOLY, may we never forget YOU are RIGHTEOUS, may we never forget that You are to be Loved, Feared and Revered. Help us work out our faith as individuals and as a congregation with fear and trembling. As always Father, we will give You all the Praise, all the Glory and all the Honor for Your work in our lives. We bring these things to You in prayer, under You Strong Son's Name, in Jesus name we Pray - Amen...

My Reference Books for this Study:

(1) Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

(2) John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes

(3) The Gospel Way – David E. Pratte

(4) Clarke’s Commentary on Joshua

(5) Addresses on the Book of Joshua

     By: Harry A. Ironside

     1876 – 1951

Negotiating Away His Blessing

The Expository Book Study of Joshua

Joshua 9: Verses 1 through 35         XIII) Negotiating Away His Blessing

Week #14 06 October 2010             Week # 38 of this Teaching Ministry

Joshua 9 (King James Version)

1And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof; 2That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord. 3And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, 4They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; 5And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. 6And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us. 7And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you? 8And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye? 9And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt, 10And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth. 11Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us. 12This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy: 13And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.  14And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD. 15And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them. 16And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them. 17And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.

A Fast – Brief Summary of Joshua 9:

Joshua 9:1-2 reports the reaction of the kings of Canaan who are gathering for war against Israel, with the inhabitants of Gibeon being the notable exceptions. We are given privileged information about the Gibeonite intrigue. The Gibeonites revere the name of Yahweh. They know about his mighty acts and seem to be aware of the Deuteronomic laws regarding holy wars against far off cities. (Deut. 20:10-15). Disguised as emissaries from a distant country, they tricked the Israelites into making a treaty and taking an oath to guarantee their lives (9:15). Note that "the covenant with the Gibeonites represents the most serious breach of Yahweh's commandments yet encountered." 10 The treaty spares the entire city of Gibeon and its environs (9:17) and is made without divine sanction (9:14).

In Verses 1 & 2; What plans did the people of the land make to deal with Israel? (Answer: An alliance against Israel)

This story in Joshua 9 begins by describing a plan determined by the inhabitants of Canaan. They decided that they would gather together to fight against Israel. There is strength in unity. Israel had proved they could defeat individual cities, so other people united to fight them. This may not refer to any one specific alliance but simply to a general plan that the peoples of the land decided to follow. There was no war with the people of some of these areas till considerably later. This would indicate that this was just a general plan. This story appears to be then set aside for a while as the account tells about the alliance Joshua made with the Gibeonites.

(1) Two different strategies of attack against Israel

a. (1-2) The southern kings gather together against Israel.

i. And it came to pass when all the kings who were on this side of the Jordan, in the hills and in the lowland and in all the coasts of the Great Sea toward Lebanon; the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; heard about it, that they gathered together to fight with Joshua and Israel with one accord.

ii. John Wesley had this to say about this passage: “Together — They entered into a league to do this. Tho' they were many kings of different nations, and doubtless of different interests, often at variance with each other, yet they are all determined to unite against Israel. O that Israel would learn this of Canaanites, to sacrifice private interests to the public good, and to lay aside all animosities among themselves, that they may cordially unite against the common enemy”.

iii. When all the kings who were on this side of the Jordan heard about it: When the Canaanite kings heard how the LORD delivered Jericho to Israel, they had reason to be afraid. When they heard how the LORD gave them victory over Ai, they had reason to be afraid.

iv. They gathered together to fight with Joshua and Israel with one accord: This is a classic, frontal attack - they will try to defeat Israel on the field of battle, in head-to-head competition.

v. Matthew Henry had this to say about verses 1 and 2. Hitherto the Canaanites had defended themselves, but here they consult to attack Israel. Their minds were blinded, and their hearts hardened to their destruction. Though often at enmity with each other, yet they united against Israel. Oh that Israel would learn of Canaanites, to sacrifice private interests to the public welfare, and to lay aside all quarrels among themselves, that they may unite against the enemies of God's. kingdom!

vi. If we were to follow this lesson in Joshua to its conclusion here in the 21st Century, how do you suppose we would measure up? Do we unite ourselves to fight against the Spiritual Foes of God’s Kingdom? Or do we negotiate our lives on our own terms without consulting God?

b. (3-6) The Gibeonites approach Joshua and Israel in another way.

(Commentary Dialog from David Pratte)

Gibeon was a city actually located just southwest of Ai and north of Jerusalem. The Gibeonite people actually inhabited a group of four cities in that area. So these people really lived quite close to the location of Israel’s great victories. These people had heard of the victories of Israel and knew they were among Israel’s next victims. They realized they were powerless to defend themselves, so they decided to work by deceit. They pretended they were messengers sent from a far distant country. They put on old patched clothes and sandals, carried old sacks, old food, and old wineskins. They came to Israel while they were still camped in Gilgal. There they asked Israel to make a peace treaty with them.

They knew Israel would destroy anyone who lived in the land, so they pretended to be from a far country so Israel would make peace with them. Then they would try to hold Israel to their agreement. The Waldrons hold the view that this Gilgal is not the one in the Jordan lowlands where Is-rael camped when they first crossed into Israel. They claim that Israel would have moved further into the land by this time. So this Gilgal would be one higher in the mountains.

i. But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they worked craftily, and went and pretended to be ambassadors. And they took old sacks on their donkeys, old wineskins torn and mended, old and patched sandals on their feet, and old garments on themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. And they went to Joshua, to the camp at Gilgal, and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a far country; now therefore, make a covenant with us.”

ii. They worked craftily, and went and pretended to be ambassadors: The Gibeonites will try to deceive Israel into making a peace treaty with them, though Israel was forbidden to make peace with any of the tribes of Canaan (Exodus 23:23-24).

iii. Notice the methods of deception used by the Gibeonites. They were clever (craftily), they misrepresented themselves (pretended), and they even gave false “evidence” of their deception (old sacks, old wineskins, old and patched sandals, dry and moldy bread).

iv. Beyond their deceptive appearance, the Gibeonites simply lied. They said, “We have come from a far country” when of course they had not. All their other devices simply lead to strengthen the deception offered.

(2) How Joshua and the leaders of Israel were deceived.

a. (7-13) The Gibeonites explain their story to Joshua and the leaders of Israel.

(Commentary Dialog from David Pratte)

Then the men of Israel said to the Hivites, “Perhaps you dwell among us; so how can we make a covenant with you?” But they said to Joshua, “We are your servants.” And Joshua said to them, “Who are you, and where do you come from?”

So they said to him: “From a very far country your servants have come, because of the name of the LORD your God; for we have heard of His fame, and all that He did in Egypt, and all that He did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan; to Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan, who was at Ashtaroth. Therefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, ‘Take provisions with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say to them, “We are your servants; now therefore, make a covenant with us.”’

This bread of ours we took hot for our provision from our houses on the day we departed to come to you. But now look, it is dry and moldy. And these wineskins which we filled were new, and see, they are torn; and these our garments and our sandals have become old because of the very long journey.”

i. From a very far country your servants have come: Plainly, the Gibeonites lied to Israel. But despite their lies, they have a proper admiration and honor for the God of Israel. Because of the name of the LORD your God; for we have heard of His fame shows that it is because God fights for Israel, they know it would be useless to oppose the nation.

ii. In verse 9, we see that because of the name of the Lord thy God > They pretend that they had undertaken this journey on a religious account; and seem to intimate that they had the highest respect for Jehovah, the object of the Israelites' worship; this was hypocrisy. (Adam Clarke)

iii. We have heard the fame of him > This was true: the wonders which God did in Egypt, and the discomfiture of Sihon and Og, had reached the whole land of Canaan, and it was on this account that the inhabitants of it were panic-struck. The Gibeonites, knowing that they could not stand where such mighty forces had fallen, wished to make the Israelites their friends. This part of their relation was strictly true. (Adam Clarke)

iv. Matthew Henry had the following commentary about the verses 3 through 13. Other people heard these tidings, and were driven thereby to make war upon Israel; but the Gibeonites were led to make peace with them. Thus the discovery of the glory and the grace of God in the gospel, is to some a savour of life unto life, but to others a savour of death unto death, 2 Corinthians 2:16. The same sun softens wax and hardens clay. The falsehood of the Gibeonites cannot be justified. We must not do evil that good may themselves to the God of Israel, we have reason to think Joshua would have been directed by the oracle of God to spare their lives.

But when they had once said, "We are come from a far country," they were led to say it made of skins, and their clothes: one lie brings on another, and that a third, and so on. The way of that sin is especially down-hill. Yet their faith and prudence are to be commended. In submitting to Israel they submitted to the God of Israel, which implied forsaking their idolatries. And how can we do better than cast ourselves upon the mercy of a God of all goodness? The way to avoid judgment is to meet it by repentance. Let us do like these Gibeonites, seek peace with God in the rags of abasement, and godly sorrow; so our sin shall not be our ruin. Let us be servants to Jesus, our blessed Joshua, and we shall live.

b. (14-15) Joshua and the leaders of Israel accept the deception of the Gibeonites.

i. Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the LORD. So Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them to let them live; and the rulers of the congregation swore to them.

ii. They did not ask counsel of the LORD: The Gibeonite deception was clever, and therefore powerful. But the real problem was that Joshua and the leaders of Israel never sought the LORD.

iii. Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions: This shows that they trusted their senses instead of the LORD. “Look at this bread. Feel and taste how stale it is. Surely, they must have come a long way.” They walked by sight, not by faith.

iv. How much trouble do we find ourselves in for this very reason: they did not ask counsel of the LORD?

v. So Joshua made peace with them: Because they believed that the Gibeonites were from a distant land, they made the treaty with them. God allowed Israel to make treaties with distant nations, but not with the Canaanites.

Joshua 9 shows us once again the heart of man. God forbid Israel from entering into any type of an agreement with the inhabitants of Canaan. Yet if we examine our own lives today, we would see that we haven’t really learned a whole lot from their mistakes. We still make little / minor compromises that yield way to Satan.

As we saw in past lessons in Joshua, God wants us to Yield ourselves to HIS LORDSHIP, and to Sanctify ourselves to and for Him Alone! Righteousness is to be a way of life, we are to Love, Adore and Revere our Father in Heaven. So tonight I ask you to consider, the heart of God in your daily decisions tomorrow. Practical Application - when you are at work, at home with the neighbors or alone with your spouse – Seek God’s Face in your decision making, and in your relationships. Pray for me that I might practice these Spiritual Concepts and I will in turn pray for you as well.

Dear Father in Heaven, thank You for this time we had to spend in Your Word. I pray dear Lord that we may find the time, energy and resources to spend time with You each day. Keep us from negotiating our lives without consulting You first Father. Be with us through the remainder of this week, and bring us back safely on Sunday, we give You the Honor, Glory and praise; in Christ’s name we pray – Amen…

Too Simple to Obey?

Too simple to obey? Believe & Be Baptized… Period. Yet today as in generations past, we package it with human legislation as to govern the heart of men. Enough! The tongue will deceive, but the heart will bear witness of that which one truly believes! Christ only always, should be our battle cry when in the Spiritual War! As Spiritual Warriors for our Lord and Savior, we must never forget the LOVE of Christ. We battle the evil in the war, while loving every human being we encounter. If this is not your mantra, then friend, you serve a different lord. For HE gave HIS life’s blood for the least of these, HE carried our names from the depths of Hell to the Throne Room of Almighty GOD. Upon our belief and baptism, those names are then written into the Lamb’s Book of LIFE! Regardless of Color, Creed, Ethnic Background or Political Affiliation, CHRIST Died, was buried and rose again to pave the way for ALL that would believe on Him.

We cannot legislate the hearts of men, we cannot fit them into a religious mold conjured by a group of Theological Academic’s. Upon salvation, each man alone must work out his faith in fear and trembling. Then out of the surrendered and yielded heart, true Love and Obedience will prosper and grow. For Christ nor the Father can be packaged into a nice neat box, nor then can the servants called to HIM be. Their Fruit shall bear witness to the One that lives within them, and His Joy and His Spirit shall be a light to the world around them – bearing witness unto HIMSELF!!!! Children are a reflection of their parents – so it is with the GODLY! We are a reflection of our Father, His character attributes will shine from our hearts – and that my friends is the true witness of the elect! Words from the mouth that do not match with the actions of the heart, should spawn Prayer and Fear in the eyes of the observer. God’s wisdom and Christ’s Love should prevail, approach and speak the truth in Love. If restoration is not possible upon following Biblical mandates to restore the brother or sister, then separation maybe required, however; the Love and Prayer must continue unceasingly.

Matthew 7:13 & 14; Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.



© Robert C. Hall

05 October 2010