This is part of a video series covering the entire Bible in 4 years, one chapter at a time. Start at the beginning with Genesis 1 (Youtube link: https://youtu.be/wC2qD4RGOdo) and work through the playlist. Or go to https://www.peace.org.au/bible.html for more information.
In this video listen to Joshua 9 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
In Joshua 9 we find the third of the mistakes made by the Israelites. First was the taking of the dedicated thing at Jericho, second was presumption in the battle at Ai, and now is the failing to enquire of the Lord, resulting in the deception of the Gibeonites.
The Gibeonites are close to Joshua, yet send a delegation pretending to be from afar, and make a treaty with the Israelites. This treaty ends up saving their lives, and the Israelites grumble against their leaders for having made this deal. This is the only time we see grumbling in Joshua, unlike the previous generation who grumbled regularly against Moses, and in this case the grumbling is justified.
In today’s litigious worlds, the treaty with the Gibeonites would be overturned on the basis of their lies, but Joshua is a man of integrity. Despite having made the mistake he honors his word. These type of mistakes are typical of Christian believers who allow the world into their lives and accept it willingly and live with it.
Jul 26, 2021 | Message by David Alley