Joshua 9:16–21
16 However, it came about at the end of three days after they had made a covenant with them, that they heard that they were neighbors and that they were living within their land.
17 Then the sons of Israel set out and came to their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim.
18 But the sons of Israel did not attack them because the leaders of the congregation had sworn to them by the Lord, the God of Israel. And the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders.
19 But all the leaders said to the whole congregation, “We have sworn to them by the Lord, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them.
20 This we will do to them, even let them live, so that wrath will not be on us because of the oath which we swore to them.”
21 So the leaders said to them, “Let them live.” And they became gatherers of firewood and labor to draw water for the whole congregation, just as the leaders had spoken to them.
Discovery of the Deception
Three days after
Three days after a covenant was made between Israel and the Gibeonites, it was discovered that the Gibeonites had deceived Israel into the covenant. As the Israelites proceeded for three days, they came to their cities. Included in the cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. This area, notably, was given to the tribe of Benjamin as a possession. As the Lord had forbidden Israel to make covenants with neighboring nations, what they have done was a violation of the Lord’s command. (1) The Israelites were deterred to strike them because the elders who stood above the congregation had already pledged an oath to the Lord God of Israel. (2) However, the congregation grumbled against the elders for their thoughtlessness. (3) To this, the elders responded by saying that they cannot strike the Gibeonites, as the agreement was already sacred. If they should break it, the wrath of God shall be upon Israel.
The weight of an oath
The elders understood the level of weight in an oath. However, in the time of king Saul, Saul broke this oath and killed the Gibeonites. Consequently, a curse was brought down on Israel during David’s reign. The land of Canaan was struck with famine for three years (2 Sam. 21:1–9). To remove the curse, David killed seven of Saul’s sons. An oath made to the Lord holds great weight. As previously written, it is possible to condemn Joshua for his carelessness, but it is probably more appropriate to admit the cunningness and zeal of the Gibeonites. Also, we must not overlook the fact that such carelessness led to blessings. The Gibeonites had become both hewers of wood and drawers of water. What exactly that means, we will look into next time. In any case, Israel gained the manpower of slaves that they needed. We, too, make all kinds of mistakes; but remember, the Lord can bless us with His grace even through our carelessness. With that in mind, let’s rise from our mistakes.
Today's prayer
God of Israel, You provide a way of escape even in failure and pour out grace. Please grant me the courage to stand up. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.