This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But take a look, it is now dry and moldy. This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at homeThe Gibeonite envoys offered their bread as carefully prepared evidence that they had begun their journey far away. Warm bread would have been freshly baked and suitable for travel, making its later condition appear to confirm the passage of many days. Exo 12:34 So the people took their dough before it was leavened… on the day we left to come to you. Their account was designed to persuade Israel that they had no connection with the Canaanite cities marked for judgment. Fear of the Lord’s victories over Egypt, Sihon, and Og had moved the Gibeonites to seek preservation through a treaty rather than open resistance. Exo 12:41 At the end of the 430 years, to the very day… But look, it is now dry and moldy. The stale, crumbling bread supported a deception reinforced by worn clothing, patched sandals, and weathered wineskins. Israel accepted the visible evidence without seeking the Lord’s counsel, entering a binding covenant with nearby inhabitants. The incident warns that convincing appearances and reasonable human judgment cannot replace dependence upon God’s direction. Exo 16:20 But they did not listen to Moses; some people left… Persons / Places / Events 1. GibeonitesA group of people from the city of Gibeon who deceived Joshua and the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them by pretending to be from a distant land. 2. Joshua The leader of the Israelites who succeeded Moses and led the people into the Promised Land. He was responsible for making decisions regarding treaties and warfare. 3. Israelites The people of God who were commanded to conquer the land of Canaan and were instructed not to make treaties with the inhabitants of the land. 4. Canaan The land promised to the Israelites by God, which they were in the process of conquering under Joshua's leadership. 5. Deception The act carried out by the Gibeonites to secure a treaty with Israel, which involved presenting old provisions to appear as if they had traveled from a distant land. Teaching Points Discernment in Decision-MakingThe Israelites failed to seek God's guidance before making a treaty with the Gibeonites. This teaches the importance of seeking divine wisdom in our decisions. Consequences of Deception The Gibeonites' deception led to a binding treaty. This illustrates how deceit can lead to unintended and long-lasting consequences. The Importance of Obedience The Israelites were instructed not to make treaties with the Canaanites. This event underscores the importance of adhering to God's commands. God's Sovereignty and Grace Despite the deception, God used the situation for His purposes, showing His ability to work through human mistakes. Integrity in Relationships The account encourages maintaining honesty and integrity in our interactions, reflecting Christ-like character. Bible Study Questions 1. What steps can we take to ensure we seek God's guidance in our decision-making processes, as seen in the failure of the Israelites to consult God in Joshua 9?2. How does the account of the Gibeonites' deception challenge us to examine our own honesty and integrity in our daily interactions? 3. In what ways can the consequences of the Israelites' treaty with the Gibeonites serve as a warning about the long-term effects of our decisions? 4. How does the account of the Gibeonites relate to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and ability to use human actions for His purposes? 5. Reflecting on the Israelites' experience, how can we better adhere to God's commands in our lives, and what resources (scriptural or otherwise) can help us in this pursuit? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 20:10-18Provides the laws regarding warfare and treaties, highlighting why the Israelites were not to make treaties with the inhabitants of Canaan. Exodus 23:32-33 Warns the Israelites against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land, which would lead them away from God. 2 Samuel 21:1-6 Discusses the consequences of breaking a treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the long-term impact of the covenant made in Joshua 9.
People Amorites, Canaanites, Gibeon, Gibeonites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Joshua, Og, Perizzites, SihonPlaces Ai, Ashtaroth, Bashan, Beeroth, Egypt, Gibeon, Gilgal, Great Sea, Heshbon, Jericho, Jordan River, Kiriath-jearim, LebanonTopics Behold, Bread, Broken, Crumbled, Crumbs, Dry, Forth, Home, Hot, Houses, Journey, Moldy, Mouldy, Ours, Ourselves, Packed, Provided, Provision, Provisions, Starting, WarmDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 9:3-13 4552 wood Library Of a Good Government in External Things, and of Having Recourse to God in Dangers"My Son, for this thou must diligently make thy endeavour, that in every place and outward action or occupation thou mayest be free within, and have power over thyself; and that all things be under thee, not thou under them; that thou be master and ruler of thy actions, not a slave or hireling, but rather a free and true Hebrew, entering into the lot and the liberty of the children of God, who stand above the present and look upon the eternal, who with the left eye behold things transitory, and with … Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Letters of St. Bernard Conflicts with Giant Mistake Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down. Joshua Links Joshua 9:12 NIVJoshua 9:12 NLT Joshua 9:12 ESV Joshua 9:12 NASB Joshua 9:12 KJV Joshua 9:12 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |