These wineskins were new when we filled them, but look, they are cracked. And these clothes and sandals are worn out from our very long journey." These wineskins were new when we filled them,The Gibeonites presented their provisions as evidence that they had begun their journey in a faraway land. Fresh wineskins would normally be supple and usable, making their claimed deterioration appear to confirm many days of travel. Mat 9:17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins.… but look, they are cracked. The damaged skins were part of a carefully prepared deception. Israel’s leaders inspected what was visible but failed to ask the LORD for wisdom, and outward evidence persuaded them to make a covenant with people who lived nearby. Job 32:19 Behold, my belly is like unvented wine;… And these clothes and sandals are worn out Their worn clothing and sandals reinforced the false appearance of hardship and distance. Israel had experienced the LORD’s faithful preservation of their own clothing and sandals during forty years in the wilderness, yet they did not recognize the Gibeonites’ manufactured signs as a reason to seek God’s counsel. Deu 29:5 For forty years I led you in the wilderness… from our very long journey.” The claim of a long journey was intended to secure protection from Israel’s conquest of Canaan. Though the Gibeonites obtained a treaty through deceit, Israel’s oath in the LORD’s name remained binding, and Gibeon became subject to Israel as servants at the house of God. The account warns that human observation cannot replace prayerful dependence on the LORD, whose wisdom exposes what appearances conceal. 1Ki 19:7 A second time the angel of the LORD returned… 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 deceived by the Gibeonites into making a covenant with them. 4. Canaan The land promised to the Israelites by God, which they were in the process of conquering during the events of Joshua. 5. Gibeon A significant city in Canaan whose inhabitants tricked the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them. Teaching Points Discernment in Decision-MakingThe Israelites failed to seek God's guidance before making a treaty with the Gibeonites. This teaches us the importance of seeking divine wisdom and discernment in our decisions. Consequences of Deception The Gibeonites' deception led to a binding covenant. This reminds us that deceit can have long-lasting consequences, and we must strive for honesty and integrity. God's Sovereignty and Grace Despite the Israelites' mistake, God used the situation for His purposes. This illustrates that God can work through our errors to fulfill His plans. The Importance of Keeping Promises The Israelites honored their treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the importance of keeping our commitments, even when made under false pretenses. The Role of Community in Accountability The leaders of Israel made the decision without consulting the broader community. This highlights the value of accountability and counsel in decision-making processes. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we apply the lesson of seeking God's guidance in our daily decision-making processes?2. What are some modern-day examples of deception, and how can we guard against them in our personal and spiritual lives? 3. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in situations where we have made mistakes? 4. How does the account of the Gibeonites challenge us to consider the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationships? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to keep a promise that was difficult to uphold. How does this relate to the Israelites' commitment to the Gibeonites? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 7This chapter outlines God's command to the Israelites to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan and not make treaties with them, highlighting the seriousness of the Gibeonites' deception. 2 Samuel 21 This passage describes the consequences of Saul breaking the treaty with the Gibeonites, showing the long-term impact of the covenant made in Joshua 9. Matthew 10 Jesus instructs His disciples to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves," which can be related to the need for discernment that Joshua and the Israelites lacked in this situation.
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, Bottles, Burst, Clothes, Clothing, Cracked, Exceeding, Filled, Flasks, Garments, Greatness, Journey, Ours, Reason, Rent, Sandals, Shoes, Torn, Wine, Wine-bottles, Wineskins, Wine-skins, WornDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 9:13 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 9:13 NIVJoshua 9:13 NLT Joshua 9:13 ESV Joshua 9:13 NASB Joshua 9:13 KJV Joshua 9:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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