Joshua 9 - Deception by Gibeonites
Introduction
There's an old saying, which goes
'If you cannot beat them, join them' -
This saying almost certainly came from the spirit of the world. It's a trick that satan often uses and we should not follow. The inhabitants of Gibeon deceived Joshua and the leaders of Israel into thinking that they came from a very far country.
The whole point of this deception was to fool Joshua into thinking they were not from the land of Canaan.
The Gibeonites succeeded in getting Joshua to promise them no harm. They deceived Joshua into making a covenant with them.
A covenant is a binding promise. Many cultures, especially in the western world, may not understand the term covenants in this day and age. Once you make a covenant with someone you give the person your word that you will abide by the terms of your agreement. It is similar to signing a contract. Breaking the covenant means that you are not a trust worthy person.
Do you see why God cannot break His covenant with us?
Because of who Israel represented they could not break their covenant of peace with the Gibeonites (verse 18) Joshua's error was a result of his not consulting God (verse 14). As believers we should be careful whom we enter into agreements with. Especially when it comes to area of fellowship and marriage. There are many wolves in sheep's clothing out there. Covenants should not be entered into lightly nor should they be broken lightly.
God can rescue us from all the deceptions of the enemy. However, some mistakes come with high penalties.
Questions
1. What two methods (mentioned in verse 1-4) did the people employ in order to protect themselves against Israel?
2. Can you mention some of the tactics the enemy uses against us today?
1Peter 5:8
3. What methods of deception does satan use today in order to keep us away from the promises of God?
4. Why did the deception of the Gibeonites succeed with the Israelites?
5. What can we do to guard against the deception of satan, sin and the world?
1 John 2:15-17
6. Who were the main people deceived among the Israelites by the Gibeonites (verse 15-22)
7. Are we as Christians immune from deception?
1 Corinthians 10: 6-12
8. Mention some of the things you have learnt from this study?