Joshua and the Gibeonites – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Joshua 9:3-6 – And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done with Jericho and Ai, they also dealt craftily, and went and feigned themselves ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and old wineskins, and broken, and mended; and old and mended shoes upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread that they brought for the way was dry and moldy.
And they came to Joshua, to the camp, to Gilgal, and said to him and to the men of Israel, We have come from a far country; now therefore make a covenant with us.
A Lesson in Discernment and Prudence
Introduction to Joshua 9:3-6
The book of Joshua recounts the conquest of the promised land by the Israelites, led by Joshua, Moses’ successor. After crossing the Jordan River and taking Jericho and Ai, the Israelites faced a new challenge: the Gibeonites, inhabitants of a nearby city, who used their cunning to make a peace pact with Israel.
In Joshua 9:3-6, we find a description of the Gibeonites’ strategy to deceive Joshua and the leaders of Israel. They presented themselves as travelers from a distant land, with weathered clothes and food, claiming that they wanted to make an alliance with Israel.
This episode teaches us the importance of discernment and prudence when making decisions. Just as Joshua and the leaders of Israel were deceived by the appearance and words of the Gibeonites, we too can be deceived by deceptive appearances and false promises.
The historical context of Joshua 9 shows us that the Israelites were at a time of victories and conquests. The taking of Jericho and Ai had strengthened the people’s faith and demonstrated God’s power. However, this moment of euphoria could also lead to negligence and lack of caution.
The story of Joshua and the Gibeonites alerts us to the need to seek God’s guidance in all our decisions, even when the circumstances seem favorable. Prudence, discernment and the search for divine wisdom are essential if we are to avoid pitfalls and make wise decisions.
Development
“The inhabitants of Gibeon…” (Josh 9:3)
The Gibeonites were a people who inhabited the region of Canaan, close to the Israelites. They were Canaanites, a people that God had commanded to be destroyed because of their idolatry and wickedness. However, the Gibeonites feared Israel’s power and decided to use cunning to preserve their lives.
In Proverbs 14:12, we read: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the ways of death.” The Gibeonites chose a path that seemed to guarantee their safety, but which led them to servitude and humiliation.
Nowadays, many people also choose paths that seem attractive and promising, but which are far from God’s will. The search for success at any cost, the immediate satisfaction of desires and the appreciation of material goods can lead to disappointment, frustration and turning away from God.
“…hearing what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai…” (Josh 9:3)
The Gibeonites knew the power of God acting on Israel’s behalf. They had witnessed the destruction of Jericho and Ai and knew that they could not defeat the Israelites in battle. So they decided to use strategy and deception to make a peace agreement.
In 2 Corinthians 11:14, the apostle Paul warns us: “And no wonder, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” The enemy of our souls can disguise himself to deceive us, using tricks and false promises to lead us astray from God’s path.
We need to be vigilant and use discernment so as not to be fooled by appearances. What seems good and attractive in our eyes can be a trap set by the enemy to destroy us. We must seek God’s guidance in all our decisions, trusting in His wisdom and love.
“…they did cunningly…” (Josh 9:4)
The Gibeonites devised a plan to deceive Joshua and the leaders of Israel. They dressed up in old clothes, brought moldy food and torn and mended wineskins, pretending to be travelers from a distant land.
Proverbs 26:24-25 warns us: “He who hates dissembles with his lips, and conceals deceit in his heart. When his voice becomes pleasant, do not believe him, for seven abominations are in his heart.” Words can be deceptive, and appearances can hide the true intentions of the heart.
We have to be careful not to be deceived by people who use falsehood and manipulation to achieve their goals. We must seek God in prayer, asking for discernment to identify the true intentions behind words and actions.
Conclusion of Joshua 9:3-6
The story of Joshua and the Gibeonites teaches us the importance of discernment, prudence and seeking God’s guidance in all our decisions. Just as Joshua and the leaders of Israel were deceived by the cunning of the Gibeonites, we too can be deceived by deceptive appearances and false promises.
May this biblical episode inspire us to seek divine wisdom in all areas of our lives, to beware of appearances and not be carried away by persuasive words. May we trust in God’s guidance and make wise decisions that lead us to blessing and victory.
Preaching Outline on Joshua 9:3-6 – And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done with Jericho and Ai, they also dealt craftily, and went and feigned themselves ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and old wineskins, and broken, and mended; and old and mended shoes upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread that they brought for the way was dry and moldy.
And they came to Joshua, to the camp, to Gilgal, and said to him and to the men of Israel, We have come from a far country; now therefore make a covenant with us.
More Preaching Outlines
- Gibeonites – 2 Chronicles 1:3-5
- The Old Gate – Joshua 10:2
- “Here I am with you” – I Samuel 14:6-7
- Nehemiah 6:3 & 12 – Wisdom and discernment of the Spirit
