Study 17: Joshua 9: 15-27

In Study 17 on Joshua , Trent focuses on Joshua chapter 9, emphasizing the consequences of failing to seek God’s guidance. The Israelites, including Joshua and their leaders, made a peace treaty with the Gibeonites without inquiring of the Lord, relying solely on their senses and the deceptive appearance of the Gibeonites. This mistake led to the Gibeonites becoming servants to the Israelites, specifically as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of God. The sermon highlights the importance of seeking God’s direction through His word, the peace of Christ, and confirmation from others, illustrating that decisions made without divine guidance can lead to long-lasting consequences. However, it also underscores God’s mercy and the transformative power of His discipline, which ultimately integrates the Gibeonites into the service of worship, turning a curse into a form of grace.

Sermon Outline

Introduction and Context

• 00:00 - 03:41

• Opening prayer and community updates.

• Brief recap of the events in Jericho and Ai, setting the stage for Joshua chapter 9.

Chapter 1: The Gibeonite Deception

• 03:41 - 06:29

• Reading Joshua 9:3-15.

• Discussion on the deceptive tactics of the Gibeonites and their impact on the Israelites.

Chapter 2: Failure to Seek God

• 06:29 - 09:21

• Key verse: Joshua 9:14 – Israelites sampled the Gibeonites’ provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.

• Importance of seeking God’s guidance in decision-making.

Chapter 3: The Treaty with the Gibeonites

• 09:21 - 15:40

• Joshua 9:15-21 – Details of the treaty and its ratification by oath.

• Examination of the provisions from Deuteronomy regarding treaties and their misapplication.

Chapter 4: Discovery of the Deception

• 15:40 - 20:55

• Joshua 9:16-18 – The Israelites discover the Gibeonites’ true identity.

• Discussion on the consequences of decisions made without consulting God.

Chapter 5: God’s Mercy and Discipline

• 20:55 - 27:15

• The Israelites honor their oath despite the deception, showcasing God’s mercy and discipline.

• Reflection on the three days journey and its spiritual significance.

Chapter 6: Lessons from Past Mistakes

• 27:15 - 31:49

• Personal anecdotes and examples of making decisions without God’s guidance.

• Emphasis on taking responsibility for one’s actions and the importance of integrity.

Chapter 7: The Role of God’s Word and Peace

• 31:49 - 36:06

• Using the Bible as a guide (Psalms 119).

• Understanding the peace of Christ as a referee in our hearts (Colossians 3:15).

• The importance of confirmation through God’s people (Acts 10).

Chapter 8: The Transformative Power of Discipline

• 36:06 - 45:35

• The Gibeonites’ integration into Israelite society as woodcutters and water carriers.

• Discussion on God’s ability to turn curses into blessings and integrate them into His service.

Chapter 9: Reflection on God’s Justice and Mercy

• 45:35 - 56:47

• Analysis of God’s judgment and mercy, using the Gibeonites’ story as an example.

• Examination of how God’s discipline can produce expressions of grace and mercy.

Chapter 10: Conclusion and Application

• 56:47 - 01:00:24

• Summarizing the key points: seeking God’s guidance, the consequences of relying on human understanding, and the redemptive power of God’s grace.

• Call to action: Encouragement to inquire of the Lord in all decisions.

• Closing prayer and benediction.

Scripture References

Joshua 9:3-15

• Timestamp: 03:41 - 06:29

• Main connection: The deceptive tactics of the Gibeonites and the treaty made with them by the Israelites without inquiring of the Lord.

Joshua 9:14

• Timestamp: 06:29 - 09:21

• Main connection: Israelites sampled the Gibeonites’ provisions but did not inquire of the Lord, highlighting the failure to seek God’s guidance.

Deuteronomy 20:10-16

• Timestamp: 15:40 - 18:33

• Main connection: Provisions regarding making treaties and how the Israelites misapplied these provisions to the Gibeonites.

Psalms 119:105

• Timestamp: 10:23 - 11:21

• Main connection: God’s word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, illustrating the importance of using scripture for guidance.

Colossians 3:15

• Timestamp: 11:21 - 12:25

• Main connection: The peace of Christ ruling in our hearts as an umpire, helping us make decisions based on the presence or absence of peace.

Acts 10

• Timestamp: 12:25 - 13:41

• Main connection: Confirmation from others as a way God guides us, using the example of Peter and Cornelius.

Psalms 84:11

• Timestamp: 23:15 - 24:07

• Main connection: God’s character as a sun and shield, giving grace and glory, and not withholding any good thing from those who walk uprightly.

James 2:12-13

• Timestamp: 36:06 - 37:33

• Main connection: Living as those who will be judged by the law that gives freedom, and understanding that mercy triumphs over judgment.

Nehemiah 3 and Nehemiah 7

• Timestamp: 01:00:24

• Main connection: The Gibeonites contributing to the workforce in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, showing their integration and service to God’s people.

Joshua 18 and Joshua 21

• Timestamp: 57:57 - 58:56

• Main connection: The land given to the Benjamites, including the city of Gibeon, and its later designation as a priestly city with the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant.

Reflection Questions

How can I ensure that I am seeking God’s guidance in my daily decisions?

• Scripture for meditation: Joshua 9:14 - “The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.”

• Reflect on a recent decision you made without seeking God’s guidance. What could you have done differently?

In what ways can I use the Bible as a guide for my path and decisions?

• Scripture for meditation: Psalms 119:105 - “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

• Consider how you can incorporate regular Bible reading into your decision-making process.

How do I discern the peace of Christ in my heart when making decisions?

• Scripture for meditation: Colossians 3:15 - “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

• Think about a time when you felt at peace with a decision. How did that peace guide you?

How can I recognize and avoid deceit in my spiritual walk?

• Scripture for meditation: Joshua 9:3-15 - The account of the Gibeonites’ deception.

• Reflect on ways you can stay vigilant and seek God’s wisdom to recognize deceit in various forms.

What can I learn from the mercy and grace shown to the Gibeonites, and how can I apply it to my life?

• Scripture for meditation: James 2:12-13 - “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

• Contemplate how you can extend mercy to others in your life, even when they have wronged you.

Word Study

1. Shalom (שָׁלוֹם)

Definition: Peace, completeness, welfare, health.

Scripture References:

• Joshua 9:15 - “Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.”

• Colossians 3:15 (related) - “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Connection to the Joshua Study:

• In Joshua 9:15, the Israelites make a treaty of peace with the Gibeonites. This peace, however, was established without seeking God’s guidance, illustrating the importance of aligning human actions with divine will to achieve true Shalom. Reflecting on this helps understand the deeper meaning of peace as not just the absence of conflict but the presence of God’s order and blessing.

2. Brit (בְּרִית)

Definition: Covenant, treaty, agreement.

Scripture References:

• Joshua 9:15 - “Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.”

• Deuteronomy 20:10-11 (related) - “When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace. If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you.”

Connection to the Joshua Study:

• The treaty (Brit) made with the Gibeonites represents a covenant that was made without inquiring of God. This highlights the significance of making covenants with divine guidance and the consequences of neglecting to do so. The concept of Brit underscores the seriousness of agreements and the need for seeking God’s approval in all covenants.

3. Hesed (חֶסֶד)

Definition: Loving-kindness, mercy, steadfast love, grace.

Scripture References:

• Joshua 9:18-19 - “But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel. The whole assembly grumbled against the leaders, but all the leaders answered, ‘We have given them our oath by the Lord, the God of Israel, and we cannot touch them now.’”

• James 2:13 (related) - “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

Connection to the Joshua Study:

• The leaders’ decision to honor their oath to the Gibeonites, despite the deception, reflects God’s mercy (Hesed). This act of steadfast love and grace serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity and mercy in our actions, even when faced with deception or mistakes. The concept of Hesed emphasizes the transformative power of God’s mercy in rectifying human errors and promoting justice.