Scripture: Josh. 9-11; 1 Cor. 6
Joshua 9:3-6 The people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai and cooked up a ruse. They posed as travelers: their donkeys loaded with patched sacks and mended wineskins, threadbare sandals on their feet, tattered clothes on their bodies, nothing but dry crusts and crumbs for food. They came to Joshua at Gilgal and spoke to the men of Israel, “We’ve come from a far-off country; make a covenant with us.”
Observations: Deception. Lies. Wiley manuveuring. And yet, it worked right out. God honors deceptive practices? No. But they stayed alive. Though they took their punishment and lived with the consequences, it certainly beat the alternative.
Application: I have no idea. This is one of the passages that leaps off the page because it is so hard to reconcile. Perhaps it echoes the “innocent as lambs and wise as serpents” passage. I don’t know. I think I will keep an eye out for “freshly tattered clothing.” While I can’t justify seeking out opportunities to be clever and deceptive, I won’t rule them out either. And I’ll also try to keep in mind that there are consequences for such behavior.
Prayer: Lord, teach me the meaning of this passage. Help me to understand your will for my life as you have shown it to me in this story. In Christ’s name, Amen.
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