Joshua 9 (6)

So they answered Joshua and said, “Because your servants were clearly told that the LORD your God commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you; therefore we were very much afraid for our lives because of you, and have done this thing. And now, here we are, in your hands; do with us as it seems good and right to do to us.” So he did to them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, so that they did not kill them. And that day Joshua made them woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, in the place which He would choose, even to this day. Joshua 9.24-27

Reflect.
1.  The Gibeonites frankly admit that they feared God and Israel. Is there anything laudable in this? 

2.  What role should the fear of God play in the life of faith?

Think about it.
To their credit, the Gibeonites feared God and Israel so much that they knew fighting against them would avail nothing. They took up the ruse in a desperate attempt to avert destruction. This was a work of God’s grace, Who created in the Gibeonites an attitude of fear and a desire to be saved, when all around them peoples were readying for war against God and His people.

Even if it meant perpetual slavery, that would be better than being destroyed. By not taking up arms against Israel, and instead seeking shelter with and among them, the Gibeonites demonstrated a measure of faith or hope that no other Canaanite peoples would manifest. As we shall see, God showed them this grace to accomplish a greater good for His people, including, we may assume, the Gibeonites.

The Gibeonites were allowed to return to their homes, presumably, to ready themselves and their people for service to Israel. Their lives would continue much as before, except that now they would be at Israel’s beck and call to be pressed into service as woodcutters and water carriers whenever needed. Here is another signal in the book of Joshua of God’s intention to extend saving grace to the Gentiles.

It’s not the arrangement God intended for His people. But in this life, God’s rule and covenant are only ever partially and imperfectly realized. We continue to struggle against the law of sin within us, and try to obey God and trust Him completely. And thus, like Joshua, we make compromises and errors in judgment, which we then have to deal with before we move on. Where confession of sin and repentance are sincere, God’s grace will cover a multitude of transgressions, and make it possible for us to continue increasing in His promises, despite our failures of faith and obedience.

Meditate and discuss.
1.  Does God work in the hearts of unbelievers today like He did with the Gibeonites? How should this encourage us in working our Personal Mission Field?

2.  In a very real sense, we’re all Gibeonites. Explain.  

3.  Review Genesis 12.1-3. How can you see that the sparing of the Gibeonites is consistent with the larger promises of God? 

“They themselves say, ‘We have heard how many things the Lord did for you’ through the midst of the Red Sea and in the desert. And although they said these things and confessed that they had both heard and known of the divine miracles, yet they produced nothing worthy in faith, nothing in admiration of such great powers. And therefore Jesus [Joshua], when he sees the narrowness and smallness displayed in their faith, preserves a very just moderation towards them, so that they might merit salvation.” Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)

None of us deserves to be saved, Lord, and we are all your “water carriers and woodcutters.” Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Show me today how I may…

Pray Psalm 115.
Thank God for His mercy and grace. Trust in Him for the day ahead, and call upon Him to bless and keep you as you live, not for your own glory, but for His.

Psalm 115 (Plainfield: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus)
Not to us, O God, not us, but unto Your Name give glory!
For Your love and faithfulness, ever to Your Name be glory!
Why should the nations cry, "Where is their God on high?"
You rule us, Lord, on high: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Idols made by men's own hand – ever to Your Name be glory –
See nor hear nor understand – ever to Your Name be glory!
They neither feel nor walk, nor can they speak or talk;
All those who serve them fall, but unto Your Name be glory!

All who trust in Jesus yield – ever to His Name be glory –  
Find in Him their help and shield: Ever to Your Name be glory!
O Israel, trust the Lord!  He helps us evermore!
Fear Him obey His Word: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Blessings from our gracious Lord – ever to Your Name be glory – 
Will attend us evermore – ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless all who fear You, Lord, all who obey Your Word,
All who Your Name adore: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Grant us, Savior, great increase – ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless us with eternal peace – ever to Your Name be glory!
Heaven and earth are Yours; let every soul adore
And bless You evermore: Ever to Your Name be glory!

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).