Text: Joshua 9:1-27
After Israel conquered Ai, several of the kings in Canaan decided to join their armies for war against Israel. But the Gideonites understood that they were going to be destroyed, so they made a different plan. They would attempt to make Israel believe that Gibeon was a place far beyond Canaan. Israel was deceived and thus made a covenant of peace with the Gibeonites. But, Joshua and the elders neglected to ask Yahweh about this (v.14). Even though Israel made a bad oath, they were required to keep it, or evil would come upon them (Ps. 15:4; 2 Samuel 21:1-9).
We are creatures who easily forget to talk with (or listen to) God, either in reading His word or in prayer, etc. As a result, we find ourselves joining with the world to our own hurt. But God did not destroy Israel, and He will not destroy us. Throughout His life, Jesus talked with His Father about all things. And He continues to talk to the Father for us (Romans 8:34). We are such needy people, but we have a far greater Saviour, who is continuously interceding for us.
Meditate on verse 14. What is God teaching you in this verse?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, give me where I have relied on my own understanding to make decisions. Lead me into always consulting You on any decision to make. Amen.