knew
they could
not defeat
Israel, so
they devised a
different plan.
They decided
to go to Gilgal
where the Israelites
were camped and
introduce themselves
as ambassadors from
a far country. Then they
would try to make an
alliance with them. The truth
was, however, that Gibeon was
located only 20 miles away from
where the Israelites were.
And they the Gibeonites said
unto him Joshua, From a very far
country thy servants are come
because of the name of the LORD
thy God: for we have heard the
fame of him, and all that he did in
Egypt, And all that he did to the
two kings of the Amorites, that
were beyond Jordan, to Sihon
king of Heshbon, and to Og king of
Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth.
Wherefore our elders and all the
inhabitants of our country spake
to us, saying, Take victuals with
you for the journey, and go to
meet them, and say unto them,
We are your servants: therefore
now make ye a league with us
(Joshua 9:9–11).
The Gibeonites then went on to
show Joshua that because of their
long journey, their bread had become
moldy; their wine was bad, and
their clothes and shoes were worn
out. Then Joshua and his men took
of their victuals, and asked not
The
steps of a
good man are
ordered by
the LORD: and
he delighteth
in his way (Psalm
37:23). So many
people today put their
trust in themselves or
in the advice of others
instead of seeking the Lord
for His direction. They only
turn to God when they get into
trouble, and then they expect
Him to instantly fix what they have
foolishly gotten themselves into.
The Bible says, For as the
heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my God’s ways higher
than your ways, and my thoughts
than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).
In order to receive God’s thoughts and
guidance, you must put complete trust
in the Lord’s divine direction for your
life. You must also live a dedicated
and consecrated life before Him, or
you will miss out on His divine will for
your life.
Seek God’s Guidance
There is a story in the Old
Testament that shows what can
happen when you do not seek the
Lord’s direction. After Moses died,
Joshua took over as leader of Israel;
and the Israelite army began to
conquer the inhabitants of the land of
Canaan, their promised land. After the
Israelites had destroyed Jericho and
Ai, five kings of the surrounding area
joined forces to fight against Israel;
however, the inhabitants of Gibeon
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