The Gibeonites heard of what Joshua had done in Jericho and Ai, and they crafted a story to save themselves and to deceive Joshua. It worked.
14 So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord. 15 Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath.
16 Three days after making the treaty, they learned that these people actually lived nearby! 17 The Israelites set out at once to investigate and reached their towns in three days. The names of these towns were Gibeon, Kephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. 18 But the Israelites did not attack the towns, for the Israelite leaders had made a vow to them in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel.
The people of Israel grumbled against their leaders because of the treaty. 19 But the leaders replied, “Since we have sworn an oath in the presence of the Lord, the God of Israel, we cannot touch them. 20 This is what we must do. We must let them live, for divine anger would come upon us if we broke our oath. 21 Let them live.”
Joshua 9:14-21, NLT, emphasis added
I think long on words spoken … promises … vows … oaths. Facing an important commitment, I considered my final response. Even when another deceives, should that be grounds to back down from a commitment? I wonder on this. Or when a contract is haphazardly examined because everyone signs these agreements without reading the small print–it is still legally binding, even if later I were to change my mind, I am still bound by the terms.
What kinds of agreements have I knowingly or unknowingly consented to? It causes me to caution, to reflect, to consider, but most of all–to consult the Lord.
Recently I prayed over a troubling matter and upcoming decision–and I’m so glad I did! (Oh, what if I hadn’t?!) I was grateful to tears and filled with peace and gratitude when he answered my prayer with response in a form I would notice with words specific to catch my attention.
Father God, may I always remember to consult you first. Thank you for answering me. Thank you for telling me that you saved me a seat at your table. I love you.
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 