Joshua 9:14
“So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the LORD.”
Israel wasn’t threatened. They had just got themselves out of a whole with the Ai situation. They were back on track with their mission and things were good with their relationship with God. They were riding high again. Travelers come into camp seeking peace with them. Israel asks the obvious question, “Perhaps you are living within our land; how then are we to make a covenant with you?” They had a healthy suspicion. However, the travelers were good actors and were prepared. They convinced Joshua and crew.
Then comes today’s tragic verse, they “did not ask for the counsel of the LORD”. They should have been like Paul and prayed with out ceasing. There’s the proverbs verse that say to “acknowledge Him in all our ways”.
Today’s verse is a warning about how easily we can be deceived. All of the “beware’s” in scripture are there to warn us.
Part of the way God guides us is through our desires. However, they aren’t to be trusted completely. Today’s passage shows how our gut and other internal gauges aren’t perfect. Pray for His guidance. Be like Paul and pray without ceasing.
While Joshua and the people were fooled, God still loved them and would work with them. We will make mistakes. God will forgive us and make it work.
Thank You, Lord, for Your love. You have stuck by me and caused others who care for me to do the same. Thank You.
