What Were They Thinking?

Read Joshua 9-12
 
Joshua 9:14-15 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.
 
AS we read of the good and the bad that happened in Israel’s history, we can perhaps become critical, even judgmental of their errors. “What were they thinking?” or “Why didn’t they understand God’s care for them?” These types of questions, though, can often be asked of our faith journey. So let’s approach each aspect of Israel’s story with, “What do I learn from this? How can I be faithful to God?”
   Having read Joshua 9, you’ll see Joshua and his troops were fooled by the Gibeonites, who resorted to deception to save themselves. How did this happen? Yes, the Gibeonites were clever to develop the plan. But Joshua and the leaders did not consult the LORD.
   Do you think they were too confident in their success to conquer Jericho and Ai? It seems so. But did they forget it was God’s instructions and provision for their victories? Joshua and the other leaders did not devise the battle plans for either conquest. In fact, when they first attacked Ai, Israel’s army was defeated because of the sin in the camp and their neglect to seek the LORD’s guidance. Even more, how could Joshua have forgotten I AM’s power to stop the Jordan River for their crossing? Did he also neglect his meeting with the LORD’s Commander: Joshua 5:13-15 When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?” 14 “Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the LORD’s army.” At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?”
15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did as he was told.
   The ground is holy where God is present. The Commander is likely the One who wrestled with Jacob and met Moses at the burning bush. He is the One who will come in triumph wielding his sword of justice on the Final Day of the LORD. He is the Son of God, willing to fight for his own and lead them on the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
   Joshua had experienced God as only a few ever had or will on this earth. How could Joshua stand before scheming men and neglect to inquire of the LORD? That’s a good question and a warning for us all. 2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves.
   Keep your heart humble. Know you have no wisdom apart from God.