Joshua 9:1-15: "Know and Acknowledge God"

Joshua 9:1-15: "Know and Acknowledge God"

"Now when all the kings west of the Jordan heard about these things—the kings in the hill country, in the western foothills, and along the entire coast of the Mediterranean Sea—they came together to wage war against Joshua and Israel."

After suffering over thirty casualties in what they thought would be an easy battle at Ai, Joshua and the Israelites discovered the cause, addressed it, and successfully conquered the city (Chapter 8).

News of this spread throughout Canaan. The Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites gathered to discuss their response. They decided to unite their forces against Israel.

These nations knew well how Israel had left Egypt and the path they'd taken to cross the Jordan and conquer Jericho and Ai. Recognizing they couldn't face Israel alone, these six tribes joined forces, believing unity would give them strength against Israel.

However, one group chose not to join this alliance: the Gibeonites. Like the six allied tribes, they too knew Israel's history - their exodus from Egypt, crossing the Red Sea and Jordan, conquering Jericho and Ai (verses 9-10). But they reached a different conclusion. Instead of fighting, they decided to become Israel's servants, seeing this as their path to survival.

They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land, wearing worn clothes and carrying moldy food. They approached Joshua, declaring themselves as servants and begging for a treaty. By humbling themselves before Israel, they secured a covenant and avoided destruction.

Why did Gibeon bow to Israel?

Because they acknowledged Israel's God. From verse 9 onward, they declared their knowledge of all that the LORD had done. They recognized that everything leading to Israel's arrival was the work of Yahweh. They came and bowed not to Israel's people, but to Israel's God.

Knowing and acknowledging God brings us life. Gibeon gained life by knowing and acknowledging God. In our various circumstances, may we seek to know God. May we understand His will and what He desires. May we gain life by knowing God and obeying His will.

Prayer: Faithful and life-giving God, help us know and acknowledge You. Guide us to understand and obey Your will in life's many situations. Let us live lives that please You and gain true life. Holy Spirit, lead us to be strong and courageous. Amen.