“When the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they resorted to a ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were loaded with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. They put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy. They went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said, ‘We have come from a distant country; make a treaty with us.’
“The Israelites said, ‘But perhaps you live near us, so how can we make a treaty with you?’
“’We are your servants,’ they said.
“But Joshua asked, ‘Who are you and where do you come from?’
“They answered: ‘Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the Lord your God. For we have heard reports of him: all that he did in Egypt, and to the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan… And our elders and all those living in our country said to us, “Take provisions for your journey; go and meet them and say, ‘We are your servants; make a treaty with us.’” This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But now see how dry and moldy it is. And these wineskins that we filled were new, but see how cracked they are. And our clothes and sandals are worn out by the very long journey.’
“The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.
“Three days after they made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites heard that they were neighbors, living near them.” Joshua 9:3-16
Suspicions aroused and allayed, serious-minded Joshua concluded the Gibeonites’ story made all the sense in the world. Indeed his God was famous and wrought fear in the people of the land. Why would these wanderers not rather serve God’s people than be destroyed? But instinct stemming from reason, inspection, and explanation failed him, and the results were lasting.
Relying on what we want to be true is a dangerous persuasion. Good instincts are a gift from God, but they must be founded on and filtered through the truth of His word and affirmed in prayer. Too easily, they can be pulled astray by emotion or false promise of success. If we would be wise, it is crucial to train our discernment and seek the mind of Christ at every turn. We must study His word to understand how He deals with and works among men, and pray to know and heed His warnings.
How steeped am I in the ways of God? How readily can I apply lessons taught from His word or personal experience? Am I impatient, quick in pride to rely on my own understanding, and slow to humble myself to ask God’s direction? How will I be sure to hear His voice and make decisions according to His will? (Proverbs 3:5–6; Psalm 32:8; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 1:9-10; Colossians 1:9-10)
Father, give me an instinct for holiness, and train my discernment through Your perfect word, ways, and prayer, that I glorify You in its exercise.
As the rain and snow 