Joshua 9: God’s People Must Seek His Guidance

Joshua 9: God warns against relying on appearances, shows mercy to the undeserving, and points to Christ who brings sinners into covenant fellowship.

Introduction

Joshua 9 records the deception of the Gibeonites and Israel’s failure to inquire of the Lord before entering into covenant with them. This event is unique because it highlights the paradox of God’s mercy—those under the curse of destruction were spared and even placed into service at the sanctuary. For the church today, it warns of the danger of relying on appearances rather than God’s guidance, yet it also points to the grace of God who includes the undeserving among His people.

Doctrine

This chapter teaches that God’s people must seek His wisdom in all decisions (Joshua 9:14; Proverbs 3:5–6). Israel’s leaders believed the Gibeonites’ story without consulting the Lord, which reveals the insufficiency of human judgment apart from God. The paradox of the Gibeonites’ survival also points to Christ. Though accursed, they were grafted into Israel’s life and service, prefiguring how sinners who deserve wrath are included in God’s people through Christ’s atoning work (Ephesians 2:12–13). The covenant Joshua swore in the name of the Lord was upheld, showing the binding power of God’s promises and foreshadowing the unbreakable covenant sealed in Christ’s blood (Hebrews 9:15).

Reproof

This passage rebukes the error of making decisions without prayer and dependence on God. Israel’s leaders envied the outcome of subjugating the Gibeonites and may not have wanted to know the truth, revealing how sin can cloud judgment. For the church, this exposes the danger of pragmatism, trusting in appearances or human wisdom instead of God’s Word (James 1:5). It also warns against outward profession without inward transformation. Origen compared the Gibeonites’ old garments to those in the church who profess faith but cling to old sins (Ephesians 4:22).

Correction

The solution to this error is to continually seek the Lord in every decision. Scripture directs believers to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to test everything by God’s Word (1 John 4:1). Instead of settling for outward appearances, the church must discern by God’s Spirit and walk by faith in Christ’s leadership, who never fails or is deceived (John 8:29). True believers must also put off the old self and be renewed in Christ (Ephesians 4:22–24).

Instruction

Believers today should cultivate the discipline of prayer and dependence on God before acting. Churches should test teachings and opportunities by Scripture, rather than relying on human reasoning. Believers must also welcome repentant outsiders, directing them into service for Christ, just as the Gibeonites were placed in service at the sanctuary (Joshua 9:27). The passage calls us to keep our commitments with integrity, reflecting the faithfulness of God who keeps covenant (Ecclesiastes 5:4–5; Matthew 5:37).

Encouragement and Hope

This passage encourages us that even when God’s people fail, His purposes prevail. Israel’s mistake did not undo God’s plan, and the Gibeonites were paradoxically brought into service at the very center of Israel’s worship. In the same way, Christ redeems our failures, and God’s grace abounds where sin has abounded (Romans 5:20). Our hope rests in the greater Joshua, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the Father’s will and secures the place of the undeserving within God’s people.

Invitation

The story of the Gibeonites shows that those under the curse of death can be spared and brought near through covenant mercy. This points to our greater need: every one of us deserves God’s wrath for sin (Romans 6:23). Yet Christ took our place. On the cross, He bore the curse and paid the penalty we owed to God (Galatians 3:13). He died for our sins and rose again, so that through His blood we can be brought near and included in God’s household (1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Ephesians 2:13). You must change your mind about sin and call upon the name of the Lord for salvation. Trust in Christ’s finished work, for He alone delivers from wrath and brings sinners into covenant fellowship with God (Romans 10:9–13).