26 April, 2010

Text: Joshua 9

THE COLATION OF THE ENEMIES OF ISRAEL

1. Hittite

2. Amorite

3. Canaanite

4. Perizzite

5. Hivite

6. Jebusite
"They gathered together to fight with Joshua and Israel with one accord."    Joshua 9:2

THE PLOY OF THE GIBEONITES (HIVITES)

1. Pretence
To pretend that they came from a far country    Joshua 9:3-6

2. Preparation
Elaborate preparation to deceive Israel    Joshua 9:3-6, 8-13

3. Plan

a) Using of flattery

    i) Knowledge of the name of God    Joshua 9:9

    ii) Knowledge of the exploits of God    Joshua 9:9-10

b) Using carefully prepared articles    Joshua 9:4-6, 13

    i) Old sacks

    ii) Old wineskins

    iii) Old sandals

    iv) Mouldy bread

    v) Old garments

c) Goal

To obtain a covenant (treaty) with Israel by any means!

THE PROBLEM

1. Joshua
"And Joshua said, 'Who are you and where do you come from?'"    Joshua 9:8b

2. Men of Israel
"Then the men of Israel took some of their provision" (for examination)    Joshua 9:14a

3. Big mistake
"But they did not ask counsel of the LORD."    Joshua 9:14b

DISCOVERY OF THE DECEPTION

1. The ploy of the Gibeonites (Hivites) was discovered
"After three days..."    Joshua 9:16

a) Gibeon

b) Chephirah

c) Beroth

d) Kirjath Jearim    Joshua 9:7

2. Questioned by Joshua
For their deception    Joshua 9:22

3. Answer of the Gibeonites
They feared that they would be killed by Israel in the war to come    Joshua 9:25

4. Fate of the Gibeonites

a) They would be spared

b) The covenant established would be honoured    Joshua 9:19, 26

c) They would serve Israel

    i) As woodcutters

    ii) As water carriers    Joshua 9:27