A THOUSAND WILL FALL AT YOUR SIDE, BUT IT SHALL NOT COME NEAR YOU
«Because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty» (Joshua 10:2).
Then they established themselves in Canaan, would the Israelites continue to consult with God before making decisions? It was soon seen that they would fail again. They received a visit from some astute, fake Gibeonites who pretended to be travelers from distant lands who wished to submit to Israel by a treaty. The Israelites were forbidden from making treaties with the seven nearby Canaanite cities (see Deuteronomy 7:1, 2).
Gibeon was only a three days’ walk away, and the Israelites did not consult with God about it. Joshua made the treaty with Gibeon; he committed his word and would have to keep it, even after discovering their deception. «The obligation to which one’s word is pledged—if it do not bind him to perform a wrong act—should be held sacred. No consideration of gain, of revenge, or of self-interest can in any way affect the inviolability of an oath or pledge.»—Patriarchs and Prophets, ch. 47, p. 506.
The Gibeonites also suffered the consequences of their deceit and their lie. They had been an important, prosperous city, but now they were submitted to servitude; for generations they could not rise above the condition of firewood gatherers and water carriers for the Sanctuary. Their lie saved their lives but brought them dishonor and servitude. Their deceitfulness resulted in permanent servitude. God absolutely hates lies!
To Israel’s fame for counting on God to destroy cities was added their alliance with a prosperous city and the military might of Gibeon, who subjected itself voluntarily to be servants of the Israelites. «The remaining neighboring nations were terrified by the presence of the Israelites among them, and they formed a league among themselves to take vengeance on those who had made a peace treaty with the invaders. When you enter into a pact with God, your enemies will be filled with fear. The promise of Psalm 91:7, 8 will be fulfilled: A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.»
www.meditacionesdiarias.com
https://twitter.com/meditacionesdi1
http://www.instagram.com/meditacionesdiarias7
Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate