“As soon as all the kings who were beyond the Jordan in the hill country and in the lowland all along the coast of the Great Sea toward Lebanon . . . they gathered together as one to fight against Joshua and Israel” (9:1-2). Well, obviously, they did not know what they were getting into nor did they know who they would be fighting. And, ultimately, to their dismay, they were not merely going up against Israel’s fighting men, they were going up against Israel’s God. The Gibeonites, on the other hand, had an inkling of what was to come. They had heard about Jericho and Ai, and they wanted nothing to do with this bunch crossing over the Jordan into Canaan. They disguised themselves as distant travelers, hoping to deceive Joshua into thinking they were not inhabitants of the land he was about to take. Well, they survived but became servants to Israel. The kings were not happy, and they threatened war against Gibeon who appealed to Joshua for help. He responded by fighting the kings and getting a great victory. After all, had the Lord not said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands; not one of them shall stand before you” (10:8). And so, the kings fell, one after another, and Israel had the land, just as God had promised. You know, it’s wise to pick your battles, and it’s good to choose the right team. It is good to walk with God and trust him against all enemies.
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home --Thomas A. Dorsey (1932)
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