Oneighty

Joshua had done so good about seeking God up until the below story. God had told Israel to wipe out all the inhabitants in the promise land and people showed up pretending to be from far away out of the promise land when really they lived close. God would have told Josh had he asked, but instead he was fooled by lies. It seemed locical in his analytical brain that they were from far away due to the way their food looked so he didn’t think he needed to ask God.

Even if something makes logical sense, you still MUST seek God’s counsel so that you are not deceived. Just because something is a good idea does not mean it is a God idea.

Josh 9:12-15
12 This bread of ours we took hot for our provision from our houses on the day we departed to come to you. But now look, it is dry and moldy. 13 And these wineskins which we filled were new, and see, they are torn; and these our garments and our sandals have become old because of the very long journey.”
14 Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the LORD. 15 So Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them to let them live; and the rulers of the congregation swore to them.

NKJV

…Josh 9:22-23
22 Then Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us, saying,’We are very far from you,’ when you dwell near us? 23 Now therefore, you are cursed, and none of you shall be freed from being slaves — woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.”
NKJV

Amanda Vander Klok