Lesson 6
The Mistake of Nothing
(JOSHUA 9—12)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Joshua 9—12. This lesson references chapter 9 in Be Strong. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
An anonymous wit reminds us that a dentist’s mistake is pulled out, a lawyer’s mistake is imprisoned, a teacher’s mistake is failed, a printer’s mistake is corrected, a pharmacist’s mistake is buried, a postman’s mistake is forwarded, and an electrician’s mistake could be shocking. The novelist Joseph Conrad wrote, “It’s only those who do nothing that make no mistakes.”
—Be Strong, page 129
1. What was Joshua’s mistake in chapters 9—12? What prompted his mistake? What were the ramifications of his mistake?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Joshua 9—12 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here.
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
While Israel was at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, reaffirming their commitment to the Lord, the kings in Canaan were getting ready to attack. They had heard about the defeat of Jericho and Ai and were not about to give up without a fight. It was time for them to go on the offensive and attack these Jewish invaders. The city-states in Canaan were not always friendly with one another, but local rivals can often come together when they have a common enemy (Ps. 2:1–2; Luke 23:12).
After an experience of great blessing, God’s people must be especially prepared to confront the enemy, for like Canaan, the Christian life is “a land of hills and valleys” (Deut. 11:11). But Israel’s greatest danger wasn’t the confederation of the armies of Canaan. It was a group of men from Gibeon who were about to enter the camp and deceive Joshua and the princes of Israel. Satan sometimes comes as a devouring lion (1 Peter 5:8) and sometimes as a deceiving serpent (2 Cor. 11:3), and we must be alert and protected by the spiritual armor God has provided for us (Eph. 6:10–18).
—Be Strong, pages 129–30
3. Review Joshua 9:1–15. Why should God’s people prepare to confront the enemy after a great blessing? Does this seem like a pessimistic view of life? Why or why not? What makes this a wise view? What does this tell us about the enemy? About diligence?
From the Commentary
The Gibeonites assembled a group of men and equipped them to look like an official delegation from a foreign city. Their clothing, food, and equipment were all designed to give the impression that they had been on a long and difficult journey from a distant city. Satan is a counterfeiter and “masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14 NIV). He has his “false apostles” and “deceitful workmen” (v. 13 NIV) at work in this world, blinding the lost and seeking to lead believers astray. It’s much easier for us to identify the lion when he’s roaring than to detect the serpent when he’s slithering into our lives.
—Be Strong, page 130
4. Why did the Israelites buy the Gibeonites’ deception? How should they have acted? In some ways, the Israelites’ welcoming of the Gibeonites seemed like a generous and kind act. Why was it wrong of them to be so welcoming? What lessons does this have for us today?
More to Consider: Read John 8:44. How do the Gibeonites prove this truth? What is the motivation for their lies?
From the History Books
No matter what your opinion of the war in Iraq, one thing appears certain: The United States had gathered bad intel about the purported weapons of mass destruction. Armed with confidence that their sources were telling the truth, the military marched in to find and dispose of weapons that could have caused great harm to neighboring nations. But when the inspectors arrived, they found little to support the claim of such weapons. While it’s possible the weapons were well hidden (or disposed of) prior to the inspectors’ arrival, it’s more likely that the United States was acting on bad information.
5. How did lies or deception hurt the United States in this scenario? What risks did the United States take when choosing to act on the intelligence they received? How were they like or unlike the Israelites who trusted the Gibeonites’ words? What lessons can we glean from both of these stories to better respond to threats or perceived threats, both nationally and personally?
From the Commentary
Joshua and the princes of Israel were impetuous and didn’t take time to consult the Lord. They walked by sight and not by faith. After listening to the strangers’ speech and examining the evidence, Joshua and his leaders concluded that the men were telling the truth. The leaders of Israel took the “scientific approach” instead of the “spiritual approach.” They depended on their own senses, examined the “facts,” discussed the matter, and agreed in their conclusion. It was all very logical and convincing, but it was all wrong. They had made the same mistake at Ai (Josh. 7) and hadn’t yet learned to wait on the Lord and seek His direction.
—Be Strong, pages 131–32
6. Is the “scientific” approach to examining a situation always wrong? Why or why not? How could the Israelites have tempered (or tested) their “by sight” analysis with a spiritual approach? How can churches do this today?
From the Commentary
True faith involves exercising patience (Heb. 6:12). “Whoever believes will not act hastily” (Isa. 28:16 NKJV). Moses had told the Jews, “Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare among you” (Ex. 34:12 NIV). But in their haste Joshua and the Jewish leaders broke God’s law and made a covenant with the enemy. Since their oath was sworn in the name of the Lord (Josh. 9:18), it could not be broken. Joshua and the princes of Israel had sworn to their own hurt (Ps. 15:4; Eccl. 5:1–7), and there was no way to revoke their oath or be released from their promise.
—Be Strong, pages 132–33
7. What were the practical results of the oath the Israelites made with the Gibeonites? Why couldn’t they have reneged on the oath? In what ways are God’s people today living in the enemy’s territory? What “oaths” do we sometimes make with the enemy? How can we avoid making the same mistakes again and again?
From the Commentary
How did the leaders of Israel discover that they had made a big mistake? Knowing that they were now out of danger, perhaps the “ambassadors” openly admitted what they had done. Or maybe the Gibeonites were overheard rejoicing in their success. Did some of Joshua’s spies return to camp after reconnaissance and recognize the enemy? Perhaps the Gibeonites overheard the plans for Israel’s next attack and had to inform the leaders that a solemn oath now protected those cities. However it happened, Joshua discovered that he and the princes had blundered, and no doubt they were humbled and embarrassed because of it.
We must give the leaders credit for being men of their word. To violate their oath would have been to take the holy name of Jehovah in vain, and this would have brought about divine judgment. Years later King Saul violated this oath, and God judged the nation severely (2 Sam. 21). Military leaders of lesser character than Joshua might have argued that “all’s fair in love and war” and forced the Gibeonites to divulge information that would help him conquer their city. Instead, when the Jewish army arrived at Gibeon and the neighboring cities, they didn’t attack them.
—Be Strong, pages 133–34
8. Review Joshua 9:16–27. Why did the Jewish people grumble at what their leaders had done? Why was keeping the oath so important to Joshua and the leaders? What does this say about their leadership?
From the Commentary
When you make agreements with the enemy, expect to end up paying a price and having to defend them in order to protect yourself. This is why God’s people must remain separated from the world (2 Cor. 6:14–18). I wonder whether Paul had Joshua in mind when he wrote, “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Tim. 2:4 NKJV).
—Be Strong, page 135
9. Review Joshua 10:1–28. How is this story an example of the message in 2 Corinthians 6:14–18? What are some aspects of modern society that tempt leaders and churches to make “agreements” with the enemy? What’s the difference between learning to work within a culture and giving in to it?
From the Commentary
Joshua’s words in 10:25 must have thrilled the hearts of his brave soldiers. They echo the words God spoke to him when he began his career (1:6–9). Since Joshua is a type of Jesus Christ, we can apply this scene and these words to Christ and His people. Jesus has defeated all His enemies and will one day return and destroy them forever. No matter how they may rage and rebel (Ps. 2:1–3), our Lord’s enemies are only the footstool at His feet (Ps. 110:1; 1 Cor. 15:25). Through Him, we can claim victory and put our feet on the necks of our enemies (Rom. 16:20).
—Be Strong, pages 139–40
10. What warnings can we take from the story of Joshua and the Gibeonites? What encouragement can we take from the story? What does this story teach us about how God works with our mistakes?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of Joshua 9—12. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. Describe a time when you should have acted but chose not to act. What prompted your inaction? How did fear play into that? Ignorance? What actions should you have taken? How might the story have played out differently if you’d sought God’s will for the circumstance?
12. Think of a time when you trusted someone was telling the truth, only to discover later he or she was lying. How did that make you feel? How did it affect the way you later interacted with that person? How was this like and unlike the situation the Israelites faced with the Gibeonites? How does a living, breathing faith help you make wise decisions in circumstances like this? How do you cultivate that living, breathing faith?
13. The Israelites had to keep the oath they made with the Gibeonites. The consequences of their rash decision were significant. What are some of the consequences you’ve had to endure from rash decisions? How do you reclaim your relationship with God when you’ve broken it due to poor decision making?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you need to learn how to walk by faith instead of sight? Be specific. Go back through Joshua 9—12 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Think about promises you’ve made that may or may not have been wise decisions at the time. Have you kept these promises? If not, why? Why is it important to keep the promises you make? When is it right to break a promise? Take stock of the promises you’re trying to keep and set them before God, asking Him for wisdom both in how to keep the promise and what you’re supposed to learn from it. Then make a commitment to seek God’s will before making any promises or oaths in the future.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you’ve noted above. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the Going Forward section. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.
• Before you start the next lesson, read Joshua 13—21. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapter 10, “This Land Is Our Land!” in Be Strong.