Don’t Forget to Consult Your God

Joshua 9

When Achan was stoned, God forgave and Israel was back on track.
Ai was then quickly dispatched as they followed His plan of attack.
When all the kings west of the Jordan heard about their success,
They joined their armies to make war, ready to fight to the death.

The Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites and more joined the coalition,
But some crafty men of Gibeon planned a strategic mission.
They dressed themselves in dirty old clothes often patched and mended.
Their goal was to resemble a weary band on a journey nearly ended.

They loaded their donkeys with moldy bread. They seemed a pitiful band.
Upon their arrival they announced, “We’ve come from a far away land.
Our bread was warm, our wineskins new, but now they are old and cracked.”
Israel’s leaders believed the ruse; they should have been checking the facts.

These men of Gibeon proposed a treaty bound by solemn oath.
They would never fight each other, for that would be bad for both.
This entreaty made good sense, for peace would be the reward;
The men of Israel discussed it at length but forgot to ask the Lord.

Three days after the deal was struck, all Israel learned the truth.
Because they failed to seek the Lord, they were deceived by sleuth.
The people grumbled against the leaders, their emotions deeply provoked.
The elders said, “We gave our word. The treaty cannot be revoked.”

Joshua summoned the Gibeonites; spoke with a voice strong and terse.
“You placed yourselves in our hands, so now you’re under a curse.
Because of the word we gave by oath you shall surely not die,
But now and forever you will cut wood and carry our water supply.”

Here is the lesson so clearly shown: a decision in haste is not wise,
For when the details are fully known, it becomes loathsome to our eyes.
So don’t forget to consult your God in all the plans you make,
For if you take time to seek His face, you’ll live with fewer mistakes.

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved