The Daily Nosh – Joshua 9:14-15

(14) So the men took some of their provisions, but did not seek counsel from the mouth of the Lord. (15) So Joshua made peace with them and cut a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the community swore to them. (TLV) 

Nosh 

God had given Israel clear instructions to destroy or expel the Canaanites from their land. In this case, Joshua believed he and the leaders of Israel, were fulfilling that command and not breaking God’s instruction by making a covenant with those they believed to be foreigners or non-Canaanites. In truth, they were being deceived by a shrewd ruse. For me the lesson is clear. Always ask God’s counsel even if the situation appears clear and straightforward. Seeking God’s counsel releases God to reveal the things we can’t see and prevent mistakes that can be and often are costly.