The Daily Nosh – Joshua 9:14-15
So the men took some of their provisions, and did not seek counsel from Adonai’s mouth. 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) Joshua 9:14-15
Nosh: God had given Israel clear instructions to destroy or expel the Canaanites from the promised Land they were now conquering. In this case, Joshua believed he and the leaders of Israel, were fulfilling God’s instruction when they made 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. Even if the situation appears clear and straightforward, always ask God’s counsel. It releases Him to reveal the things we can’t see and because of that prevents costly mistakes.