Josué - Caput 9

Josué 9.1 quibus auditis cuncti reges trans Iordanem qui versabantur in montanis et in campestribus in maritimis ac litore maris Magni hii quoque qui habitabant iuxta Libanum Hettheus et Amorreus et Chananeus Ferezeus et Eveus et Iebuseus Josué 9.2 congregati sunt pariter ut pugnarent contra Iosue et Israhel uno animo eademque sententia Josué 9.3 at hii qui habitabant in Gabaon audientes cuncta quae fecerat Iosue Hiericho et Ahi Josué 9.4 et callide cogitantes tulerunt sibi cibaria saccos veteres asinis inponentes et utres vinarios scissos atque consutos Josué 9.5 calciamentaque perantiqua quae ad indicium vetustatis pittaciis consuta erant induti veteribus vestimentis panes quoque quos portabant ob viaticum duri erant et in frusta comminuti Josué 9.6 perrexeruntque ad Iosue qui tunc morabatur in castris Galgalae et dixerunt ei atque omni simul Israheli de terra longinqua venimus pacem vobiscum facere cupientes responderuntque viri Israhel ad eos atque dixerunt Josué 9.7 ne forsitan in terra quae nobis sorte debetur habitetis et non possimus foedus inire vobiscum Josué 9.8 at illi ad Iosue servi inquiunt tui sumus quibus Iosue quinam ait estis et unde venistis Josué 9.9 responderunt de terra longinqua valde venerunt servi tui in nomine Domini Dei tui audivimus enim famam potentiae eius cuncta quae fecit in Aegypto Josué 9.10 et duobus Amorreorum regibus trans Iordanem Seon regi Esebon et Og regi Basan qui erat in Astharoth Josué 9.11 dixeruntque nobis seniores et omnes habitatores terrae nostrae tollite in manibus cibaria ob longissimam viam et occurrite eis ac dicite servi vestri sumus foedus inite nobiscum Josué 9.12 en panes quando egressi sumus de domibus nostris ut veniremus ad vos calidos sumpsimus nunc sicci facti sunt et vetustate nimia comminuti Josué 9.13 utres vini novos implevimus nunc rupti sunt et soluti vestes et calciamenta quibus induimur et quae habemus in pedibus ob longitudinem largioris viae trita sunt et paene consumpta Josué 9.14 susceperunt igitur de cibariis eorum et os Domini non interrogaverunt Josué 9.15 fecitque Iosue cum eis pacem et inito foedere pollicitus est quod non occiderentur principes quoque multitudinis iuraverunt eis Josué 9.16 post dies autem tres initi foederis audierunt quod in vicino habitarent et inter eos futuri essent Josué 9.17 moveruntque castra filii Israhel et venerunt in civitates eorum die tertio quarum haec vocabula sunt Gabaon et Caphira et Beroth et Cariathiarim Josué 9.18 et non percusserunt eos eo quod iurassent eis principes multitudinis in nomine Domini Dei Israhel murmuravit itaque omne vulgus contra principes Josué 9.19 qui responderunt eis iuravimus illis in nomine Domini Dei Israhel et idcirco non possumus eos contingere Josué 9.20 sed hoc faciemus eis reserventur quidem ut vivant ne contra nos ira Domini concitetur si peieraverimus Josué 9.21 sed sic vivant ut in usus universae multitudinis ligna caedant aquasque conportent quibus haec loquentibus Josué 9.22 vocavit Gabaonitas Iosue et dixit eis cur nos decipere fraude voluistis ut diceretis procul valde habitamus a vobis cum in medio nostri sitis Josué 9.23 itaque sub maledictione eritis et non deficiet de stirpe vestra ligna caedens aquasque conportans in domum Dei mei Josué 9.24 qui responderunt nuntiatum est nobis servis tuis quae promisisset Dominus Deus tuus Mosi servo suo ut traderet vobis omnem terram et disperderet cunctos habitatores eius timuimus igitur valde et providimus animabus nostris vestro terrore conpulsi et hoc consilium inivimus Josué 9.25 nunc autem in manu tua sumus quod tibi bonum et rectum videtur fac nobis Josué 9.26 fecit ergo Iosue ut dixerat et liberavit eos de manibus filiorum Israhel ut non occiderentur Josué 9.27 decrevitque in illo die esse eos in ministerium cuncti populi et altaris Domini caedentes ligna et aquas conportantes usque in praesens tempus in loco quem Dominus elegisset

Josué : Caput 9

The Deception of the Gibeonites: A Call to Wisdom

Chapter 9 of the book of Joshua presents us with a captivating story that illustrates how a lack of consultation with God can lead to regrettable decisions. It describes how the Israelites, without seeking divine guidance, were led to make a pact with the Gibeonites, a neighboring nation. This account highlights essential themes such as discernment, the consequences of hasty decisions, and the importance of seeking divine guidance.

Joshua 9 is not just a narrative; it also illustrates how God can work through difficult circumstances to accomplish His plans. As we meditate on this chapter, we discover five biblical passages that enrich our understanding of the challenges faced by Joshua and the Israelites.

Enlightening Bible Passages

2 Corinthians 11:14: "No wonder, for Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light." This verse recalls the deception of the Gibeonites, emphasizing that disappointment can arise unexpectedly, prompting us to be vigilant.

Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge the Lord, and he will direct your paths." This passage contrasts with Joshua's mistake in Joshua 9:14, where he acted without consulting the Lord before engaging with the Gibeonites.

Psalms 15:4: "who rejects those who deserve contempt, but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps his word, even when he is harmed." This verse evokes Joshua's decision to keep the oath he made to the Gibeonites, even after discovering their deception, as indicated in Joshua 9:19-20.

Matthew 5:33-37: "You have also heard what was said to your ancestors: 'Do not swear falsely, but fulfill the oaths you have sworn before the Lord.'... Let your 'yes' be 'yes,' and your 'no' be 'no.' Everything beyond that comes from the Evil One." This passage highlights the importance of keeping oaths, a central theme in the story of Joshua.

Ephesians 5:15-16: "Be careful how you live; do not live as fools, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." This verse reflects the lesson learned in Joshua 9 about the importance of acting wisely and seeking God's guidance in all our decisions.

Conclusion

By meditating on Joshua chapter 9 and these biblical passages, we are called to strengthen our relationship with God and always seek His guidance in our choices. May this reflection inspire us to act with discernment and avoid the pitfalls of deception.