Sermon given by Pastor Bob Becker on March 9, 2025.

Sermon Title: “Trick and Treaty” 

Sermon Text: Joshua 9:1-27

Summary:

We should feel sorry for both sides in this historical account—the Gibeonites and the Israelites. We should feel sorry for the Israelites because they were tricked by the Gibeonites to make a covenant with them when they were really Canaanites. According to God’s command, the Israelites were to destroy all their enemies in the land of Canaan. Yet we should feel sorry for the Gibeonites for having no other choice than to trick Israel into making a treaty with them to save their people. The Gibeonites believed God was on the side of Israel and they did not stand a chance. Israel got itself into this predicament because they failed to seek the Lord on this matter. We always get in trouble when we lean on our own understanding and do not seek wisdom from God. The Israelites kept their oath to the Gibeonites. Is there ever a time we should break an oath? Seek the Lord for wisdom. Walk by faith and not by sight.