Allied with the children of Israel

And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai,  They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their donkeys, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up;  And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy.  And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us.
Joshua 9:3‭-‬6 KJV

These people of Gibeon heard how God had given victory to the children of Israel.

Kings had gone to war against the children of Israel.

Barak had hired Balaam to curse them and then followed his advice to snare the children of Israel with idolatry.

Nothing anyone had done previously had worked, all had been over thrown.

So we see the people of Gibeon try something new.

They tricked the children of Israel into making a promise.

They made an alliance with the children of Israel.

The old saying: “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” comes into play.

The people of Gibeon joined the children of Israel.

And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.
Joshua 9:15 KJV

Although the people of Gibeon lied and deceived, they made a far better choice than any other group who had dealt with the children of Israel.

It was a wise choice and God honored the promise made to them.

Of course, when one chooses the Lord God, it’s noticed by those who consider Him their enemy.

Wherefore Adoni–zedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying,  Come up unto me, and help me, that we may smite Gibeon: for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.
Joshua 10:3‭-‬4 KJV

And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us. So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour. And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.
Joshua 10:6‭-‬8 KJV

God wiped out those who had set themselves up to take out the people of Gibeon.

It’s certain the people of Gibeon were seen as traitors by the peoples around them, but the truth is they had been traitors to God, serving idols instead of God. When they made their alliance they were returning to God, although they may not have known it then. With the covenant they became servants of God’s people for generations.

God never forgot the promise made to the Gibeonites. 2 Samuel 21:1-14 KJV

The people of Gibeon joined the Israelites and found two things.

First, they experienced persecution from those around them who didn’t like the alliance they had made.

Second, they found themselves rescued by God Almighty.

Today we do not have to try to trick, lie, or deceive others to join God’s people.

Jesus opened the door to salvation and called the Disciples to spread the good news to every tribe and tongue.

The only thing required to join God’s people is to believe in Jesus Christ and what He did for us.

When that choice is made, they who have chosen change masters.

No longer are they slaves to sin and wickedness, but instead servants of the Most High God.

Truly, God is the best Master.

Jesus said:

Matthew 11:30 NKJV — “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for this story. Thank You for salvation. Thank You for being such a wonderful Master. Lord, You served people while You walked upon this Earth and You call us to serve as well. Please help us to be humble and loving people. People who shine the light of Your truth. Lord, what a wonderful privilege to have an alliance with You, to find redemption and salvation in You. Thank You, Jesus for all Your blessings. May Your glory fill the whole Earth. Amen.