Joshua 7-9

It took me about 17 minutes to read this passage. The deception of Israel by the people of Gibeon is an example of how God allows his people to exercise free will. Even though it was contrary to God's plans, keeping the new oath that Israel had made with Gibeon became just as important as God's plan. If the had rejected the oath they would have violated the 3rd command, making the name of God empty in power by nullifying the oath thay had taken in his name. Israel had placed themselves between a rock and a hard place. They would suffer the long term consequences of allowing an idolaterous people to live in their midsts in order to honor God's name before that people by keeping their oath. That is a lesson for Christians to watch how we speak; that we will always seek to honor God.
Stuart