In the book of Joshua, we are learned how, “the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure you dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you? And they said unto Joshua, We are your servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are you? and from where do you come? And they said unto him, From a very far country your servants are come because of the name of the LORD your God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt, and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth. Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make you a league with us. This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is moldy. And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey”, and in chapter nine and verse fourteen of the book of Joshua, we learn how the men of Israel, “asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD” where we read,
And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.
The verse reads, “And the men took of their victuals, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the men” which means “and the male human beings of Israel” “took their victuals” or “fetched, seized and lay hold of their, the men of Gibeon’s, provisions or food”. Joshua or the writer shared how the male human beings of Israel lay hold of the men of Gibeon’s food.
The verse continues, “… and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and asked not counsel” which means “and did not inquire, seek or request the advice and direction” “at the mouth” or “from the orifice in the face used for eating, drinking and speaking” “of the LORD” which means “belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God”. Joshua or the writer shared how the “men of Israel” did not question Jehovah God for His advice in this matter.
When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how the “men of Israel” believed the words of the “men of Gibeon”, and they did not seek Jehovah God’s advice concerning these things. The “men of Israel” were being deceived, and they did not know it. God wants us to be in a close, personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and teach us the value of seeking the advice of God before we make decisions that will affect our lives and future.
Next time we learn how, “Joshua made peace with them”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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