Sermon Notes - Joshua 9 - Littleby Baptist Church - October 5, 2025

1.        Two weeks ago, we saw sin lead to the breaking of the covenant between the people and God.

a.        The people needed to make it right.

b.       They had to remove from among them what was to be set apart.

c.        They had to give God what was His.

d.       And judgement had to be carried out on those who lied to God.

2.        Then last week, after the people turned back to God.

a.        God’s blessing returned to them.

b.       They were successful in what God had called them to do.

c.        They were able to take the land from Ai.

3.        Then they took time to honor God.

4.        They took time to read and hear the Word of God.

5.        Over the last couple of weeks, we have been reminded of a couple of things.

a.        We need Jesus because we are going to sin.

b.       And the path to restoration He offers is much better than the one the people of Israel had.

c.        We can repent and turn to Jesus and be restored.

d.       It truly is so simple that a young child can it.

e.        We were also reminded that we need to spend time in the whole Word of God.

f.          It is what helps us to live the lives our God has called us to.

g.        Helps us to not lose hope.

h.        To return to our Savior when we fall.

i.          To trust in our God.

j.          We need to spend time in His Word.

k.        We need to spend time with our God.

6.        This morning, we are starting what is a multiple week section of Joshua.

a.        These first two verses set the stage for the next several chapters.

7.        Joshua 9:1-2

a.        Many of the kings of Canaan are determined to defeat Israel.

b.       These six declare a partnership.

c.        A partnership that does not work out really well.

d.       The six kingdoms never truly combined to fight Israel.

e.        But much of that won’t come until chapters ten and eleven.

8.        Some others took a different approach.

9.        Let’s take a look at what they did.

10.   Joshua 9:3-5

a.         There is some debate on where Gibeon was, but either place had it between 4 and 8 miles from where Jerusalem would be.

b.       And roughly 19 miles from where Joshua was camped at that time.

c.        Really not that far away.

d.       Hence the deception.

e.        Dry and crumbly bread.

f.          Threadbare clothing.

g.        Patched sandals.

h.        Old wineskins.

i.          And worn-out sacks.

j.          A lot of preparation went into this.

k.        They were trying hard to pull one over on them.

11.   Joshua 9:6

a.        Another piece of the deception is being laid.

b.       They have put on their costumes.

c.        They traveled a short distance.

d.       They are telling lies.

e.        In hope of getting what they want.

12.   Joshua 9:7

a.        It seems like the Israelites smell the truth.

b.       There is hint of it there.

c.        But for some reason they did not dig any deeper.

d.       They stopped short.

13.   Joshua 9:8-10

a.        The tale is spun.

b.       The Gibeonites even honor the God of the Israelites as they tell their lie.

c.        They did a wonderful job of pulling them in.

d.       That probably connected with a couple of the Israelites.

e.        Likely won over a couple of them by connected on a personal level.

14.   Joshua 9:11-13

a.        They continued to tell their story.

b.       They traveled such a long distance that their clothes are now worn out.

c.        Their wineskins are now cracked.

d.       Their bread had gone from fresh and warm, and it probably smelled wonderful.

e.        To now it is dry and cracked and they really do not want to eat it.

15.   The Gibeonites told a convincing lie.

a.        They dressed the part.

b.       Provided as many details as they could.

c.        Tapped into the emotions and the faith of Israel.

d.       They did everything they could.

16.   Joshua 9:14

a.        Joshua and the men of Israel inspected the provisions that the liars presented.

b.       And they made a huge mistake.

c.        They did not seek the Lord.

17.   In verse Seven it seemed like Joshua and the guys suspected something.

a.        This was a big deal.

b.       We don’t have anything in Scripture where they are to be making treaties with people.

c.        They are to go into the promised land.

d.       The land God is going to give it to them.

e.        They know that the people are wicked.

f.          They should not be trusting anyone.

g.        This is a time when they should be turning to God.

h.        Asking Him for guidance.

i.          God showed them who sinned and brought judgement against them.

j.          I suspect He would have guided them in this situation.

k.        If they would have sought Him.

18.   We should be seeking God when we have decisions to make.

a.        Joshua and the guys had a huge decision to make.

b.       1 Thessalonians 5:17 states Pray Constantly.

c.        That tells me that we should be coming before our God for any decision we need to make.

d.       Does not matter how big or small.

e.        It does not have to be a long elaborate prayer.

f.          But taking time to seek His guidance.

g.        Asking for wisdom.

h.        Then taking a moment to listen.

i.          For a feeling of peace to come.

j.          To see if God will guide.

k.        Sometimes, the answer is a lack of clarity and that may mean wait.

l.          We really should seek our God for the decisions we need to make.

m.     Joshua and the leaders should have sought God’s guidance.

19.   Joshua 9:15

a.        Peace was made between the two peoples.

b.       Under false pretenses, yet peace was made.

20.   Joshua 9:16

a.        Ouch.

b.       They did not seek the Lord’s guidance.

c.        And now they have made peace with the people they are to destroy.

d.       Decisions have consequences.

21.   Joshua 9:17-19

a.        The Leaders made a commitment.

b.       The people were upset.

c.        But they could not go back on the oath that was made.

d.       They had to honor their commitment.

e.        But that is why it is so important to seek God first.

f.          To ask for His guidance.

g.        To ask for wisdom for the situations we find ourselves in.

22.   Joshua 9:20-21

a.        An alternate plan is being put in place.

b.       They cannot kill, but they will serve Israel going forward.

23.   Joshua 9:22-23

a.        Why, why, why???

b.       Why would you lie to us?

c.        Why could you do such a thing?

24.   Joshua 9:24

a.        When you hear the answer, it is hard to fault them.

b.       They knew that God was giving them and their land to the Israelites.

c.        They did not think they had any choice.

d.       Fight and die.

e.        Or lie and maybe live.

25.   Joshua 9:25-27

a.        The Gibeonites served the Israelites from that day forward.

b.       They were spared.

c.        But lived a life of servitude.

26.   As we look at what the Israelites experienced, we are reminded we need to pray.

a.        We need to seek God’s guidance.

b.       James 1:5

c.        We should ask God for Wisdom.

d.       If we ask our God for Wisdom, He will give it to us.

e.        Helping us to make the decisions before us.

f.          1 John 5:14-15

g.        God hears our prayers.

h.        We may question that at times.

i.          But if we believe that Jesus is our Lord and Savior.

j.          If we believe that these are the Words of God.

k.        Then we need to believe what these verses say.

l.          When we are seeking His will.

m.     And ask accordingly.

n.        He will respond.

o.        He will guide us.

27.   Pray for all the decisions in your life.

a.        Pray for His will to be done.

b.       Pray for guidance.

c.        Pray for wisdom.

d.       Pray for God to show you His path for your life.

e.        Pray for Him to show you how you are to live.

f.          If there is an area you are to step out in.

g.        A calling that has been placed on your life.

h.        Pray about it.

i.          Ask God to show you.

j.          Ask others to pray with you and for you.

k.        Then step out in faith.

28.   It all starts with, repenting of your sins and giving your life to Jesus.

a.        Jesus died for you.

b.       He paid your sin debt.

c.        He wants to spend forever with you.

d.       If you are ready to give your life to Him.

e.        If that is you, I would love to talk with you.