Inquiry

Lately I have been reading through the book of Joshua. The other day I read through chapter 9, and read the story of how the Gibeonites deceived the children of Israel.

Right after the children of Israel cross over the Jordan River, they encounter the city of Jericho. Most people know that story. After that they set off for the city of Ai, which is much smaller, but they get defeated because there is someone in the camp that did not follow God's commands concerning the treasures of Jericho. Shortly after that the Gibeonites send a group to talk to them.

The group that the Gibeonites send, disguise themselves like men from a far off country. They come to the camp of the Israelites and ask them for a treaty. The children of Israel are suspicious, so they examine the men, who came complete with worn sandals and moldy bread. Verse 14 says this,

"The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD."

When I read it, I had one of those, "hmm... I've never noticed this verse before..." kind of moments. I think that it is very interesting that the author noted that they did not inquire of the Lord.

Obviously, the leaders of Israel are deceived, they make a pact with these men, and later find out that the Gibeonites are right in the middle of their land.

When we make decisions, so often we think that all we need to do is examine the details, and make a wise decision. But everything that we do needs to be bathed in prayer.

Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.