Wednesday: Conflicting Values
Daily Lesson for Wednesday 8th of October 2025
Read Joshua 9:1-20. What are the similarities and differences between the story of Rahab and that of the Gibeonites? Why are they meaningful?
This chapter of Joshua starts by informing us that the Canaanite kings who usually ruled over small city-states decided to create a coalition against the Israelites. By contrast, the inhabitants of Gibeon decided to establish a covenant with Israel.
Image © Providence Collection at Goodsalt.com
In order to trick the Israelites into making a covenant with them, the Gibeonites resort to the scheme of being ambassadors from a foreign country. According to Deuteronomy 20:10-18, God made a distinction between the Canaanites and people who lived outside the Promised Land.
The word translated as “craftily” or “cunningly” can be used with a positive meaning, denoting prudence and wisdom (Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 8:5,12), or negatively, implying criminal intent (Exodus 21:14, 1 Samuel 23:22, Psalms 83:3). In the case of the Gibeonites, behind their treacherous action lies a less-destructive intent of self-preservation.
The speech of the Gibeonites is strikingly similar to that of Rahab. Both acknowledge the power of Israel’s God, and both acknowledge that Israel’s success is not simply a human feat. In contrast to other Canaanites, they do not rebel against Yahweh’s plan to grant the land to the Israelites, and they admit that the Lord Himself is driving these nations out before Israel. The news of the deliverance from Egypt, and the victories over Sihon and Og, prompt both Rahab and the Gibeonites to seek an alliance with the Israelites. However, instead of fully acknowledging their willingness to surrender to the God of Israel, as Rahab does, the Gibeonites resort to a subterfuge.
The law of Moses made provisions for learning the will of God in such cases as this (Numbers 27:16-21). Joshua should have inquired for the will of the Lord and avoided the deception of the Gibeonites.
The fundamental duty of a theocratic leader, and of any Christian leader, is to seek God’s will (1 Chronicles 28:9, 2 Chronicles 15:2, 2 Chronicles 18:4, 2 Chronicles 20:4). By neglecting it, the Israelites were compelled either to violate the fundamental conditions of conquering the land or to break an oath made in the name of the Lord, which was equally binding.
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How often have you found yourself struggling between what appears to be two conflicting biblical values? |
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Being a lecturer, I am familiar with student attempts to deceive me. Typically the issue was that they were unable to complete their assignment on time. And the usual excuse was that they had just completed their assignment but when the time came to save it, the whole lot just disappeared without a trace. I used to give a lecture on professional work practice at the beginning of the semester and explained the importance of versioning their work and doing backups. I told them that they were entering the world of professionalism and that excuses that the computer did something stupid just did not cut it in the real world. They still would try it on though, and some were more creative in their excuse-making than they were in their assignments. My usual response to such attempts was that they had 24 hours to access their backup and hand that in.
So Joshua was confronted with the deceitful Gibeonites, who went to some lengths to hide their true location. There was no Google in those days to do a bona fides check and their appearance was taken at face value. But, and I know I am jumping ahead to tomorrow’s lesson, it is an illustration of how God can take a somewhat embarrassing position and make the best use of it. For many years, the Gibeonites lived in useful harmony with the Israelites. One is left wondering what the outcome would have been if the Gibeonites had been truthful.
EGW commentary:
Such was the footing on which the Gibeonites might have been received, but for the deception to which they had resorted. It was no light humiliation to those citizens of a “royal city,” “all the men whereof were mighty,” to be made hewers of wood and drawers of water throughout their generations. But they had adopted the garb of poverty for the purpose of deception, and it was fastened upon them as a badge of perpetual servitude. Thus through all their generations their servile condition would testify to God’s hatred of falsehood.—Conflict and Courage, p. 122
But they lived instead of being dead.
I’m sorry, I was trying to answer the speculation via EGW but missed the part that seemed to do so:
EGW Commentary:
“But it would have fared better with the Gibeonites had they dealt honestly with Israel. While their submission to Jehovah secured the preservation of their lives, their deception brought them only disgrace and servitude. God had made provision that all who would renounce heathenism, and connect themselves with Israel, should share the blessings of the covenant. They were included under the term, “the stranger that sojourneth among you,” and with few exceptions this class were to enjoy equal favors and privileges with Israel. The Lord’s direction was—“If a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself” (Leviticus 19:33, 34). . . .
Such was the footing on which the Gibeonites might have been received, but for the deception to which they had resorted.” Conflict & Courage, p122
Oops:
1. I didn’t get the part in EQW quote I meant to (it’s part of today’s additional reading in SS app.)
2. I’m now not as sure it really answers your last statement except that the Gibeonites may have lived as equals instead of servants among the Israelites because God had made provision for honest treaty.
No treaty with the condemned inhabitants of the land of Canaan - everything that breathed was to be destroyed…
Yes, but if we believe what Ellen White wrote then they had a chance ….
Maurice, I believe the following:
The story of the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:3–7) shows how divine judgment, mercy, and human response intersect. At first glance, it seems God “relented” because the Gibeonites deceived Israel. Yet His commands targeted nations whose hearts were persistently opposed to Him (Deut. 7:1–2; 20:16–17).
God’s mercy, however, was always available to those who aligned themselves with Him. If the Gibeonites had surrendered voluntarily, acknowledging Israel’s God without deception, they would likely have been spared. This pattern appears elsewhere: the Egyptians were protected through faith at Passover (Exodus 12), Rahab was saved for trusting God (Joshua 2), and the people of Nineveh were spared when they humbled themselves and turned from evil (Jonah 3).
The lesson is clear: God desires hearts that recognize and submit to His authority. Even under judgment, those who willingly turn to Him can find mercy. Genuine faith and submission, not cunning or opportunism, open the door to His protection and blessing. Had the Gibeonites approached Israel in faith from the start, they would have been spared openly, just as Nineveh was spared when its people humbled themselves before God.
What was it that motivated the Gibeonites to go to such great lengths to deceive the Israelites? I surmise that it was simply the fear of death. Fear of death can be a powerful motivation to transgress God’s law in the name of self preservation. If not for God’s grace we can easily succumb to it.
The Gibeonites’ Situation were
Materially stable, They were not outcasts; they lived in a strong city and had resources, wealth, and social order.
No rejection: Unlike Rahab, they weren’t despised or desperate. Their fear came not from personal pain, but from the threat of destruction by Israel.
Fear-based decision: They acted out of self-preservation, not faith or transformation. They wanted safety, not relationship with God.
Rahab’s faith grew out of brokenness and led to transformation.
The Gibeonites’ actions came from comfort and led only to survival.
Sometimes, God uses pain and frustration to open a heart to true faith while comfort can make people rely on themselves rather than surrender to Him.
Two things we can see from Rahab: Choose bad to release the Israelites or in act of worship to keep the Israelites hidden. Though we may be full of sin but when we come in a repentance, God forgives and except our worship.
The story of the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:3–7) is quite intriguing in the sense that they were a people who were meant to be annihilated by the Israelites, but they survived by deception (Deut. 7:1-2, Deut. 20:16 -17). Like all other dwellers of the land, they were to be destroyed. ” Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.”. Did God relent on the original divine command due to a deceptive treaty? It seems as if these people were not meant to be destroyed in the first instance! Why did God spare these people? Did God honour a deceptive covenant?
This story reflects the merciful character of God. These people had sort out for God’s mercy, even though by deception. “We have given them our oath by the LORD, the God of Israel, and we cannot touch them now”(Joshua 9:19). God honoured this deceptive treaty and, in fact, at some time later, He came for the protection of the Gibeonites when they were attacked by five Amorite kings (Joshua 10:1–14). God takes covenants seriously, particularly when they are made under His name. All humanity comes to God defective, but His mercy and grace cover us. This is a story where grace overrides human defect and demonstrates God’s faithfulness, even when human actions are imperfect. Yes, God can redeem our defective choices, but there will always be consequences.
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” — Ephesians 2:13
In November 1996, Ali Dia pulled off one of football’s most infamous hoaxes. Pretending to be the cousin of the great George Weah who had just won the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or, he convinced Graeme Souness, manager of Southampton FC, to sign him on a short-term contract. He organised a fake phone call apparentlly from George Weah and made false claims about his football background leading to Dia’s shocking debut on November 23, 1996, Due to lack of skill he was quickly exposed in an episode that revealed how appearances and persuasive words can deceive even experienced leaders.(BBC Sport 2016-November 23).
Joshua 9 presents a similar script,the Gibeonites deceive Joshua and the Israelite leaders by pretending to be travelers from a distant land, they wore worn-out clothes, carried moldy bread, and spoke humbly to make their story believable. “The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord” (Joshua 9:14, NIV). Like Souness, Joshua trusted what his eyes and senses told him, instead of seeking divine counsel. Both were decisions with one on the football pitch, and the other on the battlefield were based on petceptions and appearances over truth.
A clear demonstration that our experiences perceptions and feelings are valuable but not infallible. Just because something looks or feels right doesn’t mean it aligns with God’s wisdom. When we act on impulse or emotion without pausing to seek the Lord’s guidance, we risk being misled by false appearances. As Proverbs 3:5–6 teaches, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” True discernment begins not with what we see or feel, but with bringing every decision before God in prayer and humility.
This happened to our church once. A very crafty person (a Wolf in Sheep's clothing) came to our church asking for help, that person deceived us. I will not go into any details, but this is still happening all over the world. But when these "Wolves" do come with their craftiness and deception, we have to be Wise Leaders that will seek God in "prayer and humility".
Our experience could have gone very bad; but God spared us from any real damage. We learned a valuable lesson from it and moved on. However, Elders and Leaders must remember what Jesus said in Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves".
Be blessed everyone!!
I don't seem to understand the topic here; what are the two conflicting values? They were demonstrated by who?
I've even failed to answer the question at the end;
How often have you found yourself struggling between what appears to be two conflicting biblical values?
The two conflicting values for Joshua was that on the one hand he was commanded to conquoer the people of Caanan and on the other he had made an oath of peace with some of those people. In modern parlance, Joshua found himself on the two horns of a dilemma. And the simple explanation for the dilemma was that he thought he knew what he was doing.
I cannot answer the last question for you because I do not know your circumstances. For my own part, I have found myself in dilemmas many times, especially when teaching young people. Sometimes it has been my own doing and at other times I have been deceived. How do we resolve such issues? The short answer is: don't react, take your tim⁷e, amd think carefully about what the most redemptive action is. When it comes to disciplining young poeple, I have usually called time by saying that we will consider the options the next day. That allows for prayer and care.
Thank you for the explanation
As we arrive at Joshua 9, a pattern becomes evident, resulting from the battle and conquest of the Promised Land. From Rahab's lie to save the Israelite spies, Achan's corrupt dishonesty and secret affair with accursed things, leading to the first major defeat at Ai and the carnage of 3,000 Israelite soldiers, to Israel's decoy strategy that duped Ai using retreat, exposing them to annihilation; - lies, deception, and decoy have become a common staple during the conquest of Canaan. Joshua, a seasoned warrior and commander, is well aware of this.
One might have thought that, given his experience and the instructions God provided at the start of his service (Joshua 1:8), Joshua would have noticed the trend and recalled the statute that forbade Israel from "cutting" covenants with the inhabitants of Canaan (Exodus 34:12-15). So, how could Joshua and the elders, of all people, fall into the deceit of the Gibeonite contingent? The answer lies in what is very common among us today, including Adventists—and I am not exempt—the plague of "leaning on our own understanding." The eerie parallel with Genesis 3:6, where surface-level seeing, self-rationalization, and reliance on human wisdom are evident, is clearly spelled out in Joshua 9:14-15: "They did not ask the Lord." This marks a rare stain in Joshua's otherwise exemplary service. Despite the outright deception, God will honor the covenant.
There's more to explore about the Gibeonites, but for now, let's focus on how
Many people today, like the Gibeonites, acknowledge God’s power but do not truly surrender to His will. They come to God out of fear, crisis, or convenience seeking protection, blessings, or solutions yet without real transformation of heart.
Rahab shows us a different kind of faith. She not only recognized who God was but acted courageously in obedience. Her faith led to a complete change of allegiance from Jericho’s doomed city to God’s covenant people.
In contrast, the Gibeonites used deception to secure safety without true repentance or trust. They wanted the benefits of being near God’s people, but not the cost of belonging fully to Him.
Lesson Faith must go beyond belief to obedience and surrender.
Following Christ means leaving behind deceit, self-preservation, and partial commitment.
God calls His people not to serve Him out of fear, but out of love, trust, and loyalty.
True discipleship transforms motives, not just circumstances.
A good synopsis of 2 Tim 3 but you made me think most of verse 5 specifically
2 Tim 3:5 (NKJV) “having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”
When faced with a genuine conflict between two biblical values—especially when both seem right—it is often wiser to err on the side of mercy. Throughout Scripture, mercy is repeatedly shown to reflect the heart of God. James 2:13 says, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” Jesus Himself taught that “blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
Erring on the side of mercy does not mean ignoring justice or truth. Rather, it means remembering that God’s justice is always rooted in love, and His truth is always expressed through grace. When we lean toward mercy, we mirror the character of Christ, who extended compassion even when it wasn’t deserved.
So when the path is unclear and both principles seem right, mercy is often the safer side to err on, because it keeps us aligned with the heart of the One who said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Hosea 6:6).
A bottom-line to this lesson, re: Gibeonites, is to not make oaths to the Lord. Israelites knew this, (esp. w/o seeking God’s guidance):
Numbers 30:2
Deuteronomy 23:21-23
“If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. / But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. / Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth.”
We know this:
James 5:12 “Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.”
This does not just apply to leaders, it is for all.
After thought:
Could another difference between Rahab and Gibeonites be: Rahab acted on her faith by saving the two spies prior to her request for safety. She acted on their behalf first which could have been a reason for the spies to trust her. She gave before receiving.
The Gibeonites came in, not only deceit, but requesting completely in self-interest. Of course, we don’t know the details spoken but there is no proof that the covenant would benefit the Israelites. Their request, to me, seems like: The stories we hear scare us so we’d rather be your friends than enemies; make a covenant. Not: we have mutual interests or offer assistance, let’s be friends.
I believe you're spot on, Dorothy!
Rahab acted in harmony with the law of self-renouncing love when she saved the spies from death and sent those who looked for them on a wild goose chase. By preserving the lives of the spies, she potentially endangered her own life if she were found out. She acted by faith in the God who created heaven and earth.
By contrast, the Gibeonites deceived the Israelites to save themselves.
Let's review the commandment:
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
By this law, anything that puts a "neighbor" in a worse light compared to ourselves is sin. This can be done by a wink, a nod, a smile, a frown, a shake of the head, by speaking or by not speaking. Repeating negative things we have heard about anyone falls into this category, because we usually cannot be certain of the full truth of the matter. The standard of the 9th Commandment goes far beyond what we usually think of as "telling a lie." Furthermore, there may be rare instances when "telling a lie" may be in harmony with the great law of self-renouncing love. Only God Himself can tell us how to act in such a circumstance.
Just imagine being Rahab a woman known in Jericho for her business and influence. Her house stood on the city wall, a strategic place where travelers, merchants, and officials passed by. It was her world a world of survival, deals, and secrets.
Then suddenly, she hears about the God of Israel the One who dried up the Red Sea, who gave victories no human army could explain. That news begins to stir something deep within her.
Now imagine the moment of decision:
To align herself with this God means leaving everything her livelihood, her reputation, her security, and even her city. Yet she chooses faith over familiarity. She hides the spies, confesses her belief in God, and ties that scarlet cord in her window a small act of obedience that carried eternal weight.
Leaving her “strategic environment” wasn’t just a physical move; it was a spiritual surrender. She left a life built on human cunning for one founded on divine purpose. In doing so, she stepped from the walls of Jericho into the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).
Sometimes, following God means walking away from what seems smart, safe, or profitable and trusting that His word leads to something greater than we can imagine.
" Verily l say unto you , publicans and harlots will enter heaven ahead of you ( Matthew 21:31)
I was raised with the teaching that honesty was the best policy. This was indelibly impressed on my mind, my mouth (washing my mouth with soap, which should have qualified as cruel and unusual punishment) and my hindparts. When confronted by my mother, she would say, it's better to tell the truth now, than that she find out later that I was being deceitful, then my punishment would be doubled.
This principle applies to all relationships, especially with God. It is far better to confess and experience God’s mercy and forgiveness, rather than to try to deceive God, which is impossible, and experiecing his justice.
Honesty is still the best policy. It simplifies one's life and doesn't require remembering the half truths told. It also avoids putting oneself in a dilemma.
Conflicting values, choices, and its concomitant consequences, free will... all these are part of life that one encounters as we live and move.
One can only be successful and make godly choices by seeking the Lord, which we all know we should do; right? however, for some decisions that seemingly have a predictable outcome, we do not bother the Lord because we use our human knowledge, especially when we feel we are already on the Lord's side. Yes! there are so many decisions, and sometimes we want to relieve the Lord/help Him/ don't want to bother Him with mundane issues/ problems ( happens to anyone or just me?).
oh, how many times we have to remind ourselves of Proverbs 3: 5-6 ... in all our ways, every single iota, never get weary in going to Him because God never gets weary of hearing us, of answering us with the best answer for our lives.
We are still talking about the recipe for success!
There is no such thing as conflict between biblical values. We are the ones who interpret the biblical values in our own favor, and then conflict may appear.