The Israelites had just won a great victory against the king of Ai. As God promised, the Israelites were conquering the land of Canaan and winning the victory through God's help. There were people of Gibeon who heard what God had done to Israel, and how God gave them victory over Jericho and Ai.

They knew that they would be conquered by Israel, who were being helped by God. So, they sent a delegation to the Israelites to deceive them, saying that they were from a faraway country and wanted to make a treaty with Israel. Israel had to be more alert when they received these people.

Verse 14 says, "but did not inquire of the Lord." Worst of all, they failed to inquire of God. It is important to inquire of God in every matter. God is our wonderful counselor. When we inquire of God, he leads us in the best way. When they failed to inquire of God and seek God's wisdom, they made a grave mistake and later were not able to annihilate the neighboring nation of Gibeon because of their foolish treaty. In our daily struggle, we need to come to God in prayer and ask for God's wisdom. Then God gives us wisdom abundantly and leads us in the right direction.


Application: Lord, help us to inquire of you in every matter.
One Word: Inquire of God for each problem.